Why Breakouts Can Worsen With Over Cleansing
Many people think washing their face more often will clear up acne faster. They grab the cleanser and scrub hard, hoping to wipe away dirt and oil. But this approach often backfires. Over cleansing strips away the skin’s natural protective layer, called the skin barrier. Without it, skin gets dry, irritated, and inflamed. This triggers glands to produce even more oil to compensate, clogging pores and leading to worse breakouts.
The skin barrier acts like a shield. It keeps out harmful bacteria and holds in moisture. Harsh scrubbing or washing too many times a day damages this shield. Bacteria like C. acnes, which thrive in clogged pores, multiply faster when the skin is vulnerable. Inflammation rises, turning small pimples into red, tender bumps or cysts. Over time, this cycle makes acne harder to control.
Gentle cleansing works better. Wash twice a day with a mild product. Avoid scrubs or strong soaps that feel like they are deep cleaning but actually cause harm. Double cleansing, often used to remove makeup, can overstrip skin if done wrong, especially with heavy balms. Pore-clogging ingredients in some cleansers trap oil and bacteria, adding to the problem.
Hormones, stress, and diet play roles in acne too. But over washing ignores these root causes and focuses only on the surface. Itchy clusters or spots that do not improve with extra cleaning might signal other issues, like fungal acne, not just poor hygiene. Acne comes from oil, dead cells, bacteria, and swelling inside pores, not lack of cleanliness.
Stick to a simple routine. Cleanse softly, moisturize to support the barrier, and use targeted treatments if needed. This keeps skin balanced without the rebound effect from overdoing it.
Sources
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/02px_4EU0dI
https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/adult-acne-causes-treatments/
https://drsambunting.com/en-us/blogs/sam-bunting/how-to-fix-adult-acne
