You’ve got your skincare shelf stocked with all the right things. You’re double cleansing, you’ve added your serums, you never skip SPF. And yet… your skin is still breaking out.

First off, let me tell you, you’re not alone.

As a dermal clinician and acne specialist, I see this scenario often. Clients who are doing “everything right” but still dealing with breakouts. The truth? A perfect routine on the surface doesn’t always mean your skin is getting what it needs underneath. So let’s unpack some of the most common mistakes I see, and what you can do to actually support your skin.

1. You’re Overdoing It

More isn’t always better. If you’re over-cleansing, exfoliating every day, or layering too many actives like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs, you might be damaging your skin barrier. And when that barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more prone to inflammation, bacteria, and oil imbalance, all of which can worsen acne-prone skin.

Try scaling it back. Gentle is sometimes more powerful. If your skin is inflamed or dry, we need to focus on rebuilding first, not attacking.

2. You’re Treating Acne Like a Surface Issue

Acne isn’t always just a surface issue. It’s often linked to what’s happening inside, think hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, gut health, and diet. These internal factors play a huge role in breakouts, especially for those dealing with hormonal acne.

That’s why in our consultations, and in our upcoming Teen Acne Workshop this July, I take a holistic approach. Because a true acne journey looks at the whole person, not just their cleanser.

3. You’re Reacting to Every Pimple

We’ve all been there: a new pimple pops up, and you’re tempted to throw every treatment at it (or worse, pop it). But reacting impulsively with DIY spot treatments or switching products too often can make things worse.

Give your skin time to respond (ideally 4–6 weeks), before changing up your routine. And when it comes to pimple popping, know that improper extractions can cause bacteria to spread, creating clusters of pimples and scarring.

4. You’re Ignoring the Role of Texture

Not all bumps are breakouts. Sometimes what you’re seeing is skin congestion, dehydration, or sensitivity that mimics acne. If you’re experiencing bumpy skin that doesn’t respond to skin care, it may be time for a professional treatment to get your skin health back on track.

Understanding your skin’s texture is key to getting the right treatment plan.

5. Your Skin Routine Isn’t Right For Your Skin

Your skin is as unique as your fingerprint. A routine that works for your best friend, or that influencer on Tik Tok might be completely wrong for you. Even high-quality products can cause issues if they don’t align with your skin type or environment.

That’s why I always recommend a personalised acne treatment plan. During an acne consultation, we can assess your skin’s needs and create a plan that supports your skin health – instead of sabataging it.

So, what can you do?

Start by simplifying. Allow your skin to return to it’s natural way of functioning. Consider booking a consultation where we can break down your routine and get to the why behind your breakouts. Whether you’re just starting your acne journey or you’ve tried everything, there’s a path forward, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.