6 Bad Habits That Could Be Making Your Acne Worse
We’ve all been there. You wake up, look in the mirror, and there it is—a dreaded acne breakout, seemingly appearing overnight. It’s tempting to go on a cleaning frenzy or pile on every product in your bathroom cabinet, but sometimes, the things we think are helping can actually make acne worse. This is a common experience, and without the right guidance, you might inadvertently escalate the problem.
It’s important to re-evaluate daily habits that may be contributing to your skin woes. From the seemingly harmless act of touching your face to using the wrong skincare products, many routine actions can exacerbate acne. Hormones and genetics do play a significant role in acne, and while you can’t change your DNA, you can certainly adjust your habits. Let’s explore some common mistakes, according to skincare experts, to help you get clearer, healthier skin.
Constantly Picking at Your Skin
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Ever heard of dermatillomania? It’s a condition where people feel compelled to pick at their skin. While most of us don’t have it to that extent, many of us do touch or pick at pimples, which can worsen acne. Just last week, I had that massive breakout after messing with what started as a tiny pimple. Yep, it turned into a disaster overnight. So, if your goal is to cut down on skincare products (and bills!), start by keeping your hands away from your face.
For deeper cysts and nodules, which are painful and embedded under the skin, popping can prolong healing and even lead to scarring. A safer approach? Let these heal naturally or seek professional help for treatments that minimize healing time and prevent damage.
Popping Pimples in the “Triangle of Death”
It sounds dramatic because it is. This area—the zone stretching from the bridge of your nose down to the corners of your mouth across your upper lip—is crucial in facial skincare, especially when dealing with acne.
The danger triangle is not just a myth perpetuated by skincare enthusiasts; it’s a medically recognized area where extra caution is advised. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, highlights the risk due to its proximity to the brain. The veins in this region have direct links to the cranial cavity, meaning infections here could theoretically spread to the central nervous system.
Visualize the triangle by connecting the bridge of your nose to each corner of your mouth. This forms a zone where the skin is particularly sensitive and interconnected with critical internal structures.
Why popping pimples in this area is risky
While pimple popping can be satisfying, doing so within the danger triangle can lead to severe consequences. The American Academy of Dermatology Association strongly advises against popping pimples for a good reason. When you attempt to pop a pimple, especially in this sensitive area, you risk pushing bacteria and pus deeper into the skin. This not only can lead to an increase in inflammation and pain but also raises the potential for scarring and more persistent acne outbreaks.
Furthermore, because of the vascular connection of this area to the brain, there is a small but serious risk of creating pathways for infections to travel intracranially. Infections in this region can spread to the cavernous sinus, a large vein at the base of the brain, leading to extremely serious complications like blood clots, meningitis, or even a brain abscess.
Not Practicing Good Nail Hygiene
Did you know long fingernails can harbor up to 270 different colonies of bacteria, compared to just 10 to 50 under short nails? That’s a lot of unwanted guests potentially transferring to your face every time you touch it. Your daily nail care routine might seem trivial, but it plays a pivotal role in preventing acne and other skin infections.
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Tips for effective nail hygiene
Keep Nails Short and Clean: Short, well-trimmed nails are less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria. After a shower, when your nails are softer and easier to trim, is an excellent time to check and maintain them. Keeping nails short also minimizes the risk of accidentally scratching your face and transferring bacteria to sensitive zones like the danger triangle.
Thorough Washing: It’s essential not only to wash your hands but to do so attentively, ensuring that soap and water reach underneath the nails. Research among dental assistants has shown that thorough hand-washing with antibacterial soaps effectively reduces bacteria at the fingertips, crucial for preventing the transfer of harmful microbes to the face.
Dry Thoroughly: After washing, it’s just as important to dry your hands and nails thoroughly. This step prevents fungal growth and stops nails from becoming overly soft, which can make them more susceptible to tearing and other damage.
Moisturize: Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturized is essential for maintaining nail flexibility and health. Dry, brittle nails are more prone to breaking, creating jagged edges that could inadvertently injure the skin of your face and introduce bacteria.
Covering up Pimples
Covering up a blemish can make it worse if you’re not using the right products. Experts recommend opting for lightweight, oil-free foundations that minimize the risk of exacerbating existing acne. Heavy, oil-based products can clog pores further and prolong the healing process of a breakout. Instead, consider using tinted, oil-free moisturizers that offer a dual benefit of hydration and coverage without the heavy feel of traditional foundations.
It’s also wise to choose products labeled as “non-comedogenic,” meaning they are specifically formulated not to block pores. These products can provide the coverage you need while reducing the likelihood of triggering new breakouts.
How you apply makeup is just as important as what you apply. Using clean application tools is non-negotiable. Brushes and sponges can harbor bacteria which can transfer to your skin and worsen acne. Make it a routine to clean these tools regularly—daily for items you use frequently and at least weekly for others.
If you’re dealing with an active breakout, particularly in sensitive areas, it’s advisable to minimize makeup use. Covering up open or inflamed zits can block them from the air they need to heal, which might slow down the recovery process or lead to further irritation. If you must cover a breakout, wait until it has healed over with new skin and always ensure that your hands and application tools are impeccably clean to avoid introducing new bacteria to sensitive spots.
And of course, if you do apply makeup, always ensure to remove it thoroughly before bed. Similarly, post-exercise, your skin is vulnerable due to sweat and opened pores. A quick cleanse or even a facial wipe can prevent sweat-induced breakouts.
Over Cleansing
It’s tempting to believe that scrubbing your face frequently and vigorously will keep acne at bay, but the truth is, being too aggressive can exacerbate your skin issues.
Cleansing too often can strip your skin of its essential oils, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy barrier against irritants and bacteria. When these oils are removed, your skin may react by increasing oil production, which can lead to more breakouts, not fewer. Overwashing can also disturb the delicate balance of your skin’s microbiome, the community of microorganisms that helps keep your skin healthy. Disrupting this balance can trigger acne flare-ups, dryness, and increased sensitivity.
Most dermatologists agree that washing your face twice a day—morning and evening—is sufficient. If you exercise or sweat heavily, a mild rinse with micellar water can help remove excess oil without over-stripping your skin. For those with very dry or sensitive skin, even once a day with proper nighttime cleanse may be enough. Use gentle, non-drying formulas that respect your skin’s pH and microbiome. Harsh cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight and stripped are likely too aggressive. After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to help restore and maintain your skin’s barrier.
The Pillowcase Mistake
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Your pillowcase can be a hotbed for bacteria accumulation, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Changing your pillowcase frequently can significantly reduce the transfer of oils and product residues that can lead to breakouts.
For those particularly prone to acne, consider changing your pillowcase nightly. A helpful tip is to stack multiple clean pillowcases on your pillow and simply remove the top one each night before bed, ensuring a fresh surface every time you sleep.
Another effective strategy is to modify how you launder your bedding. Using detergents labeled “free & clear” can be significantly beneficial. These detergents are typically free from fragrances, dyes, and other irritants that can worsen skin conditions. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets as these products can leave a residue on fabric that may clog pores.
Also consider switching to pillowcases made from natural fibers like sateen cotton or 100% silk. These materials are gentle on the skin and less likely to irritate acne-prone skin compared to synthetic fabrics like standard satin, which often consists of non-breathable polyester. The breathability of natural fibers helps reduce sweat and oil buildup on the skin that can contribute to acne.