It is safe to say no one loves having acne - and dealing with it is not always a simple process. While it may take time to find what works for you, there are a few things you should avoid doing if you have acne as they may make your skin worse.
Here are 10 things all acne-prone people should try to avoid
1. Popping cysts or nodules
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.
Some severe types of acne that are deeper may require an injection and the help from a dermatologist.
2. Covering pimples with under eye concealer
Covering acne incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes and one that could even make your acne worse.
The under-eye area tends to be dry, so under-eye concealers tend to be very oily. Instead, 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.
In general, it is good to avoid makeup containing silicone or mica.
3. Not washing your makeup off properly.
Leaving any makeup residue on your skin clogs pores and leads to sebum build up, which potentially leads to more acne.
4. Using dirty makeup brushes
Dirty brushes transfer bacteria to your skin and cause breakouts, so it is important to give them a good cleaning.
5. Over-washing
It is possible to over-wash your face, which could lead to breakouts. Washing your face too many times a day can make the acne worse. And it also comes down to the type of cleanser you use. A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skins natural pH is recommended.
Also, do not use any abrasive scrubs. When washing your face, use clean hands only. Don’t scrub or use a mesh sponge, or any other material that can irritate your skin.
Avoid using harsh products that include the following:
- abrasives
- alcohol
- astringents
- exfoliants
- fragrance
- toners
Also, consider avoiding:
- acne concealers
- facial scrubs or facial masks
- products that are oily or greasy
- indoor tanning beds or other tanning devices
6. Forgetting to wash your face post-workout
Exercise is great for your mind and body, but if you do not wash your face post-workout, you could develop acne.
Women's Health reports that not washing your face immediately after a workout could, again, lead to bacteria build-up. Another tip, if you are prone to going bright red during a workout, is to rinse your face first and wait until your face returns to its natural hue before using a cleanser.
7. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase
People with acne-prone skin should change their pillowcases more frequently since they can gather bacteria. When you have acne, unfortunately, you have to go the extra mile to do all those things to make sure that your skin is not going to break out and regularly changing your pillowcase is one of them.
8. Not cleaning your mobile phone
Not cleaning your phone screen is a bad habit that could worsen your acne. Pressing a dirty phone screen against your face can cause breakouts because the screens have a lot of bacteria. Where possible we recommend using headphones instead.
9. Touching and rubbing your face
Avoid touching and rubbing your face as much as possible to stop the spread of bacteria & acne.
10. Too much sun
Sun may potentially improve acne for some people, because it can dry out the skin which can irritate acne-prone skin. Also, some acne medications can make you more susceptible to harmful rays.
Here are a few precautions you can take to minimize damage from the sun:
- Find out if your acne medications include warnings about the sun.
- Keep vulnerable skin out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck when outdoors.
- Be sure to keep your chest and back covered if you tend to break out there. Wear soft, breathable fabrics, like cotton.
- Ask your doctor which sunscreens are best for you.
- Where acne lesions are inflamed, applying a lightweight, noncomedogenic sunscreen daily will help prevent hyperpigmentation.
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.
Depending on your acne, how long you’ve had this skin concern & how inflamed your breakout is Kiri can help you find the best products to treat & help heal your acne.
She offers telehealth holistic skin coaching calls as well.
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)
