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Everyday Habits That Can Trigger Acne & How to Manage Breakouts

June 2025


Small Changes Can Help You Manage Your Acne 

Learn the Everyday Habits That Could Be Causing Breakouts 

Acne can affect people of all ages and skin types. While genetics and hormones do play a role, everyday habits that may go unnoticed can contribute to acne. The good news? Small changes in your routine can lead to clearer, healthier skin. 

Let’s dive into some common acne triggers and what you can do to prevent breakouts. 

Diet & Breakouts:

Your diet has a direct impact on your skin. What you eat, and importantly what you avoid eating, can lead to meaningful changes in your skin health and acne severity. 

How to reduce acne flareups: 

  • Drink plenty of water: Hydration helps maintain a strong skin barrier and improve overall skin health. 
  • Eat a minimally processed, nutrient-rich diet: Processed foods, especially high glycemic index foods like white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks, trigger acne by spiking blood sugar levels and disrupting the gut microbiome, which in turn lead to increased oil production and inflammation in the skin1-6. Whole foods rich in fiber, like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, promote the opposite effects and have been shown to decrease acne severity1-4,7. Consider taking a probiotic, which have recently shown promising results for improving acne8-10. 
  • Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Foods that prevent inflammation like leafy greens, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, and antioxidant-rich green tea and berries can help balance your skin and improve skin health1-3,11-12. Consider taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, which has been associated with improvement in acne in several studies1,3,13 
  • Limit dairy products: Consuming dairy products, especially milk, has been shown in some studies to be associated with acne severity through hormonal and inflammatory pathways4,14-15.  

Stress & Skin: Why It Matters  

Have you ever noticed that your skin breaks out right before a big event? Stress increases cortisol levels, triggering excess oil production and inflammation – a perfect storm for acne16-18. 

Here are some great tips for managing stress to prevent breakouts: 

  • Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress 
  • Get enough sleep – your skin repairs itself overnight! 
  • Exercise regularly to help regulate hormones and improve circulation 

We all experience stress, but practicing stress-management techniques can help you feel more relaxed and reduce the likelihood of a breakout.  

Makeup Mistakes That May Be Clogging Your Pores 

Makeup helps to enhance your look, but certain habits can trap bacteria, oil, and dirt leading to clogged pores and breakouts. 

Common Makeup Mistakes: 

  • Using comedogenic or pore-clogging products that trap oil and bacteria. 
  • Not removing makeup properly before bed.  
  • Using dirty brushes or beauty sponges, which can hold bacteria. 

What to Do Instead: 

  • Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free, and mineral-based makeup products. 
  • Double-cleanse at night to remove makeup and buildup. 
  • Wash makeup brushes and sponges weekly to prevent bacteria buildup. 

Examine Your Skincare Routine for These Common Pitfalls 

A good skincare routine is key, but some products and habits can do more harm than good. 

What to Avoid: 

  • Harsh scrubs & over-exfoliating. Scrubbing and exfoliating too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil. 
  • Heavy creams & certain oils. Thick moisturizers can clog pores, especially if you have acne-prone skin. 
  • Unprotected sun exposure. UV rays can darken acne scars and cause lasting harm if skin isn’t properly shielded. 

What to Do Instead: 

  • Stick to a gentle, consistent skincare routine. 
  • Wash your face twice a day with a mild facial cleanser19. 
  • Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer daily to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores. 
  • Apply SPF every day – even on cloudy days! 

Small, Daily Skincare Habits That Can Make a Big Difference 

  • Avoid touching your face to prevent bacterial transfer. 
  • Clean your phone screen regularly to remove oil and bacteria that can transfer to your skin when in use20. 

Breaking out? Don’t panic! By making simple changes to your diet, skincare routine, and daily habits, you can reduce breakouts and support long-term skin health. 

If your acne persists or worsens despite following these management tips, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for personalized treatment options.