Is It Possible That the Cosmetics You Use for Skincare Are Making Your Skin Even More Problematic?
With dozens, probably now hundreds, of my clients with acne, I’ve observed the same approach to solving the problem. Whether the acne appeared during puberty or at a later stage, many people turn to a variety of “medical” skincare products for oily and problematic skin from pharmacies—cleansers, toners, serums, peels, creams, and so on.
However, acne often worsens instead of improving with this kind of skincare routine.
I’m sure you’re aware of the vast variety and abundance of anti-acne cosmetics. Over the years, you’ve probably tested different brands in an attempt to find the most suitable and effective skincare products. And this has turned into an endless cycle.
What happens? At some point, the skin, in addition to being covered with pimples, becomes extremely sensitive. Spots, scars, redness, and uneven skin tone become just as big of a problem as the acne itself.
If you’ve had a similar experience, you know how unpleasant all of this can be.
The truth is, no one has ever taught us how to take care of our skin, especially if there's an acne problem.
I’ve observed several key and fatal mistakes in at-home skincare routines. I often see them even among well-informed and knowledgeable individuals. How you take care of your skin day after day, week after week, month after month is an important aspect of healing acne. Now, I’ll share some of these mistakes with you. I truly believe that after reading this, you’ll have more clarity, make the necessary small changes, and feel the difference relatively quickly.
Remember: when it comes to acne, it’s much better to have a simple and basic skincare routine than to follow a heavy protocol involving many products.
9 Mistakes in Skincare at Home That Make Acne Worse / Part 1
Mistake #1: You Cleanse Your Skin Too Often
Cleansing is an important part of your evening ritual, and there’s no need to explain why – we all know how vital it is. Never skip this step at night. However, morning cleansing is a different matter. Your skin does not need such a thorough cleanse in the morning because it’s already clean. Over-cleansing can damage the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier, disrupt the skin’s microbiome, upset its pH, and lead to dehydration, sensitivity, and reactivity.
What should you do in the morning?
Simply wash your face with cold water, or use a cotton pad soaked in floral water to gently wipe your face. That’s more than enough.
Mistake #2: You Use an Aggressive Cleansing Product
If your cleansing product creates foam, it’s time to change it. This usually means it contains ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which will inevitably dry out your skin. It might sound counterintuitive because you probably believe that “degreasing” your skin is key to restoring its desired cleanliness and smoothness. I used to believe this too – I’ve used and even recommended such products.
But trust me, my experience shows that these cleansing products are not suitable if you want your skin to be healthy, glowing, and capable of healing quickly.
Mistake #3: You Over-Exfoliate Your Skin
If your skin is red, irritated, or dry, consider whether you might be over-exfoliating (or making mistake #2). Most of the time, when I diagnose reactive, reddened skin, I find this to be the case.
How often do you use exfoliators with or without abrasive particles, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), retinoids, or dermabrasion and similar procedures?
We often think that removing a layer from the surface of the skin will definitely improve its condition. But it doesn’t always work that way.
Don’t get me wrong – exfoliation can bring many benefits, but your skin must be properly prepared first. Exfoliate only if your skin is not red, not irritated, not feeling overly dry, and can tolerate it well.
Is it worth considering the scientific side?
If you’ve made these mistakes, change them now.
How you take care of your skin cosmetically is an important part of healing acne, but it’s only a piece of the puzzle. True healing starts from the inside out. If you recognize this and feel that I can help you manage your acne, take a look at the Basics for Clear Skin program.
