5 Habits You Don’t Realise Are Making Your Acne Worse
Going through bottle after bottle of facial cleansers that promise to treat your acne but don’t seem to see any results?
Clear, healthy, and blemish-free skin is something that many people strive for. While hormones and hereditary factors (two common causes of acne) are beyond our control, there are ways that you can not only prevent your acne from worsening, but also keep it at bay altogether.
In the battle against acne, it is imperative that you break the bad habits that are taking a toll on your acne-prone skin. If you’d like to find out more about the habits in your daily routine that could be causing you to break out, keep on reading!
1. Washing your face too often
Contrary to popular belief, washing your face too often can actually cause more harm than good. Though it is undeniable that keeping your skin clean is important, washing it too often or using cleansers that contain harsh chemicals will strip the skin of its natural barrier. Your skin will try to produce even more oil to compensate for this deficiency, which then creates a vicious cycle – feeling the need to cleanse your face even more because of how greasy it feels, only for your skin to produce more oil.
To answer the question of how often you should be washing your face, dermatologists generally recommend twice a day – once in the morning, and once at night. It is also recommended that you always wash your face with lukewarm water so you wouldn’t aggravate your skin any further!
2. Not changing your pillowcase
Who knew that the comfiest place could also be the leading cause of why your acne is not improving? Because your face is on your pillow every night, your pillowcase accumulates oil, dirt, and dead skin cells very quickly. These get back on your skin when you lay on your pillow, clogging pores and aggravating acne problems.
If changing the entire bedsheet set often is too much trouble, we’d recommend that you switch to a fresh pillowcase every week, or place a clean, soft towel on your pillow each night (don’t forget to switch out the towel daily!).
3. Using the wrong type of products
There is a myriad of products available on the market that promise to help with acne. However, not all these formulations may be suitable — some may be too harsh or contain fragrances that trigger sensitive skin. Using the wrong type of products could cause your acne-related issues to worsen. Simply put, off-the-shelf skincare products offer a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work on your skin type.
Here at The Clifford Clinic, we have a team of the best acne dermatologists in Singapore who can help you regain clear skin with a personalized treatment program tailored specifically for your skin’s needs.
4. Scrubbing your face with a towel
Aiming for that “squeaky-clean” effect?
Scrubbing your face with a towel can burst pimples and spread acne bacteria around your face, worsening the infection. Towels are a reservoir for dead skin cells. If you need to dry your face, it’d be best to use a fresh face towel and pat your face gently. Otherwise, use a facial tissue instead!
5. Using too much sunblock
It is no secret that sunblock is an essential step in any skincare regime. However, did you know that using too much can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts?
Some sunblocks have ingredients that can irritate your skin, increasing the likelihood of acne outbreaks. Chemical sunblock, for instance, blocks UV light by absorbing it and turning it into heat that the body then releases. When combined with specific compounds in sunblock, heat can obstruct your skin and cause you to perspire more. The ingredients in sunblock can end up trapping this perspiration and extra sebum in your skin by forming a protective shield of sorts, which clogs your pores and results in more acne.
If you have acne-prone skin, consider trying out a mineral-based sunscreen. Additionally, it would be best to apply only a thin layer on your skin to minimize irritation.
Fight back against acne with The Clifford Clinic
Now that you know about the actions that could be worsening your acne, we recommend you break these habits and look out for any positive changes to your skin condition. If your acne still persists, it may be time to consult a dermatologist for their advice.
At The Clifford Clinic, our professional doctors have over 18 years of experience under their belt in acne treatment in Singapore. As a result of our unwavering dedication to knowledge and research, we have also created various treatments for adult acne to date, including a range of skincare products, oral medications, and creams that are only available at our clinic and are prescribed by dermatologists. Our proficient doctors are equipped with the professional know-how to resolve and clear up your acne. We can also perform acne scar treatment to restore your skin’s even and smooth skin tone.
Looking for other beauty tips or services like mole removal and hair transplant in Singapore? Our experienced practitioners are well-versed in the most up-to-date aesthetic procedures. We welcome you to book an appointment to start your beauty journey with us!