Why Your Acne Is Not Going Away: 7 Mistakes Every Woman Makes That Estheticians Spot Immediately
If you have tried everything for your acne and your skin still looks the same, you are not alone. Almost every woman who comes to Lulu Beauty Spa, whether in person or through a virtual facial, walks in feeling confused, frustrated and honestly a little defeated. They have bought every trending serum, switched products over and over, watched endless skincare videos and still wake up to the same breakouts.
The truth is that most people are doing the right steps in the wrong way. Acne is not stubborn because your skin hates you. Acne is stubborn because it is easy to accidentally make small mistakes that completely block progress.
As an esthetician, I can usually spot these mistakes within minutes of hearing someone describe their routine. They are extremely common and very fixable once you understand why they matter.
If you feel like your acne is stuck no matter what you try, this guide will finally explain why. And if you want help creating a routine that is actually built for your skin, you can call or text 773 870 2816 to ask questions or book a virtual or in person facial.
Let’s get into the mistakes that keep your skin from healing.
Mistake 1: You are Over Cleansing and Destroying Your Skin Barrier
Most women with acne are terrified of oil. They scrub, foam, double cleanse, triple cleanse or use products that leave the skin feeling tight because they think clean and dry equals clear skin.
What actually happens is the opposite.
When you strip the skin, your barrier weakens. A weak barrier becomes inflamed, irritated and vulnerable. Your skin then produces more oil to compensate for the dryness, which leads to more clogged pores and deeper breakouts.
Your cleanser should never leave your face feeling squeaky. It should feel soft and hydrated after cleansing. A healthy barrier is the foundation of clear skin, no matter your age, skin type or acne level.
If you are not sure which cleanser is right for you, this is something we go over in detail during virtual facials because choosing the correct one alone can change your skin within days.
Mistake 2: You are Treating the Wrong Type of Acne
Not all acne is the same. This is one of the biggest reasons women do not see results.
There is bacterial acne which includes whiteheads, inflamed pimples and clogged pores. There is fungal acne which shows up as tiny identical bumps that itch or sit in clusters. There is hormonal acne which tends to appear around the jawline and chin. Each type requires a completely different approach.
If you treat fungal acne with heavy moisturizers or acne actives, it gets worse. If you treat hormonal acne with products only, you may not see progress. If you treat bacterial acne with the wrong strength of acids, you can cause more breakouts.
Misdiagnosis is one of the top reasons acne sticks around for years.
During virtual facials I look at your skin in real time and identify exactly which type you have. This alone saves months of trial and error and prevents you from wasting money on products that do not match your skin.
Mistake 3: You are Using Too Many Actives at Once
This one surprises almost everyone.
People think more is better. More acids, more treatments, more exfoliation and more steps. They expect fast results and end up burning their skin barrier instead.
When your barrier is damaged, acne instantly becomes more stubborn. You may think you are purging when the truth is your skin is inflamed. Over exfoliation is so common that I can spot it instantly just by looking at the texture of someone’s skin on a video call.
Your skin needs a balance between exfoliation and nourishment. If you are using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and exfoliating cleansers together, your skin is probably overwhelmed.
The right treatment routine is usually simpler than you think, and we create this step by step during virtual consultations so you know exactly what to use and when.
Mistake 4: You are Skipping Sunscreen Because You Think It Will Make You Break Out
This is one that almost every acne client admits with embarrassment. They avoid sunscreen because they think it will clog their pores.
The truth is that not wearing sunscreen is one of the fastest ways to worsen acne. Without sunscreen, your skin becomes irritated, dries out, dark spots get darker and inflammation increases. All of these things create more breakouts.
The key is choosing the right sunscreen. A lightweight, non pore clogging formula can change everything and protect your skin while it heals.
If you do not know which sunscreen works for acne prone skin, you are not alone. Most people struggle with this. It is one of the things I recommend personally once I understand your skin type.
Mistake 5: You Keep Switching Products Too Soon
If you are constantly rotating through new products, your skin is in survival mode. Acne products take time to work. Your skin needs consistency.
A lot of women give up on a product after five to seven days. That is not long enough to show results. Even when irritation appears, it does not always mean something is wrong. Some products cause temporary adjustment.
The key is knowing what kind of reaction is normal and what kind is not. This is something that is almost impossible to figure out alone because every skin type is different.
Having a professional tell you what to stick with and what to stop prevents months of confusion and prevents unnecessary breakouts that happen when your routine changes too often.
Mistake 6: You are Trying to Treat Acne Without Looking at the Triggers
You can have the best skincare routine in the world and still struggle with acne if the underlying triggers are not being addressed.
Common triggers include:
• Sweat sitting on the skin after workouts
• Hair products touching the face
• Touching your face throughout the day
• Not washing pillowcases often
• Eating patterns that cause inflammation
• Stress
• Sleep quality
• Hormonal changes
• Wearing tight hats or headbands
• Rubbing your face often
Most women think their acne is only a surface problem, but it is usually a mix of internal and external factors. When we do virtual facials, we go through lifestyle habits in detail so we can identify hidden triggers that may be preventing your skin from improving.
Once those are corrected, your skincare routine becomes much more effective.
Mistake 7: You are Trying to Fix Acne Alone Without Professional Guidance
This is the mistake that keeps acne lingering for years.
Acne is not easy to treat on your own. There are too many factors involved. Without someone to guide you, it becomes a cycle of guessing. You buy more products, try random advice online, apply things out of order and hope something works.
A professional can see things you cannot. We study your skin closely. We notice the patterns. We understand ingredient interactions. We know what your skin needs even before you do.
A virtual facial or in person acne facial gives you clarity, structure and a plan. And a plan is the one thing most people never have when they try to treat acne.
I always tell clients this: you do not need fifty products. You need the right five. And you need someone who can build the routine for you so you can finally get results.
Why Working With a Professional Makes Your Skin Heal Faster
When you work with an esthetician, you cut out months and even years of confusion. You stop wasting money on products that do not match your skin. You stop damaging your barrier. You stop guessing.
During a facial, we clean out congestion, calm inflammation, repair your barrier and select the exact products your skin will respond to. In virtual facials, we go through your routine in detail, analyze your skin on camera and create a day and night plan that fits your lifestyle and your skin type.
Your skin heals faster when the plan is tailored to you.
Ready for Clear Skin The Fastest Way to Start
If you want guidance and a routine built specifically for your skin, you can book a facial at Lulu Beauty Spa in Chicago or schedule a virtual facial from anywhere. Whether your acne is mild, moderate or severe, we can help you understand exactly what your skin needs so you can finally see progress.
You can call or text 773 870 2816 with any questions or to ask which facial is right for you.
You do not have to figure out acne alone. And you do not have to keep trying things that do not work. Your skin can heal with the right routine and the right support.
Book your appointment today so we can start your clear skin plan together.
