What Causes Skin to Break Out Despite Clean Products
You switch to all clean skincare products, thinking they will fix your breakouts. Yet pimples keep popping up. Why does this happen? Clean products remove dirt and grime from the surface, but breakouts often start deeper inside your skin or from other factors.
One big reason is hormones. They control oil production in your pores. When hormones shift, like during periods, stress, or puberty, your skin makes extra oil. This oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, leading to acne. Clean products do not touch these internal changes.
Bacteria play a role too. Pores can trap excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. This causes red, inflamed pimples even if you wash gently. Acne is not from poor hygiene. Overwashing strips your skin barrier, making it produce more oil and worsening spots.
Not all products labeled clean are safe for every skin type. Some contain comedogenic ingredients that block pores. These hide in makeup, lotions, sunscreens, or hair products. Even non-comedogenic labels can mislead. Check for pore-clogging oils or butters.
Irritants sneak in too. Fragrances, sulfates, silicones, and dyes trigger sensitivity and inflammation. They make skin react with breakouts, no matter how clean the base formula is.
Outside sources spread bacteria. Dirty makeup brushes, pillowcases, and phones touch your face daily. They build up germs that clog pores. Clean products on your face cannot fight this transfer.
Diet and stress add fuel. High sugar or dairy foods spike hormones. Stress raises cortisol, boosting oil. These internal triggers ignore your skincare routine.
Dry or combo skin gets hit too. It is not just oily types. A weak skin barrier from harsh habits lets bacteria thrive under clean products.
Gentle care helps more than scrubbing. Harsh cleansers damage your barrier, inviting more trouble.
Sources
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.lotusbotanicals.com/blogs/news/common-skincare-mistakes-that-could-be-holding-your-skin-back
https://artofskincare.com/blogs/learn/acne-lesson-1-what-is-acne-and-why-do-i-have-it
https://emani.com/blogs/emani-beauty-blog/causes-of-acne-and-sensitive-skin
https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blogs/article/9-reasons-for-pimples-on-face
