What Causes Breakouts Even With a Good Skincare Routine
You might think a solid skincare routine with cleansers, serums, and creams should keep breakouts away. But pimples can still pop up. This happens because factors outside your routine play a big role in acne.
Hormones are a top cause. They fluctuate during periods, pregnancy, or even stress, telling your skin glands to make more oil. This extra oil clogs pores and leads to breakouts, no matter how well you cleanse.[1][3]
Stress makes it worse. When you feel tense, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that boosts oil production and inflammation. A perfect routine cannot fight this internal trigger.[1]
Diet matters too. Eating lots of dairy, sugar, or greasy foods can spike hormones and oil levels. Sudden changes in what you eat might spark new pimples even if your skin care stays the same.[1][3]
Your surroundings count. Pollution, humidity, or dirty air trap oil and dirt on your skin. These build up fast and clog pores before your routine can handle them.[1][3]
Skincare mistakes sneak in easily. Using products not right for your skin type can irritate or block pores. For example, heavy creams on oily skin add to the problem.[2][4]
Overdoing active ingredients like acids or retinoids dries out your skin too much. This makes glands produce even more oil to compensate, creating a breakout cycle.[2]
Skipping moisturizer is common with oily skin. Without it, your skin barrier weakens, leading to more oil and inflammation. Always hydrate to keep balance.[1][2]
Not waiting long enough hurts results. New products need weeks to work. Switching too soon stops progress and lets breakouts linger.[2]
Makeup can trick you. Non-clogging types are fine, but old products, oily formulas, or dirty brushes trap bacteria and cause pimples. Clean tools and full removal at night help.[1]
Pores clog from oil, dead skin, and bacteria no matter your routine. Gentle care keeps them clear, but internal and external factors often win out.[4]
Sources
https://parlorbeauty.co.uk/acne-prone-skin-myths-that-could-be-making-breakouts-worse/
https://www.omsstore.com/blogs/skin-diseases-and-health-issues/why-your-acne-is-not-going-away-despite-using-products
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/understanding-breakouts-duration-causes-and-solutions/fa87ec38a7e41620ad4048ff675f04d8
https://implora.co.id/have-a-regular-skincare-routine-but-stubborn-acne-heres-the-cause
