5 Daily Habits That Can Worsen Your Acne and How to Avoid Them

Dealing with acne can be frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing is working to clear your skin. What you might not realize is that certain daily habits can actually make your acne worse without you even knowing.

Some of the things you do routinely may be aggravating your breakouts, prolonging healing, or even causing new blemishes.

In this article, we will uncover five daily habits that can worsen your acne and provide simple solutions to help you avoid them.

Habits That Can Worsen Your Acne

Understanding which habits can worsen your acne is crucial if you want to maintain clear, healthy skin. Let’s break down five common habits that may be contributing to your acne troubles and how you can easily change them to improve your skin’s condition.

1. Touching Your Face Constantly

One of the most common bad habits is touching your face throughout the day. Whether you're resting your chin on your hand, scratching an itch, or picking at a pimple, your hands are often transferring dirt, oil, and bacteria to your skin. This can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts.

How to Avoid It:

To reduce this habit, try to be mindful of when you're touching your face. Washing your hands frequently can help minimize the transfer of bacteria. Additionally, avoid squeezing or picking at pimples, as this can cause inflammation and scarring.

2. Not Washing Your Pillowcases and Towels Regularly

You may not realize it, but your pillowcases and towels can collect oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria over time.

When your face comes into contact with these surfaces, the accumulated grime can transfer back to your skin, leading to clogged pores and, ultimately, acne.

How to Avoid It:

Make it a habit to wash your pillowcases at least once a week. The same goes for face towels—using a clean towel every time you dry your face will significantly reduce the risk of acne flare-ups. Opt for soft, non-abrasive materials that won’t irritate your skin further.

3. Using Harsh or Overly Drying Skincare Products

Using harsh skincare products might feel like the best way to tackle acne, especially those that promise quick results. However, products that are too drying or abrasive can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to overcompensate by producing even more oil. This can lead to clogged pores and more acne.

How to Avoid It:

Choose gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products that won’t clog your pores. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are effective yet gentle enough when used correctly.

Balance your routine with a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy and avoid excessive dryness.

4. Skipping Sunscreen or Using the Wrong One

Many people with acne-prone skin avoid using sunscreen, thinking it will clog their pores and worsen their breakouts.

However, skipping sunscreen can make acne scars worse and expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Moreover, not all sunscreens are created equal—some contain heavy oils that can aggravate acne.

How to Avoid It:

Use a sunscreen that is labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic, and designed for sensitive skin. Gel-based sunscreens or those specifically formulated for acne-prone skin are great options.

Applying sunscreen daily will not only protect your skin from UV damage but also help prevent post-acne marks from getting darker.

5. Poor Diet Choices

What you eat can have a significant impact on your skin’s health. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy have been linked to an increase in acne breakouts.

These foods can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which may trigger inflammation and result in clogged pores and more breakouts.

How to Avoid It:

Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated.

If you notice that certain foods trigger your acne, try eliminating them from your diet to see if your skin improves.

How to Build New Habits That Help Your Acne

Now that you know which habits can worsen your acne, it’s time to focus on building new ones that promote healthier skin.

Creating a skincare routine that works for your skin type, maintaining good hygiene, and being conscious of what you eat are all key steps to improving your acne.

Here are some additional tips to help you develop better habits:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin clear and hydrated.
• Get enough sleep: Rest is essential for skin repair and can help reduce inflammation associated with acne.
• Manage stress: High stress levels can increase acne flare-ups. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress effectively.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and remove toxins. Just make sure to cleanse your skin after working out to avoid sweat-related breakouts.

The Impact of Hormones on Acne

While many external factors contribute to acne, it’s also important to consider internal influences, particularly hormones.

Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and even stress can cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Hormonal acne usually appears along the jawline, chin, and cheeks.

If you suspect your acne is hormonal, consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment options, which may include hormonal therapies or prescription medications.

Common Myths About Acne Habits

There are many misconceptions surrounding acne and how daily habits can affect it. Let’s clear up a few common myths:

• Myth 1: You need to wash your face multiple times a day to prevent acne.
  Washing your face too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing irritation and even more breakouts. Twice a day is sufficient—once in the morning and once at night.
• Myth 2: All oils are bad for acne.
  While certain oils can clog pores, not all oils are harmful. In fact, lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil or rosehip oil can actually balance oil production and soothe acne-prone skin.
• Myth 3: Sun exposure helps clear acne.
  Although the sun may temporarily dry out pimples, prolonged sun exposure can worsen acne by causing inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Daily Habits That Can Worsen Your Acne: The Bottom Line

When it comes to managing acne, paying attention to your daily habits can make a significant difference. By avoiding common pitfalls such as touching your face, using harsh products, or neglecting sunscreen, you can reduce the chances of aggravating your acne.

Additionally, focusing on healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and stress management can improve your skin’s overall health.

Remember, each person’s skin is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. If you're struggling with persistent acne, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist for expert advice tailored to your skin’s needs.