Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Acne mistakesI take care of my skin, but my acne isn't going away. What am I doing wrong?Updated: 2021-05-04Answer SectionPeople with acne might see better results if they avoid these common skin care mistakes: Using oily products. Avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, moisturizers, sunscreens and acne cover-ups. Prefer products that are water based and not likely to block pores (noncomedogenic). Forgetting to wash your face daily. Problem areas need gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and mild soap. Do this twice a day and after sweating. Being too rough with your skin. Scrubbing too hard or using harsh products such as astringents and masks can worsen acne. Touching your face. Keep your hands, phone and hair away from your face. Too much contact can cause flare-ups. Picking or squeezing pimples. This can cause an infection or scar. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use