13 Daily Habits That Can Make Acne Worse
Many of us overlook small daily habits that can quietly harm our skin. From touching your face to skipping a post-workout cleanse, these common behaviors can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts. Here’s a list of the most common culprits—and how to fix them.
- Touching your face: Hands carry bacteria from doorknobs, phones, keyboards, and more. Touching your face transfers that bacteria to your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts.
- Not changing your pillowcase and face towel often: Sweat, oil, and bacteria accumulate quickly. Wash your pillowcase every 2–3 days and use a clean towel for your face daily.
- Sleeping with makeup on: Your skin regenerates overnight. Leaving makeup on clogs pores and interferes with the skin’s natural repair process. Learn more.
- Picking at breakouts: Picking introduces more bacteria and often causes scarring. If you must extract, learn how to do it properly here.
- Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating: Cleansing too often strips your skin of protective oils. Exfoliate no more than once a week, and limit cleansing to morning and night.
- Not washing your makeup brushes: Brushes collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Clean them weekly to avoid transferring that buildup to your face.
- Only treating your skin topically: Clear skin starts from within. Our ClearPoint Acne Supplements help balance oil production, reduce inflammation, and support skin health from the inside out. Read more.
- Not cleaning your phone screen: Phones are magnets for bacteria and are constantly in contact with your face. Wipe yours down daily with a little rubbing alcohol.
- Using comedogenic products: Many cosmetics and moisturizers contain ingredients that clog pores. Look for products that are truly non-comedogenic and formulated for acne-prone skin. (Tip: Check the ingredient list—don’t rely on labels alone.)
- Sun tanning (indoor or outdoor): Tanning dehydrates the skin, leading to overproduction of oil and worsening acne. Use non-comedogenic SPF instead.
- Not drinking enough water: Water helps flush out toxins, support circulation, and maintain hydration. Skin that’s hydrated from within is less prone to irritation and breakouts.
- Eating a poor diet: Diets high in sugar and refined carbs may worsen acne. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and antioxidant-rich foods to support your skin from the inside out.
- Not washing your face after sweating: Sweat mixed with bacteria and oil can clog pores. Always wash your face after exercising or exposure to intense heat.