Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. While often associated with teenagers, adult acne is a growing concern that affects up to 15% of adult women.
If you are struggling with persistent breakouts, you might assume that your skin just needs more help—more cleansers, more serums, and more spot treatments. However, dermatologists warn that the exact opposite is usually true.
When it comes to treating stubborn breakouts, there is one major habit that is likely sabotaging your skin: doing too much to it.
Product Overload & Acne
A common pitfall for acne-prone patients: overcomplicating their daily routines.
“If you really are acne-prone, the less you put on your face, the happier I am,” Dr. Minars notes. “Even the best stuff can sometimes make acne worse.”
Applying layer after layer of heavy moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup can suffocate the skin. In the medical community, breakouts directly caused by makeup and skincare products are known as acne cosmetica. This condition develops when pore-clogging ingredients trap dead skin cells and sebum beneath the surface.
Your skincare and makeup aren’t the only culprits, either. Hair care products are notorious for migrating onto the skin. Hair styling products like gels, oils, and pomades can cause a specific type of breakout called pomade acne, which typically appears along the hairline and forehead.
How to simplify your routine:
- Stick to the basics: A gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and an oil-free SPF.
- Check your hair products: Avoid sticky gels and heavy pomades if you notice breakouts around your hairline.
- Give treatments time to work: It takes months to see if an acne regimen is effective, so avoid switching products every week.
Avoid Touching and Picking
Another major component of the “doing too much” habit is physical interference. When a new pimple appears, the temptation to touch, squeeze, or pick at it can be overwhelming. However, picking at acne lesions increases the risk of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left behind after a breakout heals).
Every time you touch your face, you introduce new bacteria and irritate already inflamed skin. If you struggle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the absolute best treatment is to stop the acne cycle entirely so you stop replacing old dark spots with new ones.
Finding the Right Treatment
Instead of buying a dozen different over-the-counter products, consulting a dermatologist can help you target your specific type of acne. Depending on your symptoms, a professional might recommend:
| Treatment Type | How It Works
|
|---|---|
| Benzoyl Peroxide | An over-the-counter topical treatment that utilizes antibacterial and keratolytic properties to kill acne-causing bacteria and shed dead skin cells. |
| Adapalene | A topical retinoid available over the counter that helps regulate cell turnover to prevent clogged pores. |
| Spironolactone | A diuretic medication originally developed for high blood pressure that is frequently prescribed off-label to treat hormonal acne in women. |
| Isotretinoin (Accutane) | A powerful prescription oral medication for severe acne that requires patients to enroll in the iPLEDGE program due to the high risk of severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. |
Book Your Acne Treatment Today
Acne is incredibly stubborn, and treating it requires patience rather than an arsenal of complex products. By breaking the habit of product overload and keeping your hands off your face, you give your skin the breathing room it needs to heal. When in doubt, strip your routine back to the bare minimum and consult a dermatologist for a targeted, effective treatment plan.
