At White Pebble Dermatology, located in Highland, MD and Columbia, MD, we specialize in advanced acne treatments, including personalized skincare plan, microneedling and chemical peels, to help patients achieve clear, healthy skin.
Many of our patients across Howard County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore County are surprised to learn that their everyday habits could be contributing to persistent breakouts. Here are 10 common mistakes that may worsen acne, along with dermatologist-recommended solutions to help you take control of your skin.
- Sleeping in Your Makeup
Leaving makeup on overnight clogs pores and traps dirt and oil, even if the products are labeled "non-comedogenic."
How to fix it: Always remove makeup before bed using a gentle cleanser or non-comedogenic makeup wipes. For patients in Highland and Columbia, where environmental factors can impact skin health, this step is crucial for maintaining clear skin. - Scrubbing Your Skin Too Hard
Scrubbing your face might feel like a good way to deep-clean, but it often irritates the skin, leading to more breakouts.
How to fix it: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser and apply it gently with your fingertips in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. If acne scars or stubborn blemishes persist, consider professional treatments like microneedling, which can improve skin texture and reduce scarring. - Over-Washing Your Face
Washing your face multiple times a day can strip your skin of natural oils, causing irritation and increased oil production.
How to fix it: Cleanse your face twice daily - once in the morning and once before bed. Be sure to wash after sweating heavily, such as after a workout at one of the local gyms in Howard County or Montgomery County. - Using the Wrong Products
Skincare or makeup products containing pore-clogging ingredients can trigger acne.
How to fix it: Choose products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” At White Pebble Dermatology, we also offer professional-grade skincare products tailored for acne-prone skin. For deeper exfoliation and unclogging pores, a chemical peel performed by our dermatologist and dermatology specialist can be a highly effective treatment option. - Popping Pimples
Squeezing blemishes pushes bacteria deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation and risking scars.
How to fix it: Avoid popping pimples! Treat them with over-the-counter acne medication or visit our dermatologist and dermatology specialist in Highland or Columbia, MD, for professional care. For patients dealing with acne scars caused by popping pimples, treatments like microneedling can help restore smoother skin. - Trying Too Many Treatments at Once
Switching between acne treatments too quickly can irritate your skin and delay results.
How to fix it: Stick with one treatment for at least 6-8 weeks before deciding if it works. Remember that full results often take up to 3-4 months. If over-the-counter options aren’t effective, our dermatologist and dermatology specialist offer customized solutions such as chemical peels, which target acne-causing bacteria while rejuvenating the skin. - Applying Acne Medication Only on Visible Blemishes
Spot-treating current breakouts won’t prevent new ones from forming.
How to fix it: Apply a thin layer of acne medication evenly over all acne-prone areas, such as your forehead, nose, and chin. - Drying Out Your Skin
Using harsh astringents or over-applying treatments can leave your skin overly dry and irritated, worsening breakouts.
How to fix it: Use treatments as directed and apply an oil-free moisturizer made for acne-prone skin twice daily. For patients struggling with excessive dryness or irritation from topical treatments, consider consulting us about gentle but effective options like chemical peels. - Rubbing Sweat Off During Workouts
Roughly wiping sweat from your face can irritate your skin and clog pores.
How to fix it: Gently pat sweat away with a clean towel during workouts at fitness centers in Baltimore County, Howard County, or Montgomery County. - Sharing Makeup or Brushes
Sharing makeup tools transfers bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells from one person’s skin to another, leading to clogged pores.
How to fix it: Always use your own makeup and brushes, and clean them regularly to avoid transferring bacteria onto your skin.
Why Choose White Pebble Dermatology?
At White Pebble Dermatology in Highland and Columbia, MD, we offer advanced acne treatments such as microneedling, which stimulates collagen production to improve acne scars and overall texture, as well as professional-strength chemical peels, which exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores for clearer skin. Our personalized care plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We proudly serve patients from across:
- Howard County, including Clarksville and Ellicott City
- Montgomery County, including Rockville and Silver Spring
- Baltimore County, including Catonsville and Towson
If these tips don’t improve your acne after consistent effort, schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologist and dermatology specialist today! You can reach us by phone or text at (443) 535-6616, or visit our website at White Pebble Dermatology for more information or to book an appointment online. With professional care like microneedling or chemical peels, you’ll be on the path toward clearer, healthier skin!
