Skincare Mistakes That Cause Breakouts

If you’ve been getting random pimples, stubborn acne, or sudden breakouts—even after following a skincare routine—chances are you’re making some hidden skincare mistakes without realizing it. Acne is not always caused by hormones alone; your daily habits, product choices, and application methods can significantly affect your skin.

Here are the top skincare mistakes that cause breakouts, especially common among Indian teenagers and adults. Fixing these small errors can completely transform your skin health and reduce acne.

1. Over-Washing Your Face

Many people with oily skin believe washing their face repeatedly will “control oil”. But over-washing strips your skin’s natural moisture, forcing your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

✔ What to do:

Wash your face twice a day—morning and night. Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser.

2. Skipping Moisturizer Because You Have Oily Skin

This is one of the biggest mistakes. When oily skin is dehydrated, it produces extra oil to compensate.

✔ What to do:

Use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer daily. Hydrated skin = balanced oil.

3. Not Using Sunscreen

Skipping sunscreen can darken acne marks, trigger inflammation, and increase oiliness due to UV damage.

✔ What to do:

Use a non-sticky, gel-based SPF 50 sunscreen like CLARIV Mineral Sunscreen. It protects skin without clogging pores or leaving white cast.

4. Using Too Many Harsh Ingredients Together

Mixing multiple actives—like strong AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and Vitamin C—without guidance can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.

✔ What to do:

Introduce one active at a time. Use balanced serums like CLARIV Anti-Acne Serum, which already combines safe, effective concentrations of Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Azelaic Acid.

5. Not Cleaning Your Phone Screen

Your phone screen carries more bacteria than a toilet seat. When you press it against your face, it transfers dirt and oil—causing breakouts on cheeks and jawline.

✔ What to do:

Sanitize your phone screen daily.

6. Sleeping with Makeup or Sunscreen On

This clogs pores and suffocates your skin, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne.

✔ What to do:

Always double cleanse at night if you wore sunscreen or makeup.

7. Touching Your Face Frequently

Resting your chin on your hand, scratching your face, or popping pimples spreads bacteria and triggers more acne.

✔ What to do:

Avoid touching your face unless cleansing or applying skincare.

8. Using Comedogenic Hair Products

Hair serums, oils, and conditioners often drip onto the forehead and cheeks, causing “pomade acne”.

✔ What to do:

Avoid heavy, oil-based hair products. Keep hair off your face.

9. Not Washing Pillowcases Often

Pillowcases accumulate oil, sweat, dust, and bacteria—all of which clog pores.

✔ What to do:

Change pillowcases every 3–4 days.

10. Using Home Remedies on Active Acne

Toothpaste, lemon juice, turmeric pastes, and baking soda can burn the skin, damage the barrier, and worsen breakouts.

✔ What to do:

Stick to clinically proven ingredients like:

• Salicylic Acid

• Niacinamide

• Azelaic Acid

• Vitamin C

All present in CLARIV serums in safe and effective concentrations.

11. Not Following a Consistent Routine

Trying new products every week confuses your skin and leads to purging or irritation.

✔ What to do:

Follow a simple, consistent routine for at least 6–8 weeks.

12. Over-Exfoliating or Scrubbing Hard

Harsh scrubs damage the skin barrier, leading to inflammation and more acne.

✔ What to do:

Use chemical exfoliants like BHA or Mandelic Acid gently, not more than 1–2 times a week.

The Correct Routine to Prevent Breakouts

Here is a simple routine ideal for Indian acne-prone skin:

Morning (AM)

• Gentle cleanser

• CLARIV Vitamin C Serum

• Gel-based moisturizer

• CLARIV Mineral Sunscreen

Night (PM)

• Cleanser / Double cleanse

• CLARIV Anti-Acne Serum

• Lightweight moisturizer

This routine ensures clear, hydrated, balanced skin with effective acne prevention.

Final Thoughts

Most breakouts can be avoided by correcting a few everyday habits. Over-washing, skipping sunscreen, inconsistent routines, and using harsh products are some of the biggest causes of acne. By making smarter skincare choices—and using science-backed formulations like CLARIV Anti-Acne Serum and CLARIV Mineral Sunscreen—you can achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Remember: Clear skin is not about having more products; it’s about using the right products the right way.