10 Skincare Mistakes That Make Skin Prone to Acne and Sensitivity

1. Acne-Prone Skin and Sensitive Skin

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit that manifests with various types of lesions, including comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and acne cysts. The condition can leave raised or depressed scars and is commonly seen in males and females from puberty through their 30s and 40s. In some cases, acne subsides, but in many patients, it continues to progress and persists in recurrent episodes. If not treated promptly, acne can leave permanent scars, significantly affecting appearance and quality of life.

The causes of acne are diverse, including hormonal and digestive factors, particularly those related to the gonads. The role of skin bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci, and especially Cutibacterium acnes, cannot be ruled out.

These bacteria are commonly found within hair follicles, where they hydrolyze sebum into fatty acids, causing irritation and inflammation of the follicular tissue. In addition, acne may be caused by food or drug allergies or vitamin B2 deficiency. There are three main mechanisms underlying acne: increased sebum production, keratinization of the pilosebaceous follicular opening, and the role of bacteria within the hair follicles.

Sensitive skin can occur in many areas of the skin. Sensitive skin develops when the skin’s natural protective barrier loses its ability to provide adequate protection, transepidermal water loss becomes excessive, and external irritants can easily penetrate the skin.

In particular, excessive exposure of facial skin to sunlight, UV radiation, pollution, certain cosmetic ingredients, and cleansing agents can worsen sensitive skin.

2. 10 Skincare Mistakes That Worsen Acne and Skin Sensitivity

• Mistake 1: Maintaining improper cleansing habits, such as cleansing the skin too frequently or for too long and using harsh cleansing agents.
• Mistake 2: Damaging the skin in an attempt to achieve immediate results. For example, using rough makeup-removing towels or dry, coarse cleansing cloths can damage the skin. Soft fabrics or cotton pads should be used, and the skin should be wiped gently, avoiding rough, dry towels.
• Mistake 3: Leaving makeup remover on the skin. Remember to gently rinse all makeup remover from the skin after use. Although makeup removers contain milder cleansing agents than conventional foaming cleansers, they still contain substances that dissolve oils and natural lipids in the skin that you want to protect.
• Mistake 4: Treating all areas of the skin in the same way. Different areas of the skin should be cared for differently according to their specific needs. For example, clay masks and drying ingredients should only be applied to oily areas rather than the entire face.
• Mistake 5: Using every active ingredient: Many people with acne believe that every product is beneficial for acne-prone skin. Use intensive treatments only when truly necessary. From adolescence through the early 30s, maintaining adequate hydration and moisturization is most important.
• Mistake 6: Not moisturizing oily skin. Although oily skin may feel moisturized intuitively, moisturizing and nourishing oily skin can actually be beneficial and help maintain skin balance. If you are concerned about moisturizing oily skin, start with lightweight, refreshing moisturizing gels, which can have a positive effect.
• Mistake 7: Using too much acne medication. Acne treatments such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be effective and may produce results overnight. However, instead of using these products every day, use them in moderation to allow the skin to repair and recover naturally, rather than becoming overly dependent on acne treatments.
• Mistake 8: Overusing more products than necessary: Identify what your skin actually needs. Although there is no minimum number of products required, make sure that each skincare product has a specific purpose and function. Using more products does not necessarily produce better results and may instead harm the skin.
• Mistake 9: Starting anti-aging treatments too early, which may cause unnecessary skin irritation. For example, teenagers and people in their twenties generally have firm, bright skin and do not need anti-aging treatments. Ensure that the skin remains adequately hydrated and use sunscreen every day.
• Mistake 10: Using cotton pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases tend to accumulate dust easily, which can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Silk pillowcases are softer, easier to keep clean, and better at regulating temperature, making them beneficial for the skin, hair, and overall health.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.