Breaking out and don’t know why? Your daily habits might be the culprit!
Breakouts showing up uninvited? We’ve all been there. Sometimes, even the smallest actions can make a big difference — both good and bad. Not to worry though, we’re here to help you figure out what’s helping and what’s hurting!
Best Habits
1. Consistent Cleansing (But Not Over-Cleansing)
Cleansing is the foundation when it comes to acne-prone skin types, but more isn’t always better. Washing your face twice a day helps remove excess oil, dirt and bacteria, but overdoing it can strip the skin of its natural moisture, potentially triggering more breakouts.
The key is to use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser that keeps your skin balanced without being too harsh. We recommend ést.lab’s ActivCalm Gentle Hydrating Cleansing Mousse, an ultra-light foam cleanser infused with calming botanical extracts. It cleanses without stripping your skin’s moisture and is perfect for those who need a gentle cleanse both morning and night!
2. Moisturising – Even if You’re Oily
Think oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser? Think again. Skipping this step can actually backfire — when your skin feels dehydrated, it may produce even more oil, often leading to more breakouts. The trick is choosing the right formulas: lightweight and non-comedogenic.
Use the ést.lab’s PurClear Nano Silver AG+ Essence during the daytime — it calms inflammation and eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Thanks to its botanical extracts, it helps prevent future breakouts like comedonal acne.
Reach for something more hydrating like the ést.lab’s PurClear Multi-Biotic Balancing Cream at nighttime, which strengthens your skin’s barrier and maintains balanced moisture levels. Together, they keep your skin happy and hydrated without feeling greasy.
3. Using Targeted Treatments
When it comes to treating acne, having a consistent routine helps, but sometimes your skin needs a targeted solution. Ingredients like salicylic acid penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, while tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties.
For a fuss-free fix, reach for ést.lab’s PurClear Anti-Acne Serum.This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is formulated with powerful yet gentle actives designed to target blemishes without drying out or irritating the skin. It also contains soothing agents to keep your skin calm and comfortable throughout the healing process. All you have to do is apply it to problem areas after cleansing, and let it work its magic! It’s a targeted solution that fits seamlessly into your daily routine while you go about your day.
4. Staying Consistent with Skincare
In a world of skincare trends and viral product swaps, constantly switching products may be tempting, especially when breakouts don’t clear up right away. But here’s the truth: most acne treatments need about 4–12 weeks of consistent use to show visible results. Changing products too frequently not only interrupts this process but can also confuse your skin, leading to more inflammation and breakouts.
Instead, stick to a simple, well-chosen routine. Once you’ve found products that are well suited to your skin type and concerns, give them time to work! The key? Consistency, patience, and listening to your skin. Trust the process!
5. Sun Protection
If you’re treating acne but skipping sunscreen, your routine is missing a major player! While it may seem unrelated to breakouts, UV exposure can actually make acne worse. UV rays can worsen skin inflammation, increase oil production, and slow down the skin’s healing process. They can also darken post-acne marks, making them more visible and harder to fade.
Some people avoid sunscreen for fear of clogged pores and greasy texture, but the secret is choosing a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic formula that protects without suffocating your skin! ést.lab’s SunShield Aqua SPF 50*** is a great fit — its water-based formula offers high-level protection against UV rays and is great for oily and acne-prone skin. It glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly, allowing your skin to feel protected and breathable all day long.
6. Hands Off Your Face
We’ve all done it — mindlessly resting our face in our hands or attempting to “fix” a pimple by squeezing it. But here’s the thing: every time you pop, pick, or touch your pimples, you risk spreading bacteria, increasing inflammation or causing permanent scarring. Even clean hands contain bacteria and invisible irritants that can clog pores and worsen breakouts. So, no matter how tempting it may be, resist the urge to poke or pick!
Instead of going DIY, leave it to the professionals! Estetica’s 10-Step Customised Facial offers a safe, effective alternative, including a complimentary AI SkinTech analysis and expert extractions tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Our trained estheticians perform gentle and hygienic extractions using targeted tools and soothing products to rebalance and protect your skin. Let the experts take care of your skin so you don’t have to take matters into your own hands (literally!).
