The mistake of using cleansing oil every day can cause acne.

Many people with oily skin have a habit of using cleansing oil daily hoping for a more thorough cleanse, but according to dermatologists, this method can clog pores and cause acne if used inappropriately.

Dr. Phan Minh Doan, MD, MSc, from the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, stated at the “Understanding Correctly – Living Healthy – Being Confident in Yourself” program organized by the hospital on July 30th that choosing the wrong cleansing product is one of the common mistakes made by people with oily skin.

According to the doctor, people with oily skin should prioritize water-based makeup removers when only using sunscreen, foundation, or light makeup. Oil or balm cleansers are more suitable for heavy makeup with multiple layers of foundation, powder, cushion, and concealer.

“You shouldn’t use oil-based makeup remover every day,” the doctor said, arguing that for oily skin, using this product too frequently can clog pores and easily cause acne. When heavy makeup isn’t necessary, a light foundation should be prioritized to reduce the amount of cosmetics on the skin.

Besides cleansing, people with oily skin also need to choose suitable moisturizing products. In hot weather, when the skin sweats more, gel or lotion moisturizers may be preferred; in dry weather, cream-based products may be more suitable. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose products designed for this skin type.

According to doctors, skincare doesn’t necessarily need to involve too many steps. During the day, the three basic steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. In the evening, if you don’t have much time, just cleanse and moisturize; steps like toner, serum, or treatment can be added as needed.

For sunscreen, choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher and protection against UVA and UVB rays. When going to the beach or swimming, prioritize a water-resistant type. Doctors say the amount of sunscreen needed for the entire face is about a fingertip’s worth.

(Consultation from a dermatologist at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital.) Photo: Provided by the hospital

Besides skincare habits, acne can also be related to hormones. According to Dr. Doan, people using testosterone, including some transgender men, may experience more acne, usually on the lower third of the face, chest, back, and upper arms. The acne tends to be inflammatory, possibly accompanied by pustules or cysts.

This condition is usually more pronounced in the first one to two years of testosterone use and may then gradually subside. Patients can still treat acne with appropriate methods and should not stop hormone therapy on their own.

The doctor advises against waiting until inflammatory acne spreads before treatment, because the more damage there is, the more likely it is to leave pitted scars, and treating scars is more difficult than controlling acne early on.

Another issue is that many people tend to use too many products, thinking that more steps are better. However, not everyone needs the same routine. With retinol, first-time users should start slowly, monitor their skin’s reaction, and gradually increase the dosage as their skin adapts. Moisturizing before and after applying retinol is recommended, and avoid using it concurrently with AHAs and BHAs to minimize irritation. If skin becomes red or irritated, reduce or stop use instead of continuing.

According to Dr. Doan, effective skincare isn’t about using as many products as possible, but rather about understanding your skin’s characteristics, choosing suitable products, and addressing problems early.

“Beautiful skin is 50% genetics, but 50% is lifestyle habits,” the doctor shared when asked whether skin beauty depends on genetics or skincare.