A woman covers her forehead with both hands, eyes closed. Text reads: 'Common mistakes in fighting acne: myths and facts'.

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns.

The desire to quickly eliminate breakouts often leads to skincare mistakes that only worsen the condition.

Let’s explore the most common myths and harmful habits that prevent us from achieving clear, healthy skin.

Cleansing the Skin

Cleansing is a vital step in any skincare routine — and the health of your skin depends directly on it. Ironically, cleansers are often the most aggressive products, and if chosen incorrectly, they can do more harm than good.

Washing your face until it feels “squeaky clean” and using harsh surfactants (SLS/SLES and similar) overstimulates the sebaceous glands, triggering excess oil production.

This imbalance also activates inflammatory mediators — compounds that contribute to skin irritation and breakouts.

To gently cleanse your skin and prevent inflammation, choose products that effectively remove impurities without compromising the skin’s natural barrier.

For example, a Gentle Cleansing Foam for oily and problem-prone skin can thoroughly purify the skin while preserving its balance, health, and clarity.

A woman with water droplets on her face and closed eyes, symbolizing skincare. Text reads: 'Washing your face until it squeaks increases inflammation'.

Use of Alcohol-Based Toners: Why It’s a Mistake

Many people with acne-prone skin try to “degrease” and disinfect their face by using toners and lotions that contain ethyl alcohol (listed as Alcohol in the ingredients). But this is one of the most common and harmful skincare mistakes.

Alcohol disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, causes excessive dryness, and often leads to a rebound overproduction of sebum.

The result:

Compromised skin barrier function
Increased permeability of the skin
Disrupted skin microbiome
More inflammation and breakouts

📌 Conclusion: alcohol-based products are not recommended for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Three amber glass bottles with white caps on a light background. Text reads: 'Alcohol-based toners – enemy of acne-prone skin'.

EXFOLIANTS AND SCRUBS DURING ACTIVE BREAKOUTS

Physical scrubs are strictly not recommended for acne-prone skin. They can damage inflamed areas, spread bacteria, and intensify inflammation.

Even vigorously wiping your face with a towel can aggravate the skin.

Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) may be used only during remission, when no active inflammation is present.

HIGH-CONCENTRATION ACTIVES: HANDLE WITH CARE

Acne treatments often include potent actives such as bakuchiol, salicylic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients can cause irritation if misused.

To minimize risk, always:

Follow recommended concentrations
Combine actives with care
Adjust your routine if dryness or irritation occurs
Apply potent formulas only on breakouts, not over the entire face

MOISTURIZING IS ESSENTIAL

A common mistake in acne care is skipping hydration. But moisture is critical for maintaining skin health.

In well-hydrated skin:

Enzymes responsible for desquamation (cell renewal) function properly
The lipid barrier is restored
Antioxidant defenses stay active

To maintain hydration and restore balance, use:

These products help restore the skin’s glow, improve tone, support healing, and maintain the water-lipid balance.

NUTRITION & ACNE: WHY DIET MATTERS

Never underestimate the link between diet and skin health.

Foods high in sugar and refined carbs can raise insulin and IGF-1 levels, which are known to trigger or worsen acne. That’s why it’s important to limit:

sweets and sugary drinks
white bread
pastries
processed foods

Foods That Benefit the Skin:

A diet rich in fiber supports:

healthy digestion
gut microbiome balance
immune system function

Great sources of fiber include:

bran
vegetables and fruits
legumes
nuts

Solutions for Problem Skin