We all want clear, glowing skin, but sometimes, our skincare routine can actually be working against us. Acne isn’t always about hormones or stress — your skincare habits and products might be contributing to those annoying breakouts. At Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic, we’ve seen it all. From over-exfoliating to using the wrong products, small mistakes can add up, leading to acne flare-ups and irritated skin.
So, is your skincare routine causing your acne? Let’s break down some common mistakes and give you the solutions you need to improve your routine and get the clear skin you’ve been craving.
1. Over-Exfoliating or Under-Exfoliating: Finding the Right Balance
Exfoliation is key to clear, glowing skin, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, inflammation, and acne. On the flip side, under-exfoliating can cause dead skin to build up, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Finding the right balance is essential, and this is where personalized skincare advice comes in.
How to Fix It:
Exfoliate, but don’t overdo it. We love mandelic acid as a gentle yet effective exfoliant, which you can find in our Clarify Serums. It helps with acne while being kind to the skin. A personalized consultation at Beach Beauty Bar can help you figure out the right exfoliation routine for your unique skin type, whether you need a little more or a little less. And remember: scrubbing too much with physical exfoliants can damage your skin and make breakouts worse. Instead, try a chemical exfoliant that targets acne without the harsh abrasion.
2. Using Harsh Products: More Isn’t Always Better
It’s tempting to reach for all the acne-fighting products in your cabinet when breakouts strike, but using harsh products in excess can backfire. Harsh cleansers, toners, or treatments can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and overproduction of oil — which can worsen acne.
How to Fix It:
Opt for products that cleanse gently without drying out your skin. Our Go Gently Foaming Cleanser is perfect for this! It removes impurities without stripping your skin, leaving it clean and balanced. Pair it with the Clarify Serums for a gentle yet effective acne-fighting combo. Overloading your skin with too many treatments will only make it worse, so choose products that suit your skin type and use them consistently.
3. Too Much Cleansing: Stop Over-Cleansing Your Skin
Cleansing is essential, but too much cleansing can dry out and irritate your skin. If you wash your face multiple times a day or use harsh cleansers, you risk stripping your skin of its protective barrier, which can lead to even more breakouts.
How to Fix It:
Stick to twice a day cleansing — once in the morning and once before bed — using a gentle cleanser like Go Gently Foaming Cleanser. If you’ve been sweating during the day or wearing makeup, a quick pass with micellar water before following up with your regular cleanser will help remove dirt and impurities without over-drying.
4. Skipping Moisturizer: Hydration is Crucial
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might think that skipping moisturizer will help keep your skin less greasy. But the truth is, hydration is key to maintaining clear skin. When your skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil, which can clog your pores and lead to more breakouts.
How to Fix It:
Hydrating your skin doesn’t have to mean adding extra oil. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, we recommend Matte Moisture, our gel-based moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores. For those who need a richer option, Nutri Cream is perfect for daily use as a regular moisturizer while still being acne-friendly.
5. Not Removing Makeup Properly: Don’t Let Makeup Clog Your Pores
Not fully removing makeup can result in clogged pores, which leads to acne. Makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can all mix with oils on your skin and contribute to breakouts if left on overnight.
How to Fix It:
Make sure to thoroughly remove your makeup at the end of each day with micellar water. This will help break down makeup, sunscreen, and any impurities, ensuring they don’t linger on your skin. Then, follow up with the Go Gently Foaming Cleanser for a deeper cleanse. This double cleansing method ensures your skin is fully clean, without over-drying or irritating your skin.
6. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type
It’s easy to be tempted by the latest skincare trends, but using products that aren’t suitable for your skin type can make acne worse. Whether it’s a moisturizer that’s too heavy for oily skin or an acne treatment that’s too strong for sensitive skin, using the wrong products can lead to breakouts and irritation.
How to Fix It:
At Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic, we offer personalized skincare consultations to help you find the right products for your unique skin. If you’re struggling with acne, we also recommend using Wipe Out, our benzoyl peroxide treatment, which comes in different strengths for your skincare routine. We can help identify which strength is best for your skin, so you can target acne effectively without irritation.
7. Touching Your Face: Hands Off!
Touching your face transfers dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands onto your skin, which can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. It’s a hard habit to break, but keeping your hands away from your face is one of the easiest ways to prevent acne.
How to Fix It:
Try to be conscious of how often you touch your face, and keep your hands clean if you need to. You might even want to clean your phone screen regularly, as it comes into contact with your face often. The less you touch your face, the fewer chances you give bacteria and oils a chance to clog your pores.
8. Not Giving Products Enough Time to Work
We know how frustrating it is when you see a new pimple pop up and want to fix it immediately. However, acne treatments can take time to work, and jumping from product to product too quickly can irritate your skin further.
How to Fix It:
Give any new product at least 4-6 weeks to show results. Acne treatment is a process, and patience is key. If, after that time, you’re still not seeing improvements, it may be time to adjust your routine — and we can help with that!
Final Thoughts: Is Your Skincare Routine Working for You?
If acne is still part of your life, it might be time to take a closer look at your skincare routine. With the right products and habits, you can take control of your skin and reduce breakouts. Whether it’s over-exfoliating, using the wrong products, or not moisturizing enough, Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic is here to help you create the perfect routine for your unique skin.
Book a personalized consultation with us today, and let’s get to the bottom of your skincare concerns. We’ll help you find the right combination of products — like Go Gently Foaming Cleanser, Clarify Serums, Wipe Out, and more — that will give you the clear, healthy skin you deserve.
Cheers to clear!
Joyce