Beauty 101 • 23 Apr 2021

6 Mistakes You Are Making That Cause Breakouts

Rachel Gibbons • Beauty Expert

1. Only using makeup wipes to clean your face

Makeup wipes just rub around all the residual makeup, dirt, oil and dead skin that has accumulated onto your face throughout the day and don't actually clean your face but instead clog your pores. Furthermore, the actual wiping of your face with the wipes coupled with them containing abrasive chemicals can actually cause your skin to become inflamed. Instead try to opt for a cleansing water and gently remove makeup using cotton pads and follow up with a cleanser,

2. Over-exfoliating

Overusing physical exfoliants containing beads or particles that remove your dead skin cells can irritate and damage your skin due to its abrasive nature, leaving your skin inflamed and this can lead to breakouts. Try to exfoliate around once to twice a week and instead opt for a chemical exfoliant that naturally loosens dead skin cells.

3. Over-cleansing

Cleansing your face multiple times a day can upset your skin's natural balance by stripping it of its natural oils and drying it out. This causes your skin to feel tight and dry, your body responds to this by making your oil glands produce more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and more breakouts. Try to cleanse your face twice a day maximum, if your skin is naturally dry then once a day at night is sufficient.

4. Using the wrong type of moisturiser

Using the wrong type of moisturiser depending on skin types can have a negative effect by clogging your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, try using a lightweight water-based gel type moisturiser. If you have dry skin, try using a heavier cream moisturiser containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, try using an oil-free serum or gel type moisturiser containing salicylic acid. If you have combination skin, try using different moisturisers for different parts of your face (e.g a lighter moisturiser for more oily areas such as your T-zone and a lighter moisturiser for drier areas such as your cheeks).

5. Not cleansing after a workout

Sweating can cause bacteria and oil on your skin to build up and clog your pores thus leading to lead to breakouts. Try showering right after your workout to remove any residual sweat and dirt.

6. Not changing your pillow case often enough

Your pillowcase can hold a lot of germs, oil and bacteria from your hair and that can lead to breakouts. Try changing your pillowcase every second day or every week at the very least.