ACNE

The Worst Things You Can Put on Your Face for Hormonal Acne

May 26, 2021

As a hormonal acne expert and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Zenovia is here to provide top tips and expert knowledge to fight pimples. In this post, she details some products you should never put on your face to avoid hormonal acne breakouts including coconut oil, toothpaste, and hydrogen peroxide.

Coconut Oil

Many people use coconut oil liberally to moisturize and hydrate the skin. It has a cachet however and it's important to know its effects. While this ingredient may be moisturizing in the short run, it is comedogenic and clogs pores. Using coconut oil on the skin can lead to acne papules. In addition, commonly used, popular soaps have coconut oil as an ingredient so be sure to read product labels! Instead, hydrate the skin with a lightweight moisturizer morning and night. Dr. Zenovia’s Aloe Vera Blemish Soothing Moisturizer soothes acne-prone skin, reduces the appearance of redness, and moisturizes the tissue.

Hair Products

A top preventative measure to avoid breakouts is to wash your hair often and avoid hair pomades and styling products. Heavy hair products and hair sprays can clog the hair follicles near the scalp which extends down into the face. Leave-in hair products may also contribute to increased oiliness. If you wish to continue using styling products, gently pat your face with a damp washcloth after applying the product to the hair. Dr. Zenovia also recommends avoiding wearing headbands or headwear that meets the forehead.

Heavy Comedogenic Makeup

Comedogenic makeup can clog the pores and increase acne. Dr. Zenovia, therefore, recommends mineral makeup and powders for oily, acne-prone skin. Formulations with zinc and titanium are best.

Toothpaste

A common rumor is that dabbing some regular toothpaste on pimples can help them clear up overnight. While it’s true that many kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that can help dry out a zit, this trend can do more harm than good. Toothpaste can irritate the skin and possibly lead to a bad skin reaction. Instead, opt for Dr. Zenovia’s 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment to target hormonal flare-ups and reduce redness.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Using hydrogen peroxide as an acne treatment can increase skin redness, itchiness, and pain. When it comes to treating acne, purchase quality topicals or visit a board-certified dermatologist. Skip on the at-home DIY treatments that can cause irritation and lead to more breakouts.

Note from Dr. Zenovia: In addition to avoiding these products, do not pick your pimples! Physically manipulating pimples causes local trauma to the tissue which can lead to scarring. If you really want to pop a juicy whitehead, use my cotton swab method! Simply wash your face with warm water to open up the pores a bit and roll two swabs toward the pimple (rolling into the skin). Never use your nails or needles to pop pimples yourself.