(and what to do instead)

If you’ve struggled with acne, rosacea, or eczema, chances are you’ve been told to “dry it out,” “scrub it off,” or “just use natural products.” Unfortunately, some of the most popular advice in skincare can quietly make inflammation worse.

Here are 7 common “helpful” tips that can actually harm sensitive or reactive skin — and what really helps instead.

1️⃣ “Use alcohol-based toners to shrink pores”

👉 Reality: Alcohol dehydrates your skin and weakens your barrier, causing more redness and breakouts.

💡 Try Instead: A hydrating toner with Centella Asiatica or Panthenol to calm irritation.

2️⃣ “Skip moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin”

👉 Reality: This leads to dehydration and even more oil production.

💡 Try Instead: A lightweight barrier-repair moisturizer like RUDDI’s Balancing Barrier Cream.

3️⃣ “Witch hazel clears acne fast”

👉 Reality: Most witch hazel formulas contain alcohol, which sensitizes skin.

💡 Try Instead: Azelaic acid or niacinamide to calm redness and balance sebum gently.

4️⃣ “Exfoliate daily for smooth skin”

👉 Reality: Over-exfoliation leads to inflammation, flaking, and stinging.

💡 Try Instead: Gentle exfoliation 1–2x per week with PHA or lactic acid.

5️⃣ “Use hot water to ‘open your pores’”

👉 Reality: Hot water worsens rosacea and eczema by dilating blood vessels.

💡 Try Instead: Lukewarm water and short cleansing times.

6️⃣ “DIY skincare is safer”

👉 Reality: Lemon juice, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar can burn or disrupt the skin barrier.

💡 Try Instead: Professionally formulated, pH-balanced products.

7️⃣ “If it burns, it’s working”

👉 Reality: Burning = barrier damage, not results.

💡 Try Instead: Products that soothe, not sting — like RUDDI’s Redness Control Daily Moisturizer or 5% Vita C + Ceramides For Sensitive Skin

🔸 Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult a dermatologist for persistent or severe skin issues.