When it comes to clearing acne, even the best products won’t deliver results if they’re not used correctly.

Many people unintentionally make simple mistakes that can slow progress, render a product ineffective, or even make their acne worse.

Here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Losing patience and not persisting long enough.

Patience is key when it comes to clearer-looking skin. There is no product that will deliver overnight results, so it’s important to wait at least 6 weeks to gauge whether there has been any improvement. If you then notice positive changes, continue.

2. Trying too many products at the same time. 

Avoid adding more treatments to Dr Mayson’s Anti-Acne Program if you don’t see results within a few days or weeks. Introducing more products could irritate your skin and force you to pause the entire program. Stick to the recommended directions.

3. Over-scrubbing or over-cleansing the skin.

Acne is not caused by unclean skin, so scrubbing or over-cleansing won’t help. In fact, excessive cleansing can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to irritation, redness, sensitivity, and worsening of your acne. Gentle care is key to maintaining healthy skin and managing acne effectively.

4. Using the wrong skincare products and makeup on acne-prone skin.

Occlusive agents in makeup, skincare, and sunscreens can clog pores and worsen acne — and sometimes, even be the sole cause of it. Always choose non-comedogenic skincare products, only use oil-free foundation makeup, and avoid powder compacts which typically contain large-sized oils or other binding agents. Use loose dusting powder instead.

5. Picking and squeezing at pimples.

Squeezing pimples can push the inflammatory contents deeper into the skin and cause acne scarring. Avoid squeezing and allow the pimple to heal naturally.

6. Waiting too long to seek a solution.

Unnecessary delay in seeking a solution can lead to social and psychological issues, not to mention the risk of permanent and disfiguring acne scarring. Early intervention is essential to prevent both skin damage and emotional distress.

7. Over-using, under-using, and 'spot treatments'.

Always follow your product's instructions carefully.

• Over-using won’t speed up results and could cause irritation, redness, or flaking.
• Under-using - like forgetting or stopping too soon - will compromise the results.
• Spot treatments should be avoided. Apply the product to your whole face, not just the areas with pimples because you’re missing the adjacent areas where other pimples could be brewing.

8. Stopping as soon as the skin starts looking clearer.

The key to clearer skin is ongoing maintenance to reduce the chances of future breakouts. Consistent care and following the right skincare advice are essential for achieving and maintaining long-term results. Ongoing use of Dr Mayson's Maintenance Formula after the 3-Phase Program is designed to help maintain your skin's clarity, help fade the appearance of post-acne marks, and help future breakouts.