Why do I get more acne after changing my skincare routine?

What changed matters

Acne develops when excess oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles, the openings where hair grows. Bacteria can grow inside those blocked follicles and cause inflammation. Skin or hair products that make skin greasy can contribute. But a breakout after a skincare change is not automatically caused by the new bottle: hormone changes, including around periods, can also cause acne.3

Adding an acne treatment can also bring dryness and irritation. Keep the rest of the routine gentle, with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer supporting the skin's protective barrier. A new alcohol based toner can strip natural oils and leave skin dry or irritated; adding more steps is not necessarily an improvement.45

How do I know which new product is causing acne?

1. 1Remove one suspected skincare product for two weeks. Fewer breakouts during that period suggest that product could be contributing.
2. 2Keep other products unchanged during the trial. Removing several products together makes it harder to identify the cause.
3. 3Before adding a new product, apply it to a small area of your face for a week. If there is no itching, burning or breakout, start using it across your face.

Changing one product at a time makes the result easier to interpret, rather than giving every bottle an alibi.1

Check new moisturizers and makeup for "noncomedogenic," meaning less likely to clog pores, and choose options without fragrance or essential oils if irritation is a concern. These labels help narrow the search, but even products labelled not to clog pores can cause acne in some people.12

How long should I wait before changing my routine again?

Give an acne treatment at least four weeks to work. A treatment that works should show some improvement in four to six weeks, while clearing can take two to three months or longer. If acne is improving, continue treatment to help prevent new breakouts. The two week removal trial tests a suspected trigger; it is not the deadline for an acne treatment to clear your skin.12

Follow the product's directions for amount and frequency. If a dermatologist prescribed your routine, follow that plan rather than dropping treatments individually. If there is no improvement after four to six weeks, a second treatment targeting a different cause of acne can help; avoid adding several products together.2

Can changing products too often cause breakouts?

Yes. Switching acne products every few days can irritate skin and cause new breakouts. Too many products can also worsen acne. Wash gently morning and evening and after sweating, rather than repeatedly washing or scrubbing to compensate for more spots.2

Use lukewarm water, gently massage cleanser onto your face and pat dry instead of rubbing.5

When should I get medical help?

Do not keep testing products while acne becomes deep, painful or leaves scars. See a doctor for those symptoms, acne that is not improving with self treatment, or acne affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen and red skin also needs medical assessment because these can be signs of infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.3