I take care of my skin, but my acne isn't going away. What am I doing wrong?

Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

People with acne might see better results if they avoid these common skin care mistakes:

  • Using oily products. Avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, moisturizers, sunscreens and acne cover-ups. Prefer products that are water based and not likely to block pores (noncomedogenic).
  • Forgetting to wash your face daily. Problem areas need gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and mild soap. Do this twice a day and after sweating.
  • Being too rough with your skin. Scrubbing too hard or using harsh products such as astringents and masks can worsen acne.
  • Touching your face. Keep your hands, phone and hair away from your face. Too much contact can cause flare-ups.
  • Picking or squeezing pimples. This can cause an infection or scar.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

May 04, 2021 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Acne
  2. Acne scars: What's the best treatment?
  3. Can zinc supplements help treat hidradenitis suppurativa?
  4. Hidradenitis suppurativa wound care
  5. Chemical peel
  6. Clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa
  7. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  8. Coping with the stress of hidradenitis suppurativa
  9. Creating a hidradenitis suppurativa care team
  10. Cushing syndrome
  11. Dermabrasion
  12. Don't blame pizza, fries or dirt for acne
  13. Hidradenitis suppurativa
  14. Hidradenitis suppurativa and biologics: Get the facts
  15. Hidradenitis suppurativa and diet: What's recommended?
  16. Hidradenitis suppurativa and sleep: How to get more zzz's
  17. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Tips for weight-loss success
  18. Hidradenitis suppurativa: What is it?
  19. Hidradenitis suppurativa: When does it appear?
  20. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Where can I find support?
  21. Hirsutism
  22. Laser resurfacing
  23. Living better with hidradenitis suppurativa
  24. Managing hidradenitis suppurativa: Early treatment is crucial
  25. Hidradenitis suppurativa-related health risks
  26. Natural acne treatment: What's most effective?
  27. Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best?
  28. Pituitary tumors
  29. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  30. Precocious puberty
  31. Pregnancy acne
  32. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  33. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  34. Reducing the discomfort of hidradenitis suppurativa: Self-care tips
  35. Staying active with hidradenitis suppurativa
  36. Surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa
  37. Treat acne-prone skin with care
  38. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa: Explore your options
  39. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa with antibiotics and hormones
  40. What are the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?