8 Things you should never do if you have acne

Taking care of acne-prone skin requires a specific skin care routine that can help address key concerns. But, that’s not all. In addition to taking care of acne-prone skin with a specifically-designed regimen, there are a number of skin care no-no’s that you should try to avoid at all costs. We share some of the biggest skin care don’ts for acne-prone skin, ahead.  

1. DON’T SKIP OUT ON CLEANSER AFTER A SWEATY WORKOUT

Cleansing your complexion is an important step in any skin care routine—no matter what your skin type may be. That being said, cleansing your complexion after a sweaty workout is often overlooked, but if you have acne-prone skin, it shouldn’t be. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, perspiration can make acne worse. No thank you! To make things easier, keep a bottle of micellar water in your gym bag—along with some cotton pads for application—and swipe your complexion pre- and post-workout. Micellar water is an easy way to cleanse on-the-go (or when you’re rushing to make a 6:00 pm hot yoga class), as it doesn’t require rinsing!

Try: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Mattifying 

2. DON’T USE HARSH PRODUCTS

In addition to cleansing your complexion after a sweaty workout, you also want to ensure that you are also using gentle products that won’t irritate your skin, as these may cause acne to appear worse. Stay away from products that are abrasive (think: harsh exfoliants), drying, or that are formulated with potentially irritating ingredients. If you’re not sure if a product in your arsenal is gentle enough for your skin type, consult your dermatologist.   

3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, touching your complexion can lead to flare-ups. So, resist the urge to touch your face (and if you absolutely must, do so with clean hands). When it comes to touching up our makeup on-the-go, we like to carry around a package of cleansing wipes to wipe our hands clean beforehand.

4. DON’T EXFOLIATE YOUR COMPLEXION

...With harsh exfoliants, that is! When it comes to exfoliating acne-prone skin, you want to choose an exfoliating formula that can gently slough off dead skin cell buildup from the surface of the skin without irritation. That’s because—as we mentioned above—visible irritation can make acne appear worse. Look for exfoliants—chemical and mechanical—that can give you the results you’re looking for without wreaking havoc on your breakouts.  

5. DON’T USE PRODUCTS FORMULATED FOR OTHER SKIN TYPES

Another important thing to keep in mind is whether or not you are choosing products that are formulated with your skin type in mind. Whether it’s your cleanser, moisturizer, or even your daily makeup, reach for products that are non-comedogenic, mattifying, and made with your skin type in mind.

6. DON’T PICK AT YOUR BREAKOUTS

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times over, but we’re going to nag you one more time: whatever you do, don’t pick at your blemishes! Picking will likely only make the problem worse. If you feel the urge to pick, reach for a clay facial mask. When your face is covered in a mask, you’ll be less inclined to mess with it. (Just don’t do this multiple times per day!) If your pimple or blemish is simply unbearable, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. He or she may be able to help reduce its appearance without causing permanent damage.

Try: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Mask

7. DON’T BASK IN THE SUN

If you’re using a retinol product or any other product formulated with acne-fighting ingredients, avoid sun exposure since some of these formulas may cause skin sensitivity to UV light. When heading outdoors, cover up with protective clothing and seek shade in addition to protecting your skin with daily applications (and reapplications) of Broad Spectrum sunscreen.

Try: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

8. DON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON

Sleeping with your makeup on is a big no-no for every skin type! For seamless makeup removal, reach for your favorite gentle cleanser—balm, wipes, micellar water—that can remove makeup and impurities with ease. Follow up with the rest of your nighttime routine.