Why am I Still Breaking Out with a Good Skincare Routine – So, you’ve done your research, spent time building a skincare routine that works for you, and committed to sticking with it. You cleanse, moisturize, wear sunscreen daily, and maybe even use a serum or two. On paper, your routine looks flawless. So why are you still waking up to surprise breakouts?
It’s easy to feel discouraged when your efforts don’t match the results, especially with all the glowing skin transformations we see on social media. But the truth is, healthy skin is complex. Breakouts can still happen even with a “perfect” routine. If you’re struggling with acne despite doing everything right, here are a few reasons why that might be happening, and what you can do about it.
Why am I Still Breaking Out with a Good Skincare Routine?
1. Not the Right Skincare Product for Your Skin Type
Different skincare products in the market, and social media trends may make you excited to try every popular product promising different results. But, remember that skincare is not one size fits all. What works for dry skin may be too heavy for oily skin, leading to clogged pores and, eventually, breakouts.
For example, oily skin should avoid oil-based moisturizers. Go for lightweight formulas such as gels, serums, or lightweight lotions. This is because rich, creamy moisturizers can feel too heavy on oily skin, and leave the skin feeling oilier.
2. Too Many Actives
Active ingredients may be great for targeting specific concerns, but too many all at once does more damage than good. Be careful when layering active ingredients, make sure they’re not too harsh on the skin. You should introduce active ingredients one at a time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Even if you overdo a certain active ingredient, it can also cause breakouts. For example, over exfoliating your skin with AHAs/BHAs can weaken your skin barrier, cause irritation, dry skin, and breakouts.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle actually matters more than you think. Little habits like touching your face and picking on your pimples can worsen your acne. Diet, hormones, and stress levels can also contribute to breakouts.
Some foods can actually trigger acne. These include sugary foods and dairy products. If you keep breaking out even with a good skincare routine, consider changing your diet. Hormones like progesterone and androgens can also play a role in acne breakouts. During the menstrual cycle, these hormones can increase and cause acne breakouts.
4. Hidden Irritants in Skincare Products
Sometimes, you’re not the problem. Even when you’ve got a good product that is suitable for your skin type, hidden ingredients can sneakily cause breakouts, especially if your skin is acne-prone or sensitive.
Ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, parabens can cause skin irritation and acne breakouts on sensitive skin. Make sure to always check the ingredients list before buying a product to avoid sneaky irritants that can potentially cause breakouts.
5. Skin Purging
Breakouts don’t always mean a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s just a sign of your skin purging. If you recently introduced a new product into your skincare routine, especially with exfoliating or acne-fighting ingredients, you may experience purging. This may happen because of increased cell turnover. Don’t panic, it will most likely heal in a few weeks.
If you’re still breaking out despite having a good skincare routine, it doesn’t mean you’re doing everything wrong. It could just mean your skin is asking for something different, and it’s time to listen to it. Sometimes, simplifying your routine, changing a little part of your lifestyle, or even seeing a dermatologist can make all the difference. Good skin takes patience, consistency, and a little trial and error. You’ve got this!
Sources:
- https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/how-to-choose-a-moisturizer-for-oily-skin#:~:text=Many%20of%20my%20patients%20tell,%2C%20serums%2C%20or%20lightweight%20lotions.
- https://www.ultimaii.com/en/read/life-style/Why-Do-I-Still-Get-Acne-Despite-Doing-Complete-Skincare-Routine.
- https://curology.com/blog/why-am-i-still-breaking-out.
- https://www.simpleskincare.in/blogs/tips/worst-skincare-ingredients-for-sensitive-skin?srsltid=AfmBOop82BZkCXQmFU0eyeJnrVGPRt3B-cfTwmZzQBEJQKRi_WcRD7ex.
- https://upcirclebeauty.com/blogs/upcircle/active-skincare-ingredients#:~:text=Active%20skincare%20ingredients%20are%20the,vitamins%20A%2C%20C%20and%20E.
- https://www.cerave.com.au/blog/dry-skin/over-exfoliated-skin#:~:text=Over%2Dexfoliation%20can%20strip%20away,clogged%20pores%20and%20unwanted%20breakouts.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-purging-vs-breakout#causes.
