7 Hidden Reasons You Still Have Acne — Even When You’re “Doing Everything Right

Heather Angelo • October 7, 2025

By Heather Angelo, Licensed Esthetician & Acne Specialist
Quiet Waters Esthetics | Annapolis, MD

💬 You’re Not Alone — and it’s not your fault.

If you’ve tried every product, changed your diet, and still wake up to new breakouts, you’re not doing anything “wrong.”

The truth is, acne isn’t just a surface issue — it’s your skin trying to communicate imbalance.
Let’s uncover what might be getting in the way of your clear-skin journey.


You’re Over-Cleansing or Using Harsh Scrubs

When your skin feels oily or congested, it’s tempting to wash more often or use gritty scrubs. But over-cleansing strips your barrier and causes more oil production.  We want to strengthen, not tear down!


Try this instead:
Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser twice a day. Skip scrubs; use mild chemical exfoliants like mandelic or salicylic acid.


“Clean Beauty” Products That Clog Pores

Many natural or organic products contain heavy oils like coconut, cocoa butter, or shea — all highly comedogenic.

Look for:
“Non-comedogenic,” “acne-safe,” or “oil-free” on labels.  I like using NYC Acne clinic ingredient tool to check ingredients.  https://acneclinicnyc.com/pore-clogging-ingredients/


Hormones & Stress

Acne most commonly begins during puberty, typically between the ages of 10 and 13, although it can start earlier or later for some individuals. The onset is strongly influenced by hormonal changes that occur during this stage of development, particularly the rise in androgen levels, which leads to increased sebum (oil) production and skin cell turnover.

While puberty is the most common time for acne to develop, it can also appear at other life stages:

  • In Early Childhood: Some infants experience a temporary form of acne known as neonatal acne, which usually resolves on its own without treatment.
  • In Young Adults: Acne may persist through the late teens and twenties, and in some individuals, into their thirties or beyond.
  • Hormonal Fluctuations in Adults: Acne can also be triggered by hormonal shifts related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Use:  Exfoliants and retinoids to help with skin cell turnover so with the excess oil pores are cleared to stop dead skin blockages which then are a breeding ground for bacteria.


You’re Skipping Moisturizer

Dehydrated skin = overproduction of oil. Moisturizer is not your enemy.

Use:
A lightweight, oil-free formula. 


You’re Touching or Picking Your Skin

Picking adds bacteria and inflammation, often causing dark spots and scarring.

Try:
Hands off, use acne spot patches to cover blemishes and access is limited!  Also use sulphur spot treatments.


Pillowcases, Towels, and Phones

Small habits make big differences. Dirty fabrics and phones can keep breakouts going.

Simple swaps:

  • Change pillowcases 2–3 times a week
  • Use clean white towels
  • Sanitize your phone daily


You Haven’t Had a Professional Acne Consultation Yet

Even the best home routine can only go so far.

A professional acne specialist can identify your acne type, triggers, and the right combination of treatments for your skin.


👉 Ready to stop guessing?


Book your Acne Healing Consultation and get a personalized plan to calm, balance, and clear your skin.


📍 Millersville, Maryland
Book Your Acne Consultation Now


Final Thought

Healing acne isn’t about perfection — it’s about patience, education, and consistency.
At Quiet Waters Esthetics, we’re here to help you rebuild your confidence and finally love your skin again.

Unlock Clear Skin: The Power of Niacinamide for Acne Treatments

By Heather Angelo • December 17, 2024
Achieving clear skin can often feel like an uphill battle, but with niacinamide for acne treatments, you're not alone in your journey to a glowing complexion. This powerhouse skincare ingredient, also known as vitamin B3, is celebrated for its ability to reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and regulate oil production. These benefits make it a go-to solution for those battling persistent breakouts. Whether you're a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, incorporating niacinamide into your routine can be a game-changer. Gentle yet effective, it offers a promising solution for achieving clear, healthy skin. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of niacinamide for acne, share expert insights, and provide practical tips to help you unlock the radiant skin you deserve. Let’s embark on this skin-loving journey together and embrace the confidence that comes with a blemish-free complexion.

