Can over-cleansing the skin worsen acne?

Over-cleansing the skin can indeed worsen acne primarily because it strips away the natural oils that the skin produces. The skin's natural oils serve several important functions, including protecting the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss. When the skin is excessively cleansed, particularly with harsh cleansers, it can lead to irritation and dryness. In response, the skin may produce even more oil to compensate for this loss, potentially resulting in clogged pores and an increased likelihood of breakouts.

Additionally, stripping away too many natural oils can compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to bacteria and environmental irritants, which can further exacerbate acne. Therefore, maintaining a balance in cleansing is essential for healthy skin and effective acne management.

While other options suggest possible outcomes of over-cleansing, they do not capture the primary and most commonly recognized consequences. For instance, preventing hydration and claiming that there is no effect are not comprehensive enough to encompass the primary reasons why over-cleansing negatively impacts acne-prone skin.