Photo of Akhona Ndlela

Why your skincare routine might be making you breakout (yes, even the “gentle” stuff)

You’ve spent money on skincare products designed to soothe, purify, and shield your skin.

You’ve chosen the “gentle” cleanser, the moisturiser without scent, and perhaps even a couple of serums that dermatologists recommend.

Why are you still breaking out, then? Despite your best efforts, it can feel like your skin is rebelling, which is frustrating and confusing.

Overloading your skin barrier with layers of products can make it more reactive, sensitive, and prone to breakouts or flare-ups.

Dryness, irritation, or compensatory oil production that clogs pores can result from over-cleaning or the use of harsh cleansers that remove natural oils.

When used excessively, even mild exfoliants can harm your skin by rupturing its protective layer and causing redness or breakouts.

Altitude Dermatology claims that acne can be caused by common skincare errors such as excessive cleaning, forgetting to use moisturiser, using comedogenic ingredients, excessive exfoliation, using too many products at once, layering products incorrectly, and failing to wash your face after perspiring.

The above-mentioned dermatology expert also states that these errors can exacerbate acne symptoms by removing the skin’s natural barrier, causing more sebum to be produced, and providing bacteria with the perfect environment. Steer clear of these blunders to keep your skin balanced and clear.

So, in a nutshell, the overuse, incorrect combinations, or bad skincare routine habits can sometimes be the cause rather than the product itself.

To precisely identify possible triggers, patch test new products at all times and implement only one change at a time.

Your “gentle” skincare routine may be secretly harming your skin, so pay close attention, keep things simple, and trust what your skin is telling you.

Also see: Petroleum jelly is the winter skin hero you’ve been sleeping on

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