Understanding Corneotherapy: A Key to Healthy, Resilient Skin

By Heather Angelo • December 2, 2024
Understanding Corneotherapy: The Key to Healthy, Resilient Skin If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you’ve likely heard about everything from exfoliation to resurfacing treatments promising quick results. But have you ever wondered if these approaches could be doing more harm than good? Enter corneotherapy, a skincare philosophy that’s all about nurturing your skin for long-term health. Rather than aggressively stripping or resurfacing, corneotherapy focuses on protecting and supporting the outermost layer of your skin—the skin barrier. This approach promotes sustainable, radiant skin without relying on quick fixes that often come with downsides. The Skin Barrier: Your Skin’s First Line of Defense Let’s start with the basics. The skin barrier is your skin’s protective shield. Its main jobs? 1. Keeping irritants, bacteria, and pollutants out. 2. Locking moisture in. This barrier is made up of flat skin cells called corneocytes , surrounded by a mixture of natural fats and oils called lipids. Together, they form a structure often compared to a brick wall, where the corneocytes are the bricks, and the lipids are the mortar holding everything together. Here’s a fun fact: those corneocytes don’t start out that way. They begin their lives much deeper in the skin as nutrient-rich cells called keratinocytes , which are influenced by your internal health, diet, and hydration levels. As they move to the surface, they transform into corneocytes and form the skin barrier.
A woman is smiling while applying a serum to her face.

What Are Retinoids, and Why Are They So Popular?

By Heather Angelo • November 11, 2024
Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right retinoid. If you've ever found yourself wondering what the difference is between retinol, retinal, and granactive retinoid—or if any of them are even right for you—you're not alone! Retinoids are among the most powerful ingredients for acne treatment and anti-aging, yet they vary widely in strength and effect. Let's break down everything you need to know about retinoids, so you can confidently select the one that fits your skincare needs. Retinoid vs. Retinol: What’s the Difference? You might see the terms "retinoid" and "retinol" used interchangeably, but there’s a difference. "Retinoid" is an umbrella term for all vitamin A-based ingredients that work on skin receptors. Retinol is just one type of retinoid. Other types include retinal, tretinoin, adapalene, and retinyl palmitate. How Do Retinoids Vary in Strength? Retinoids range in strength, which affects how intense they are on the skin. Here’s a simple rundown: - Milder retinoids, like retinyl palmitate, are low in potency and often work more gently on the skin. - Retinoic acid is the strongest option available and can directly act on the skin’s receptors without needing conversion. The main thing to remember is that most retinoids have to convert into retinoic acid to work. The more conversion steps required, the lower the potency. So, a gentler retinoid might be best for sensitive skin, while stronger options may be more effective for people with tougher skin concerns. Choosing the Right Retinoid for You Whether you’re dealing with acne, fine lines, or uneven skin tone, there’s likely a retinoid that can help. It’s just about finding the strength and type that best suits your skin’s needs. So take your time, and don’t worry—retinoids can be a powerful addition to your routine with the right fit!

Environmental Factors Affecting Acneic Skin

By Heather Angelo • October 31, 2024
How Sun, Pollution, and Climate Impact Acne-Prone Skin—and Expert Tips for Protection
Girl with glowing skin

The Ultimate Guide to Kangen Water Benefits: From Digestion to Glowing Skin

By Heather Angelo • October 30, 2024
Kangen water benefits skin health in remarkable ways. Its antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair, resulting in clearer and more radiant skin.
girl drinking water

Transform Your Wellness Routine with Kangen Water: A Holistic Approach to Health

By Heather Angelo • October 25, 2024
In today's fast-paced world, where wellness and self-care have become paramount, integrating Kangen water into your daily routine can be a game-changer. Known for its hydrogen-rich content and ionized alkalinity, Kangen water offers a plethora of benefits that can transform your health journey. From neutralizing harmful free radicals to enhancing hydration, the advantages of an ionized water machine Kangen are profound. Many individuals have reported experiencing increased energy levels, improved skin health, and better digestion after incorporating Kangen water into their lives. As you explore the potential of hydrogen-rich water, you'll find that it’s not just a beverage—it's a step towards a more holistic approach to well-being. 
woman drinking water

What is Kangen Water?

By Heather Angelo • October 23, 2024
Discover the benefits of Kangen Water, a hydrogen-rich ionized alkaline water produced through an FDA-approved medical device via electrolysis. This innovative process separates water into acidic and alkaline components, resulting in water with a pH range of 8.5 to 9.5, known for its health benefits.

The Impact of Free Radicals: Understanding the Hidden Dangers to Our Health

By Heather Angelo • October 23, 2024
Exploring How Unstable Molecules Contribute to Cellular Damage, Chronic Diseases, and Aging – And How Antioxidants Can Help

Conquering Acne: Navigating Treatment Options When Professional Help Isn't an Option

By Heather Angelo • October 17, 2024
Explore Effective Over-the-Counter Solutions for Acne Management Amid Financial and Time Constraints 
benzoyl peroxide package

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work?

By Heather Angelo • October 14, 2024
Discover the benefits of benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment. Learn how this effective medication works to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores. Explore its properties, potential side effects, and the importance of pairing it with antioxidants for optimal skin health.