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9 Ways Your Anti-Acne Skincare Routine May Be Making Your Acne Worse

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Washing Overdrive

While keeping your face clean is important, scrubbing too frequently or harshly can strip your skin of natural oils, triggering irritation and more breakouts.

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Moisture Missing

Skipping moisturizer because your skin feels oily is a recipe for disaster.  Moisturizers help maintain a healthy skin barrier, which can actually reduce oil production in the long run.

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Product Overload

Bombarding your skin with a ten-step routine packed with aggressive ingredients can overwhelm it.  Focus on a gentle cleanser, a targeted acne treatment, and a moisturizer.

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Ingredient Irritants

Harsh chemicals, fragrances, and comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients can worsen acne.  Look for gentle, non-comedogenic formulas suitable for acne-prone skin.

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Picking and Popping

The urge to pop a pimple is real, but resist!  Picking can lead to inflammation, scarring, and even more breakouts.

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Makeup Mishaps

Not all makeup is created equal.  Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores.  Wash your makeup brushes regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

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Sweaty Situation

Letting sweat linger on your face after a workout clogs pores.  Wash your face after exercise with a gentle cleanser.

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Sunscreen Slip-Up

Skipping sunscreen because you worry about oiliness is a mistake.  Look for non-comedogenic sunscreens formulated for acne-prone skin.

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Derm Delay

If your acne is persistent or severe, a dermatologist can create a personalized treatment plan to get your skin back on track.