5 Reasons Why Your Acne Products Aren’t Working

Have you been using acne-fighting products for a while now, but not seeing results? Here are some highly possible reasons why your current acne treatment might not be working:

1. You’re using products that are too drying

Most acne-fighting products in the market work by excessively drying out your skin. These types of treatments only provide a short term solution to acne, but does not cure or treat the underlying issue. In fact, what many acne-prone users do is slather these drying products on their entire face, which can leave the skin dehydrated and prone to even more breakouts!

Try switching to a gentler skin care routine consisting of only the basic essentials (cleansing, toner, moisturiser), and instead of using drying lotions or benzoyl peroxide creams, opt for gentler spot treatments like the COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream or Pyunkang Yul Acne Spot Cream, and apply only on affected areas.

2. You are overwashing your face

Having acne does not mean that your skin needs a deep cleanse every few hours! In fact, washing it too frequently can compromise your skin barrier and lead to the skin drying out, which causes it to produce even more oil to compensate, thereby causing additional acne! So remember to be gentle to your skin, and stick to cleansing only once or up to two times a day.

3. You are scrubbing with physical exfoliators

Using harsh scrubs and physical exfoliators on existing breakouts can cause micro-tears, irritate your skin and allow easier access for bacteria to cause acne. To avoid these problems, try using a gentler physical exfoliator like the Neogen Cica Pad, or try a chemical exfoliant like AHA or BHA.

4. You are not moisturising your skin

We’ve said it here over and over again: Moisturising is a crucial part of your skin care routine. When our skin is dry or dehydrated (which is often the case with oily skin types), it feels like it needs to overcompensate, and it does so by producing even more oil! Finding the right moisturiser is even more important especially if you’re already using acne-targeting products like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which have a tendency to dry out the skin.

Related article: The Difference Between Dry or Dehydrated Skin

The COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion, COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream are some great moisturisers for acne-prone skin that will hydrate without making you break out, or leaving you feeling greasy.

5. Your lifestyle is sabotaging its success

No matter how good your acne treatment is, if you’re eating junk food everyday and your stress level is a 15 out of 10, it won’t be as effective because your skin is the reflection of your overall health. Eating right, exercising, and keeping yourself hydrated does not only keep your complexion healthy, but also allows your acne products to do their job more effectively!