Top 10 Acne Tips That Actually Work

Still breaking out even with a skincare routine? These 10 acne tips go beyond products—covering daily habits, smart cleansing, and lifestyle shifts that make a real difference.

Why You’re Still Breaking Out

Even if you're using all the right products, acne can stick around. Why? Because clear skin takes more than skincare—it takes smarter daily habits. Acne-causing bacteria, conditioner buildup, dirty tools, and even your pillowcase might be working against you.

These tips are easy to implement and designed to work alongside your skincare routine to reduce breakouts and support clearer skin.

Top Acne Tips That Work

1. Clean Your Makeup Brushes (and Your Bag)
   Wash your brushes and sponges weekly with warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to clean your makeup bag too—bacterias love dark, damp spaces.
2. Rinse Conditioner Before Cleansing Your Skin
   Conditioner often contains silicones that clog pores. Always rinse conditioner first, then wash your face and body to remove leftover residue. This tip is especially helpful if you're breaking out on your back, shoulders, or hairline.
3. Change Pillowcases & Towels Often
   Your skin sheds oil while you sleep. If you're sleeping on a dirty pillowcase, you're just introducing bacteria back onto your skin all night. Change pillowcases every 1–2 nights and always use a clean towel to dry your face.
4. Disinfect All Your Devices Daily
   Phones, keyboards, remotes—you touch your face more than you realize. Wipe down anything your hands touch with disinfectant wipes to stop the transfer of acne-causing bacteria.
5. Double Cleanse Every Night
   One cleanse isn’t always enough.
   • First: Use jojoba oil to break down makeup/SPF
   • Second: Use the Prebiotic Gel Cleanser to wash away impurities
   This method clears clogged pores without stripping your skin.
6. Exfoliate the Right Way
   Skip the harsh scrubs. Use a TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel 3–5x/week to gently dissolve dead skin and bacteria. For extra glow and better product absorption, dermaplane before your peel once a week.
   Looking for something gentler? Use the Dual Enzyme Clay Mask weekly—it's safe for sensitive or pregnancy-prone skin.
7. Use a High Frequency Device (Daily)
   This tool sends oxygen into your pores to zap acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation. Use daily after cleansing and before applying your peel or serums. It works on active pimples and prevents future breakouts.
8. Add a Treatment Serum
   Boost your routine with a targeted treatment.
   • Try our Advanced Retinol Serum with granactive retinoid—it helps prevent breakouts, fade dark spots, and support skin turnover without irritation or flaking.
   • Prefer something gentler? Use EGF Activating Serum daily to speed healing, calm redness, and keep skin clear.
9. Stop Eating Dairy
   Dairy contains natural hormones that spike oil production and worsen breakouts. Stop all dairy (yes, even organic). Switch to oat or almond milk, and if needed, choose goat or sheep cheese.
10. Always Apply SPF
    Sun makes acne worse and darkens post-breakout marks. Wear SPF 30+ daily—even if you’re indoors. No excuses.
11. Don’t Skip Moisturizer—Even If You’re Oily
    When skin is dry, it produces more oil. Moisturizer helps regulate oil production and strengthens your skin barrier. Our Microbiome Moisturizer contains a prebiotic complex to balance bacteria and reduce sensitivity.

FAQs

Q: Should I double cleanse if I don’t wear makeup?
Yes—SPF and pollution can still build up on your skin. Oil cleansing removes residue your regular cleanser can’t.

Q: How often should I dermaplane or exfoliate?
Dermaplane once a week. Use a chemical peel like our TCA Multi-Acid Peel 3–5x/week depending on your skin’s tolerance.

Q: Do I need to use high frequency every day?
For active acne, yes. It’s safe to use daily and can be your most powerful tool for keeping skin calm and clear.

Q: What if my skin is oily—won’t moisturizer make it worse?
Nope. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger more oil. Choose a lightweight, barrier-supporting formula like our Microbiome Moisturizer.

Q: Can I still break out from “clean” or “natural” products?
Yes. Even natural ingredients can clog pores or irritate your skin. It’s all about what your skin can tolerate.

Products That Support These Tips

• Prebiotic Gel Cleanser Product page
• TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel Product page
• High Frequency Acne Device Product page
• Advanced Retinol Serum Product page
• EGF Activating Serum
• Microbiome Moisturizer Product page