Are You Making These Common Acne Mistakes

If you've been struggling with acne for a while and just can't get clear, it's likely you are making one or more of the common mistakes we see at The Acne Lab.

Many of the most common acne mistakes are easy to make — and even easier to fix once you know what to look for. Let's break them down.

1. You're using skincare or makeup with pore cloggers.

Even "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" products can contain ingredients that clog your pores and contribute to acne. Many people are shocked to discover that their favorite moisturizer or foundation is actually making things worse.

We recommend using our Pore Clogger Checker to check ALL products that come in contact with your skin, whether it's skincare, makeup, or even laundry detergents. Yes, laundry detergent. Just remember — if it touches your skin (or your pillowcase), it matters.

2. You're jumping from solution to solution without giving skin time for acne to clear up.

We understand. When your skin is breaking out, patience feels impossible. But constantly switching products is one of the biggest mistakes acne sufferers make.

It takes time for acne to heal and that takes consistency with the right products and strategy. Depending on your type of acne, it can take 5 to 10+ months to get clear.

You'll see progress in the meantime, but getting clear skin overnight is a myth. It took weeks for your acne to form and it takes longer for it to clear up.

3. You don't have a consistent routine.

Skincare only works when you actually do it. You should be following a routine twice a day, every day — morning and night. It only takes a few minutes, but skipping days or doing it halfway will stall your progress.

Think of it like exercise: the results come from doing it consistently, not just once in a while. And, once you are clear, you have to keep up with your routine to keep your skin "in shape." 

4. You're using harsh treatments that dry out your skin.

Many acne products strip your skin. This leads to dry, irritated skin that ultimately leads to more acne.

Dry, irritated skin can't heal. That's why we always start teens and adults with acne with our Skincare 101 routine to heal, hydrate, and protect their skin.

Once your moisture barrier is restored and your skin is healthy, we can layer in active ingredients without causing irritation.

5. You have internal factors, such as hormones or gut issues, influencing your acne.

Acne can be an external sign of an internal problem. Sometimes you need more than skincare to get clear. That's why we offer both The Acne Lab Blood Test and The Acne Lab Food Sensitivity Test to help you find out what internal triggers may be causing your acne.

6. You are using a medication or birth control that can trigger acne.

Sometimes the culprit isn't what you're putting on your skin — it's what's going into your body.

Certain birth control methods, including hormonal IUDs, implants, injections, and pills with high androgen activity, are known to trigger or worsen breakouts. It's not just birth control either — corticosteroids, certain antidepressants, and even some supplements can contribute to acne as a side effect.

Read our guides: Medications That Can Cause Breakouts and Is Your Birth Control Causing or Helping Your Acne?

Get Help for Your Acne

Clearing your skin is absolutely possible — but it requires the right approach, the right products, and the right support. We're here to help you avoid the mistakes that keep skin stuck in the breakout zone, and build a clear skin strategy that actually works for you.

Ready to get started? Work with our Acne Experts.