You finally find a routine that seems to work, and then out of nowhere boom another breakout. It’s frustrating, confusing, and sometimes feels like your skin just loves drama. If your face tends to break out easily, it’s not just about what you use; it’s also about what you shouldn’t use or do.
After years of trial, error, and far too many mirror meltdowns, I’ve learned that clear skin often comes down to avoiding a few sneaky habits and ingredients. So, here’s your friendly, no-fluff guide to the 10 things you should avoid if you have acne-prone skin and what to do instead.
1. Harsh Cleansers and Over-Washing
Scrubbing your face like it owes you money won’t fix your acne. When you over-cleanse, you strip away your skin’s natural oils. Then your skin panics, overproduces oil to make up for it, and boom — more breakouts.
Try this instead:
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that removes dirt without leaving your skin tight.
- Look for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide formulas once a day.
- Some solid picks: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel.
Your skin should feel clean and soft, not squeaky and dry.
2. Touching Your Face Constantly
It sounds harmless, but every time you touch your face, you transfer bacteria, oils, and dirt from your hands. And if you’re a pimple picker (guilty), you’re making it worse spreading bacteria, irritating the skin, and possibly scarring it.
If you can’t stop picking, use pimple patches like Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch. They act as a barrier, speed up healing, and keep your hands away. Out of sight, out of mind.
3. Skipping Moisturizer Because You’re Oily
This one’s a classic skincare myth: oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In reality, if you don’t hydrate your skin, it becomes dehydrated and produces even more oil. So, skipping moisturizer actually makes you greasier.
Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that locks in hydration without clogging pores. Try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (great for hot weather) or The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA if your skin leans dry.
Hydration helps your skin balance oil production and keeps acne under control. Think of it as teamwork.
4. Dirty Pillowcases and Towels
Your pillowcase might be sabotaging your skin. It collects oil, sweat, and leftover skincare products every night and then presses it right back onto your face.
Quick fix:
- Change pillowcases at least twice a week.
- Use fragrance-free detergent.
- Keep a separate towel just for your face.
If you want to level up, switch to silk pillowcases. They’re gentler, reduce friction, and don’t absorb your skincare products. Honestly, it’s one of those small luxuries that actually make a difference.
5. Pore-Clogging Hair Products
Your skincare might be on point, but your hair products could be breaking you out. Conditioners, oils, and styling creams often contain ingredients like coconut oil, petrolatum, and silicones that clog pores when they rub off onto your skin.
Here’s what helps:
- Keep hair products away from your hairline and face.
- Wash your pillowcases often.
- Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to prevent buildup.
If you’re using hair oils, apply them only on the ends nowhere near your face. And yes, tie your hair back before bed.
6. Using Too Many Actives at Once
We’ve all been there mixing every acid and serum like we’re in a skincare lab. But layering salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, and niacinamide all at once usually ends in a skincare meltdown.
Overloading your skin damages your barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and yes, more acne.
Stick to a simple plan:
- Morning: cleanser + moisturizer + SPF
- Night: cleanser + one active (like retinol or salicylic acid) + moisturizer
If you’re new to retinol, try Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%). It helps unclog pores and fades acne marks without being too harsh.
Your skin likes consistency, not chaos.
7. Forgetting Sunscreen
Skipping sunscreen because you think it’ll make you oily is a rookie mistake. UV rays worsen inflammation and make dark spots linger longer. And no, sunscreen doesn’t cause acne if you pick the right one.
Go for:
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (great for sensitive, acne-prone skin)
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ (lightweight, hydrating, zero white cast)
Daily SPF is non-negotiable, it protects your skin barrier and helps fade acne scars faster.
8. Dairy and Sugar Overload (and also oily foods)
This one hurts, I know. But milk, sugary snacks and some oily meals can trigger acne for some people by increasing inflammation and oil production. It doesn’t mean you have to quit everything you love, but moderation truly helps.
Try this:
- Switch to oat, almond, or soy milk.
- Cut back on processed sugars and sodas.
- Cut back on seed oils, excess butters and peanuts.
- Load up on fruits, veggies, and omega-3-rich foods.
Your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body. Treat it kindly and maybe save the chocolate milk for special occasions. 😉
9. Ignoring Body Acne
Acne doesn’t stop at your jawline. Back, shoulders, and chest breakouts are common and they need love too.
Use a body wash with salicylic acid, like Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, or go for a retinol body lotion like Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream. These help exfoliate, smooth, and fade dark spots.
After showering, seal in hydration with non-comedogenic body oils or butters. My go-tos are Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Gel Oil and The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Lotion both keep your skin soft without clogging pores.
10. Stressing Out and Skipping Sleep
Ever notice your skin freaks out right before an exam, deadline, or emotional meltdown? That’s stress in action. Cortisol, the stress hormone, increases oil production and inflammation, setting off breakouts.
Try this:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
- Unwind before bed journaling, stretching, or a few minutes of meditation work wonders.
- Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep.
Your skin heals while you rest. The calmer you are, the calmer your skin becomes. 🙂
Final Thoughts
Acne-prone skin isn’t easy to manage, but it’s not impossible. The key isn’t in doing more it’s in avoiding what harms your skin. Harsh cleansers, dirty pillowcases, pore-clogging products, skipped SPF, and stress are all silent culprits.
Once you start cutting those out, your skin slowly finds its balance again. Remember, clear skin isn’t about perfection, it’s about patience and understanding what your skin needs (and what it absolutely doesn’t).
So next time you’re tempted to try five new serums at once or sleep in your makeup, pause for a second. Ask yourself, “Would my skin thank me for this?” Chances are, you already know the answer. 😉
Photo credit: All photos used in this article are from pinterest.
