10 Habits That Make Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Worse — and What to Do Instead

Written and medically reviewed by the doctors of The Clifford Clinic. Last medically reviewed: 4 November 2026.

In short: genetics and hormones decide whether you have acne-prone skin; habits decide how often it breaks out. These are the ten the clinic’s doctors correct most often. None needs a new product — most need you to do less.

1. Washing too often, too hard. Twice a day, lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser, fingertips. Scrubbing and a third wash strip the skin; the glands make more oil to compensate.

2. Over-exfoliating. Physical scrubs tear inflamed skin and spread bacteria. A chemical exfoliant — salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid — once or twice a week does the job without the damage.

3. Not showering after exercise. Sweat trapped under tight sportswear plus friction is acne mechanica — the gym-goer’s back and chest acne. Shower within half an hour, wear loose, breathable fabrics, wash kit after every session.

4. Towelling your face. Towels hold dead skin and bacteria, and rubbing bursts pimples. Pat dry with a fresh towel or a tissue.

5. The same pillowcase for a month. Oil, sweat, hair product and dead cells transfer back to your face every night. Change the pillowcase weekly — or lay a clean towel over it and change that daily.

6. Sugary drinks and high-glycaemic food. Bubble tea, sweet drinks, white bread and rice spike insulin, which tells the oil glands to make more oil. Milk and whey protein shakes carry a similar link. Swap for low-glycaemic choices — see foods that help acne and does dairy cause acne?

7. Skipping sunscreen — or using a heavy one. UV inflames acne-prone skin and darkens every mark a pimple leaves. A thick, greasy sunscreen clogs pores. Use a light, oil-free, non-comedogenic SPF 30+ in a gel or fluid texture, every day.

8. Using the wrong products. Fragrance, alcohol toners, “deep-clean” strips and most off-the-shelf acne kits irritate more than they help. A gentle cleanser, one or two actives and a light moisturiser is a complete routine.

9. Poor sleep and constant stress. Both raise cortisol, which raises oil production and inflammation. Seven hours and a wind-down routine do more for acne than any serum.

10. Picking, squeezing and self-treating for months. Squeezing spreads bacteria and causes the scars that outlast the acne. And a pore that keeps breaking out in the same spot will not respond to habits or creams — the oil gland underneath needs treating: AGNES for recurring pores, AviClear for acne across the face, Gold PTT for oily, congested skin. The full list with prices is on the acne treatment in Singapore page.

Seeing a doctor

A consultation at The Clifford Clinic, Raffles Place, is $100. The doctor goes through your routine, tells you which of the ten applies, and sets out the plan and costs.

Sources: Reynolds RV et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024;90:1006.e1.