acne myths

Busting the Myth: Does Washing Your Face More Often Help Acne?

Busting the Myth: Does Washing Your Face More Often Help Acne?
Busting the Myth: Does Washing Your Face More Often Help Acne?

One of the most common myths about acne is that washing your face frequently can prevent breakouts. It’s easy to see why this misconception persists, after all, acne is often associated with dirt and oil, so it seems logical to think that scrubbing your face more often would keep your skin clearer. However, the reality is far more complex. Not only does over-washing your face not prevent acne, but it can also make the condition worse. Let’s take a closer look at why this is the case and debunk the myth once and for all.

Why Washing Your Face Too Often Can Backfire
Cleansing your face is an essential part of any skincare routine, but doing it too often or too harshly with strong products can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. The skin has a protective barrier made up of natural oils, moisture and beneficial bacteria that help keep it healthy and functioning properly. When you wash your face excessively, you strip away these natural oils, which can lead to several unwanted effects:

Increased Oil Production: Over-washing can signal to your skin that it is too dry and dehydrated. In response, your sebaceous (oil) glands may go into overdrive and produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to more breakouts instead of fewer.

Skin Irritation and Sensitivity: Scrubbing your face multiple times a day, especially with harsh cleansers or exfoliants, can irritate the skin and cause redness, inflammation, stinging and even micro-tears. When the skin is irritated, it is more prone to breakouts and less able to heal existing blemishes.

Compromised Skin Barrier: The outermost layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier that protects against harmful bacteria and environmental pollutants. Over-washing can weaken this barrier, making it easier for bacteria and irritants to penetrate the skin, leading to more acne and other skin problems.  Repairing the skin barrier is the first thing I work on with my clients.

How Often Should You Really Wash Your Face?
The recommended frequency for washing your face is twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. If your skin is particularly oily or you’ve been sweating due to exercise, you can add a gentle cleansing session post-workout. However, more than this is generally unnecessary and can do more harm than good.

When choosing a cleanser, opt for gentle, pH-balanced products that are suitable for your skin type. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based products and scrubbing brushes, as these can exacerbate irritation and dryness.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Breakouts?
Instead of focusing on washing your face more often, aim for a gentle skincare approach that includes:

Consistent Cleansing: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.

Moisturizing: Keep your skin hydrated with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne.

Balanced Diet and Hydration: Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to support overall skin health.

Washing your face more often is not the solution to acne breakouts. In fact, it can make your skin produce more oil, cause irritation and ultimately lead to more blemishes. Stick to a balanced skincare routine and focus on maintaining the health of your skin barrier to achieve clearer, healthier skin. Remember, less is often more, when it comes to caring for acne-prone skin.

Have a fabulous day!

Jean Kelly
Licensed Esthetician
Acne Specialist

Mom's come to me when they've tried everything but their teens acne just won't clear.

PS.
You're invited to join my free Facebook Group "Parents of Teens With Acne", join HERE

If you want to get started right away with some secrets that are easy to implement and don't cost any money, grab the online mini course "Clear Skin Secrets" HERE and start using the secrets today! It's super affordable at only $28 and lots of moms are jumping in before the price goes up.



Meet Jean Kelly -Acne Esthetician

 
I'm Jean Kelly. 
I received my esthetician license in 2012.  I've been working on skin since then learning all I can about rosacea and acne. I took a course to be an acne specialist so I could learn even more and have access to exclusive products.  My kids struggled with acne for years.  My daughter would cry, her face covered in pimples, and beg me "please don't make me go to school".  It was heartbreaking to see her in pain.  We went to doctors and they never tried to find the causes, they only wanted to prescribe medication. .. some with really bad side effects.  One summer she went swimming and came out so sunburn with second degree burns from one of the prescription medications. 
My son's skin wasn't much better.  His was mostly on his neck, chest and back.  We went through the same routing with doctors just prescribing meds.  Nothing helped.
I finally decided I needed to research what causes acne.  I went to school to be an esthetician thinking I could get some answers.  It seemed like everyone was perplexed!  Once I got my license I was able to buy products that only licensed esthetician can buy.  I found a product line that worked great!  My daughter said her face looks it's best when she's using it and I must say she is beautiful!  
I decided my purpose in life was to help others that are struggling with acne, to clear their skin and change their lifestyle to include healthier foods and supplements.
I learned that what is going on inside your body shows up on the outside!  Gut and liver health are an important part of clearing acne along with a good skin care routine.  
             Are you ready to get started clearing your skin?
                                       Jean



If you have a child going through a hard time, I hope that you'll join my free group for parents.  

In my exclusive community we will give you inspiration and and lots of ways to live a more healthy lifestyle. Our focus is not only on helping to clear your teens skin, but also working on their self-esteem, digestion as well as finding the right supplements and foods. 

Just know that you’re not alone and you'll be surrounded by supportive and like minded people!




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