Top acne mistakes

At Shine Skin and Body, we see so many people feeling lost when it comes to managing their acne. You’ve Googled solutions, tried harsh products marketed for oily or acne-prone skin, or even gone to the doctor for antibiotics, only to find yourself right back where you started—frustrated, confused, and with no real results.

So what’s really going on? Let’s break down the truth about acne and how to finally get control over it.

Acne: It’s More Than Just Oil and Dirt

One of the biggest myths is that acne is caused purely by oil and dirt. While oil can contribute, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. There are so many other factors—hormones, stress, medication, illness, pregnancy—that can trigger acne. But one of the most common causes of persistent, hard-to-treat acne is bacterial.

Acne often starts with a small breakout, maybe triggered by hormones or stress, but when left untreated or improperly handled, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The result? A full-blown acne problem that feels impossible to clear up.

Mistakes That Are Making Your Acne Worse

1. Over-Scrubbing and Over-Cleansing Scrubbing your skin won’t clear up acne—in fact, it often makes it worse. Excessive scrubbing damages the skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and increased breakouts. Many people think the harsher the cleanse, the better the results, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, opt for enzyme or AHA exfoliants, which gently exfoliate without irritating the skin.

   A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is all you need to reduce inflammation. Use an AHA-based cleanser only once a day (preferably at night) and a milder cleanser in the morning.

2. Using Products for Oily Skin Many people believe that oil causes acne, so they turn to products designed for oily skin that strip the skin completely. Harsh cleansers, alkaline bar soaps, and alcohol-based products do more harm than good by disrupting the skin’s balance. Your skin needs nourishment as well as antibacterial care—striking the right balance is key.
3. Choosing the Wrong Products Always look for non-comedogenic skincare products—those specifically designed not to clog pores. Talc is a common offender in products like makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers, which can worsen acne. Switch to talc-free options to help keep your skin clear.
4. Picking at Pimples We all know we shouldn’t do it, but it’s tempting! However, picking at pimples only prolongs healing, increases the risk of scarring, and can even push infected material deeper into the skin. Picking with dirty hands or while wearing makeup can introduce more bacteria, making the situation worse. Trust me, it’s always better to leave extractions to the professionals.
5. Waiting Too Long to See a Professional If your acne is impacting your skin or self-esteem, it’s time to seek help. The longer you wait, the more damage acne can cause, and the harder it will be to reverse scarring. At Shine, we offer a range of acne treatments, from extraction facials to LED light therapy, AHA/BHA peels, and lasers all designed to target acne at its source.
6. Misdiagnosing Peri oral dermatitis as Acne Sometimes what looks like acne around your mouth could actually be peri oral dermatitis, a skin condition that causes redness and bumps. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a professional.
7. Over-Using Prescribed Acne Medications This one might get me in trouble, but I believe it’s said too little—acne medications, especially the strong ones, are often over-prescribed. While they can be necessary for some, they shouldn’t be your first line of defense. Facials, good-quality skincare, and regular treatments can make a world of difference without the side effects. Give them a chance before jumping into medication.
8. Stopping Treatment Too Soon Acne doesn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear that way either. Ongoing treatments and maintenance are key to keeping your skin clear. At first, you may need facials every 1-4 weeks, and as your skin improves, you can space them out. Regular facials (every 4-6 weeks) will help prevent small pimples from turning into major breakouts, keeping your skin in balance long term.

Be Careful Who You’re Listening To

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of following skincare advice from influencers. But here’s the truth—most of them aren’t qualified to give skin advice. They’re only talking about what works for their skin, not yours. What clears up one person’s acne could cause yours to flare up even worse. Always seek professional advice from someone who can analyze your skin in person, not through a screen.

The Path to Clear Skin

At Shine Skin and Body, we’ve seen firsthand how personalized, targeted treatments can clear up even the most stubborn acne. Our approach includes a deep consultation to understand all the factors at play, followed by customized treatments like extraction facials, LED light therapy, AHA/BHA peels, and oxygen treatments. No harsh meds, no cookie-cutter solutions—just real, lasting results.

If you’re ready to get clear answers and clear skin, book a consultation with us today. It’s time to put your skin’s health in the hands of professionals who care.