Introduction
If you're dealing with acne—whether just on your face or on your body too—you're not alone. Because facial acne is more visible, many people focus on cleansing and treating their face, while body acne gets less attention. But body breakouts (on back, chest, shoulders) deserve care too.
What makes Truly Clear unique is its fast-acting bar (many users see visible improvement overnight) that works across both face and body. Use it on your facial acne, and for body areas, you can pair it with the Swirl Scrubber (which is designed only for body use). This post digs into 10 reasons acne persists and what you can do to overcome each one.
1. Over‑Drying with Harsh Cleansers or Actives
When you strip your skin barrier too aggressively (via strong foaming cleansers, too many acids, or benzoyl peroxide overuse), your skin may react by producing more oil or getting inflamed.
Fix: Use a gentler cleanser. For example, the Truly Clear One‑Step Acne Bar is plant‑based, uses salicylic acid, and is designed to work on both face and body.
2. Inconsistent Routine or Quitting Too Soon
Many people stop when they don’t see overnight perfection. But skin renewal typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Fix: Commit to a routine for at least 6 weeks. Take before/after photos, track small improvements.
3. Misuse of Acne Patches / Wrong Timing
Patches (hydrocolloid or other types) only help when used correctly. Common mistakes: applying to damp skin, leaving too long, or reusing.
Fix:
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Always use on clean, dry skin
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Use for 6–8 hours (or overnight)
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Do not reuse patches
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Continue cleansing and treatment around the patch
4. Layering Too Many Potent Actives
Combining acids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide all at once can overload your skin.
Fix: Introduce one new active at a time. Let your skin adjust before adding another.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Diet, Stress, Sleep
Acne isn’t just skin-deep. Diet (high sugar, processed foods), chronic stress, poor sleep, and hormonal fluctuations play major roles.
Fix:
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Eat more whole foods, cut down sugar
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Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep
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Use stress management (walking, meditation, etc.)
6. Touching Face / Dirty Surfaces
Your phone, pillowcase, hands pick up bacteria. Touching skin or pressing against surfaces transfers that.
Fix:
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Clean your phone screen daily
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Change pillowcases regularly (1–2× per week)
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Avoid touching your face
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Use clean towels and wash them frequently
7. Using Comedogenic or Heavy Formulas
Even beneficial ingredients can clog pores when delivered via heavy or non‑compatible formulas.
Fix: Always check for “non‑comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” labels. Avoid heavy oils/petrolatum in acne-prone zones.
8. Underlying Conditions (Hormonal, Gut, Cystic Acne)
Sometimes, acne is driven by internal factors: hormones (especially for women), gut imbalance, or cystic types that don’t respond well to surface treatments.
Fix: If acne clusters around jawline or cycle, or won’t improve with good routine, consider seeing a dermatologist or doing lab tests (hormones, gut health, etc.).
9. Neglecting Body Acne Care
Because focus is often on the face, body acne gets ignored. But treating body acne properly helps prevent flare-ups in those areas too.
Fix:
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Use Truly Clear One‑Step Acne Bar throughout face and body
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For body zones only, use the Swirl Scrubber (100% silicone, antimicrobial) to help exfoliate and reduce microbial buildup. See product page: Swirl Scrubber — Silicone Body Scrubber Truly Clear+1
10. Expecting Perfection Before You See Progress
Healing is incremental. Jumping ship too early often means you never see the real gains.
Fix:
Stick with your routine, celebrate small wins, and give it time.
Summary: Reason → Fix Table
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Over‑drying skin | Use gentler cleansers (e.g. Truly Clear Bar) |
| Inconsistent | Commit for 6+ weeks, track progress |
| Patch misuse | Use on dry skin, don’t reuse |
| Too many actives | Add one at a time |
| Lifestyle | Sleep, diet, stress control |
| Touching surfaces | Clean phone, avoid touching face |
| Clogged formulas | Use non-comedogenic products |
| Underlying issues | Explore hormonal/gut health |
| Body acne neglect | Use acne bar + scrubber combo |
| Impatience | Consistency + patience |
FAQs
Q: How long until I see improvement?
A: Most visible change occurs after 4–8 weeks.
Q: Can I use this during my menstrual cycle?
A: Yes, though hormonal fluctuations may slow visible progress—stick with consistency.
Q: Are acne patches safe for all skin types?
A: Yes, if used correctly (clean, dry skin, no reuse, proper duration).
