Are frequent breakouts putting you in a spot? Anti-acne products not showing effective results? Pesky zits bringing your skin game down? Well, it’s high time you re-evaluate your daily habits.
You’ll be surprised to know that it’s not your skincare products that are adding to your acne woes. Your daily habits are probably bringing your worst nightmare to life—acne. From over-cleansing to touching your face constantly, here are 5 mistakes you need to STOP making RN.
- Mistake #01: Cleansing too much or too little
- Mistake #02: Being harsh on your skin
- Mistake #03: Not cleaning your phone screen daily
- Mistake #04: Using oil-based products
- Mistake #05: Washing your face first, then showering
Mistake #01: Cleansing too much or too little
We’re often left with a big question mark when it comes to how often you should cleanse your face. While some believe that over-cleansing will help them get rid of acne, others skimp on cleansing completely so as to leave the acne alone. Well, let us break it to you that both these approaches to cleansing are WRONG!
Over-cleansing your face can actually strip your skin of natural oils. This, in turn, makes your skin produce more oil in order to compensate for the lost moisture. Overproduction of sebum ultimately triggers acne. On the other hand, by not cleansing at all, your skin’s surface will be accumulated with dirt, dust, grime, gunk, makeup residue and oil buildup, clogging your pores and resulting in acne. Therefore, it’s best to cleanse twice a day regularly: morning and night.
Mistake #02: Being harsh on your skin
Here’s another mistake you’re making that can result in acne. Being too harsh on your skin is a strict no-no. Harsh scrubs and exfoliants are your skin’s worst enemy. Your skin deserves to be pampered gently.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, then make sure you avoid alcohol-based products. Alcohol can be drying, and it can make your skin feel tight and itchy. Also, always remember to pat your skin dry after cleansing. Rubbing vigorously with a towel is going to give rise to pesky acne.
Mistake #03: Not cleaning your phone screen daily
Being a millennial and not being addicted to your phone is… unbelievable! The constant scrolling on Instagram and 24/7 texting can transfer all the germs from your hands to your phone, and then onto your face *eww*.
The bacteria on your phone tends to clog your pores, resulting in acne on your cheeks. Therefore, every few hours, clean your phone screen using a clean soft cloth. And not just your phone. If you’re constantly on your keyboard, then it’s ideal to clean your keyboard too, especially if you keep touching your face unconsciously.
Mistake #04: Using oil-based products
If you have acne-prone skin and are constantly worried about breakouts, then we suggest you get rid of all the oil-based products on your shelf. From sunscreens and moisturisers to spot treatment products, make sure none of them are oil-based.
Using oil-based products on your face can block your pores, triggering acne and frequent breakouts. Switch to water-based products, their lightweight formula is what your skin needs.
Mistake #05: Washing your face first, then showering
Let’s admit it! We all have our own rules when it comes to showering. But, do you know that when you cleanse your face first and then go on to washing your hair, it can result in acne on your face?
While your shampoos and conditioners do a fabulous job in making your hair soft, smooth and silky, it can worsen the condition of your skin. The ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can cause skin congestion. This, in turn, can trigger acne. Therefore, make sure you wash your face in the end, that is, after washing your hair and body.
Written by Fatema Habib on Mar 11, 2020