Ask The Doctor: Acne & Breakout Breakdown

Dear Dr. Gross,

I have struggled with acne all of my life – I am consistent with my skin regimen, eat all of the fruits and vegetables, and even track how much water I drink with a giant water bottle. I have every lotion and potion known to man that promises to cure my acne woes, but nothing works. HOW am I still breaking out?

Best,

– Broken Out & Broken Hearted

Hi Broken Out & Broken Hearted,

First of all, I am so sorry you are going through this. I know first-hand how self-conscious acne can make you feel. But don’t lose hope! We are going to get to the bottom of this. You mentioned that you have every acne-fighting product in your arsenal so let’s start there.

You know the saying too much of a good thing can be a bad thing? That especially applies to acne. Over-drying and over-stripping the skin of its natural oils can actually make acne worse. The key with acne is to use a product that is going to keep pores clear and also help regulate oil chemistry. 

You are also going to opt for oil-free moisturizers. I also recommend you go through your beauty cabinet and start tossing products that have any of the below ingredients. If any of the below ingredients are listed in the first seven on the ingredient list of a product, it may be making your acne worse. 

Ingredients to Avoid for Acne

• Acetylated lanolin
• Acetylated lanolin alcohol
• Butyl stearate
• D&C red #30
• Decyl oleate
• Isostearyl isostearate
• Isopropyl myristate
• Isostearyl neopentanoate
• Laureth-4
• Laureth-23
• Mink oil
• Myristyl lactate
• Myristyl myristate
• Oleth-3
• Shark liver oil
• Stearic acid: TEA
• Wheat germ glyceride

Good luck and keep me posted on your skincare journey!
Best,
Dr. Gross

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