You’re treating acne wrong as dermatologist shares one thing not to do

A dermatologist has revealed a common “mistake” people continue to make when dealing with spots and breakouts. It’s no secret that most individuals will encounter spots, blackheads or even acne at some stage in their lives, and it’s not just confined to those awkward teenage years.

Many adults are susceptible to breakouts for a multitude of reasons. The NHS advises “women are more likely to have adult acne than men,” attributing this to the regular hormonal fluctuations women undergo at various stages in their lives.

Acne can be provoked by periods and pregnancy, as well as conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.

The NHS also lists certain medications, smoking, diets high in foods that rapidly increase blood glucose levels, and the use of specific cosmetic products as other potential causes of adult acne.

Working out what skincare routine works for you is often a process of trial and error, as what is beneficial for one individual may not necessarily help another. As a result, many people seeking answers turn to dermatologists for advice.

These specialists, who focus on issues related to the skin, hair and nails, diagnose and treat a wide array of skin conditions.

Many dermatologists also share their expertise and professional advice on social media platforms, providing insights into the potential causes – as well as viable solutions – for a range of prevalent skin issues.

One such expert gaining popularity online is Dr Aamna Adel, a dermatologist registrar based in London. She has garnered a dedicated following of over 1.8 million on the popular video-sharing platform, TikTok.

Dr Adel, renowned for her straightforward and effective advice on skincare trends and routines, advocates a whole-body approach to self-care, covering everything from haircare to skin maintenance.

Boasting more than 52.4 million likes across her many video uploads, the esteemed dermatologist recently highlighted a “big mistake” she observes in people attempting to combat acne – and it’s all down to drying out their skin.

In the footage, Dr Adel advised: “Okay, the biggest mistake I see people with breakouts making is this idea that you need to dry out your skin to get rid of your acne.

“Balance is everything when it comes to your skin barrier and getting rid of these little bumps.”

She then went on to praise two products, highlighting one that includes hypochlorous acid, a natural disinfectant known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, ability to speed up healing, and its effectiveness against acne. A variety of hypochlorous acid sprays are widely available for those seeking skincare solutions.

Additionally, Dr Adel extolled the virtues of ingredients such as salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur, azelaic acid, and zinc.

Concluding her message, she reminded viewers: “Remember, effective products don’t need to strip your skin to work.”

In the comments, she added: “The goal is not to dry out your skin if you have acne/breakouts because it will actually make your acne worse.”

Before dabbling with any new skincare products, it’s always wise to perform a patch test to ensure your skin won’t react adversely.

Simply apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area such as your inner forearm or behind your ear and leave it for 24-48 hours to see if any negative reactions occur.

Should you experience any discomfort like itching, burning or blistering, rinse off the product immediately and cease its use. However, if no adverse effects are observed, the product is typically deemed safe for your use.