Worst Habits
1. Overwashing or Using Harsh Scrubs
It’s a common misconception that scrubbing your skin squeaky clean will keep breakouts away. In reality, overwashing and using harsh scrubs can do more harm than good. Stripping away too much of your skin’s natural oil disrupts your skin’s protective moisture barrier, putting your skin into panic mode and causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. This can end up stimulating your sebaceous glands and triggering breakouts.
Instead of abrasive exfoliants, reach for gentle options designed with sensitive skin in mind. ést.lab’s LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub is a perfect example — formulated with ultra-fine, plant-derived beads that buff away dead skin cells without causing irritation. It is enriched with brightening and soothing ingredients to improve skin tone and texture while keeping your skin barrier smooth, healthy and intact!
2. Skipping Moisturiser
One of the most common mistakes people with oily skin make is skipping moisturiser altogether. It might seem logical to skip moisturiser when your skin is already greasy, but in reality, this can cause your skin to become dehydrated. As a result, your skin can become more sensitive, and ironically, even oiler. Without proper hydration, your skin overcompensates by producing excess sebum. This can lead to clogged pores and more breakouts!
The truth is, all skin types need hydration. The key is using a moisturiser that is lightweight and oil-free! Hydrated skin is calmer, balanced, and better equipped to heal and fight breakouts. Instead of skipping this step, treat it as a vital part of your acne care routine. Clear, balanced skin needs moisturiser too!
3. Layering Too Many Active Ingredients
In the age of skincare trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overloading your skin with too many actives — such as acids, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide all at once. While these ingredients can be effective on their own, combining them without proper guidance can damage your skin and lead to more irritation. Sensitive acne-prone skin doesn’t need a cocktail of harsh treatments, it needs a calm, balanced and consistent routine!
Inflamed, acne-prone skin thrives on simplicity. It’s better to stick with a focused, gentle routine that supports your skin’s healing rather than bombarding it with too many strong ingredients. Choose one or two actives that work well together, introduce them one at a time, and let your skin adjust. Remember, less is often more!
4. Overusing Drying Ingredients
When dealing with breakouts, it is tempting to go all-in with the strongest acne-fighting products you can find. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and alcohol-based toners are effective in moderation, but overloading on these drying ingredients may actually set your skin back. Overusing them can strip your skin of essential moisture and damage its protective barrier. Once this barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more prone to irritation, flaking, and even more breakouts.
Remember that acne treatments should target the problem without harming your skin! If your skin feels tight or starts to peel, it’s a sign you’re overdoing it. Instead of piling on treatments every day, it’s important to find a balance. Try alternating ingredients that support healing and pair them with hydrating products to keep your skin calm!
5. Using Comedogenic Products
One sneaky culprit that might be sabotaging your skin? Comedogenic ingredients — those that clog pores and quietly trigger breakouts. These can be found in any product, from moisturisers to sunscreens to makeup. Even products that seem gentle can contain heavy oils or waxes that trap dirt and bacteria, leading to blackheads or inflamed acne over time.
If you are acne-prone, choosing the wrong product can quietly undo all your hard work. That’s why it is essential to look for labels like “non-comedogenic” or “acne-safe” on your products. These products are specially formulated to avoid pore-clogging ingredients, making them a safer option. The goal is to make smarter choices by replacing hidden culprits with alternatives that encourage healthier skin!
6. Poor Hygiene
You might be doing everything right with your skincare, but if you’re overlooking hygiene, your breakouts might still stick around! Using dirty makeup brushes, oily phone screens, and rarely changing your pillowcases are some of the biggest (and stealthiest) culprits when it comes to triggering acne. They can harbour bacteria and dirt that transfer onto your face.
To keep your skin truly clean, make hygiene part of your routine! For example, makeup brushes that aren’t washed can reintroduce old makeup and oil every time they touch your skin. Remember to wash them at least once a week! Your phone screen, which touches countless surfaces and rests against your cheek, can also be a hotspot for bacteria. Wipe down your phone screen daily (especially if you’re always on the go), so that bacteria won’t transfer to your cheek and jawline! Pillowcases also absorb sweat while you sleep and can press trapped impurities back into your skin. Try to change your pillowcases at least 2–3 times a week, and give your skin a cleaner environment to thrive!
Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight, but your daily habits make a difference. Being aware and choosing the right products can lead to major improvements over time. Stay consistent and treat your skin with gentle care!
Your glow-up with good habits starts now!
In good hands,
Estetica
