At AMPERNA®, we understand that managing acne-prone skin is not just about what you put on your face — it is also about what you avoid. From harsh ingredients to lifestyle habits, many everyday factors can quietly contribute to breakouts, irritation, and long-term skin stress.
If you are navigating acne, here are the top 10 things to avoid to support a calmer, clearer complexion:
Here are 10 things all acne-prone people should try to avoid
1. Popping, picking and squeezing
Should you pop your pimples?
I hope there is a resounding NO as your answer. Popping cysts and nodules - hard, inflamed, painful bumps lodged deep in the skin - can increase the amount of time they take to heal and could cause acne scarring.
2. Harsh or Drying Skincare Ingredients
Many conventional acne treatments rely on strong actives like benzoyl peroxide, high-percentage salicylic acid, and alcohol-based products. While these can reduce oil or bacteria in the short term, they often disrupt the skin’s barrier and microbiome — leading to increased sensitivity, redness, and more breakouts.
3. Covering breakouts with the wrong makeup
Covering acne with thick makeup is one of the most common mistakes and one that could make your acne worse. Makeup itself does not cause acne, but the wrong products, poor hygiene, or improper removal can make it worse.
Under-eye concealers tend to be used to disguise acne blemishes however we recommend Oil-free, noncomedogenic brands which are less likely to cause pore blockages and breakouts. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free makeup brands are also a good idea.
4. Not washing your makeup off properly.
Thoroughly washing off your makeup is important if you suffer from acne because it helps to remove the product layers, dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and contribute to the development or worsening of acne.
5. Using dirty makeup brushes
Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and oil buildup that can transfer to your skin and clog your pores. Dirty brushes can also lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells and oil, which provide an environment for bacteria to thrive and can result in breakouts.
6. Over-cleansing
It is tempting to scrub away oil and impurities, but over-cleansing can strip the skin's natural barrier. This causes a rebound effect where your skin produces even more oil to compensate, worsening the acne cycle which could lead to breakouts.
Avoid using harsh products that include the following:
- abrasives
- alcohol
- astringents
- scrub exfoliants
- fragrance
- toners
7. Post-exercise hygiene
Exercise is great for your mind and body, but if you do not cleanse your face post-workout, you could be causing acne breakouts.
Cleansing your face after exercise helps to maintain good skin hygiene by removing impurities, sweat, and excess oil. This can prevent pore congestion and minimize the risk of developing new acne lesions.
8. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase
People with acne-prone skin should change their pillowcases more frequently. The accumulation of impurities (oil, dirt, bacteria) on a soiled pillowcase can transfer back to the skin, leading to a cycle of exacerbating acne breakouts.
9. Not cleaning your mobile phone
Mobile phones harbor a significant amount of bacteria, dirt, grime, oil and sweat gathered from various surfaces and our hands throughout the day. These can all transfer to your skin, potentially leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
10. Touching and rubbing your face
To manage acne effectively, it is crucial to break the habit of frequent face-touching. Avoid resting your face or chin in your hand or rubbing your fingers across your skin. By minimizing contact with unwashed hands and reducing skin irritation, you can help reduce the risk of worsening acne symptoms.
We have a great range of products that can help acne prone skin. Kiri, founder & owner, who also suffered from pustule acne herself recommends these two bundles that contain topical probiotics for acne:
Acne Trio
To [BALANCE], [HYDRATE] and [EXFOLIATE]
AMPERNA® Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser is a light gel cleanser that helps remove makeup while balancing the skin.
AMPERNA® Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion contains a ground-breaking probiotic formula, along with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and emollients to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage.
AMPERNA® 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion contains 10% glycolic acid (AHA) and antioxidants to help calm redness and improve the skin’s texture.
To [BALANCE], [HYDRATE], [EXFOLIATE] and [RESCUE]
This bundle has the same products as the Trio with our Probiotic DS Serum added in.
AMPERNA® Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum is a deeply restorative formula that helps cool and soothe irritated skin and calm redness.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/severe-acne/what-to-do-and-avoid#do-find-a-dermatologist
Is It Okay to Wear Makeup If I Have Acne-Prone Skin? (verywellhealth.com)
