Acne is frustrating, and if you’ve been battling breakouts for what feels like forever, you’re not alone. But what if the problem isn’t just your skin—it’s your skincare routine? Many people unknowingly make acne worse by using the wrong products, following bad habits, or trying too hard to "fix" their skin.
If your breakouts won’t budge, it’s time to rethink your approach. Here are five common acne mistakes that could be sabotaging your skin—and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Overwashing Your Face
It’s tempting to think that scrubbing your face multiple times a day will keep acne away. After all, clean skin = clear skin, right? Wrong.
Washing your face too often or using harsh cleansers strips away natural oils, sending your skin into panic mode. The result? More oil, more irritation, and more breakouts.
✅ The Fix:
- Wash twice a day (morning & night) using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser.
- If you’re sweating, rinse with water and pat dry—skip the extra cleanser.
- Avoid anything that makes your skin feel “tight” after washing. That’s a red flag!
Mistake #2: Skipping Moisturizer Because You Have Oily Skin
One of the biggest myths in skincare is that moisturizer makes acne worse. If you skip it, your skin won’t get oily, right? Wrong again.
Dehydrated skin overcompensates by producing even more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, many acne treatments (like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide) dry out your skin, making a good moisturizer essential.
✅ The Fix:
- Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer (this means it won’t clog pores).
- Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and niacinamide (for oil control & redness).
- Apply twice a day, even if your skin feels oily.
Mistake #3: Picking, Popping, and Touching Your Face
We get it—seeing a pimple makes you want to get rid of it ASAP. But popping pimples only spreads bacteria, causes inflammation, and leads to scars that last far longer than the breakout itself.
Constantly touching your face transfers dirt and oil from your hands, making acne even worse.
✅ The Fix:
- Hands off! Resist the urge to touch your face throughout the day.
- Instead of popping, use a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- Keep your phone screen & pillowcases clean—you’d be surprised how much bacteria they carry!
Mistake #4: Using Too Many Acne Products at Once
If one acne treatment is good, three must be better… right? Nope. Overloading your skin with harsh products—especially those with active ingredients—leads to dryness, irritation, and even more breakouts.
Mixing too many exfoliants, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide treatments at the same time can weaken your skin barrier, making it harder to heal.
✅ The Fix:
- Less is more. Stick to a simple routine with one active ingredient at a time.
- If using multiple treatments, introduce them slowly (e.g., use retinol every other night).
- Always follow with a moisturizer to keep your skin barrier strong.
Mistake #5: Skipping Sunscreen (Yes, Even with Acne)
Many people with acne avoid sunscreen, thinking it will clog pores or make their skin greasy. But skipping SPF is a huge mistake—especially if you’re using acne treatments like retinol or AHAs, which make skin extra sensitive to UV rays.
Not wearing sunscreen leads to hyperpigmentation (dark spots), worsens acne scars, and causes premature aging.
✅ The Fix:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning—even on cloudy days.
- Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula designed for acne-prone skin.
- Apply as the last step in your routine and reapply every 2 hours when outside.
Treat Your Skin Smarter, Not Harder
If your acne isn’t improving, it might not be your skin’s fault—it might be your routine. Avoid these common mistakes, be patient and consistent, and choose effective yet gentle skincare products that actually support your skin.
Looking for a dermatologist-developed solution that fights acne without irritation? Check out Levitas Labs’s acne-fighting skincare line—because clear skin starts with the right routine.