13 Daily Habits That Can Make Acne Worse

Bad habits that affect your skin

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Sleeping with makeup on: Your skin regenerates overnight. Leaving makeup on clogs pores and interferes with the skin’s natural repair process. Learn more.
  4. Picking at breakouts: Picking introduces more bacteria and often causes scarring. If you must extract, learn how to do it properly here.
  5. 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.
  6. Not washing your makeup brushes: Brushes collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Clean them weekly to avoid transferring that buildup to your face.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.)
  10. Sun tanning (indoor or outdoor): Tanning dehydrates the skin, leading to overproduction of oil and worsening acne. Use non-comedogenic SPF instead.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.