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The Complete Acne Guide: Causes, Types & How to Treat It Properly

Acne isn’t random. It isn’t “dirty skin.” And it’s not just a teenage phase.

Acne is a disruption in how your skin renews, sheds, and regulates oil — layered with inflammation and bacteria.

If you understand that, your entire routine changes.

What Acne Actually Is

Acne forms when:

  • Dead skin cells don’t shed properly
  • Oil (sebum) builds up inside the pore
  • Bacteria multiply in that trapped environment
  • Inflammation follows

Most treatments obsess over oil. Very few address the full cycle.

And if you don’t address the full cycle, acne keeps coming back.

Why Acne Happens

Acne is rarely caused by one thing. It’s usually a combination of:

1) Slower Cell Shedding

When dead skin lingers, pores clog more easily. This is why strategic exfoliation matters.

2) Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones can increase oil production. More oil + poor exfoliation = congestion.

This affects teens, adults, athletes, perimenopausal women — and anyone under prolonged stress.

3) Inflammation

Inflamed skin heals slower and leaves more marks. Reducing inflammation is just as important as killing bacteria.

4) Friction & Occlusion

Tight clothing, hats, helmets, workout gear, and heavy creams can trap sweat and oil — which triggers breakouts.

5) Product Buildup

Layering occlusive products without proper exfoliation leads to congestion.

Types of Acne (In Plain English)

Clogged-Pore Acne

This looks like blackheads and whiteheads. It’s mainly congestion — dead skin + oil trapped in the pore.

Inflamed Acne

This is the red, swollen, painful kind. It may look like:

  • Tender bumps under the skin
  • White-tipped pimples
  • Deep jawline breakouts
  • Large, sore cyst-like lesions

This isn’t just clogged pores. It’s bacteria + inflammation. Drying it out won’t fix it.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Dark Marks)

This is the dark spot left behind after a breakout — or after picking or an injury.

It is not a scar. It’s excess pigment produced during healing.

To fade it:

  • Exfoliate consistently
  • Use ingredients that support healthy renewal
  • Wear SPF daily so marks don’t darken

Acne Scars

Scars are structural damage.

When inflammation is deep and prolonged, it damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that keep skin firm and smooth.

  • Collagen gives skin structure
  • Elastin gives skin bounce

When those fibers break down, skin can form indentations (pitting) and uneven texture.

Surface exfoliation won’t fix that. Scars require collagen stimulation — like microneedling.

Why Most Acne Routines Fail

Most acne routines focus on one thing: drying the skin out.

Over-cleansing. Over-exfoliating. Harsh spot treatments. Stripping toners.

This weakens the barrier.

A damaged barrier often produces more oil — and breaks out more easily.

The Real Acne Strategy

The real strategy is:

  • Kill acne-causing bacteria
  • Remove the dead skin that clogs pores
  • Calm inflammation
  • Support healing
  • Protect and repair the barrier

Exfoliation is not optional for acne-prone skin.

Peels are one of the most effective ways to treat acne because they help remove congestion, reduce oil, and support fading of dark marks — in one step.

A Simple Acne System (AM +amp; PM)

Morning

  1. Gentle cleanse (link: Prebiotic Gel Cleanser)
  2. EGF serum (link: EGF Activating Serum)
  3. Moisturizer with antioxidants, ceramides, and squalane (link: Microbiome Moisturizer)
  4. Broad-spectrum SPF

Moisturizer is not optional — even if you’re oily. A barrier-supporting formula helps regulate oil and protect skin under SPF.

Evening

  1. Cleanse
  2. High Frequency (daily) (link: High Frequency Acne Device)
  3. TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel (3–5x per week) (link: TCA Multi Acid Face Peel)
  4. Retinol or prescription retin-A (if tolerated) (link: Advanced Retinol Serum)
  5. EGF serum
  6. Moisturizer

High frequency reduces bacteria and inflammation. Peels treat congestion at the source. Retinoids support renewal. Moisturizer seals and protects the barrier.

Consistency beats intensity.

Acne on the Body (Back, Chest, Shoulders, Bikini Line)

Body acne is extremely common — and it includes breakouts on the back, chest, shoulders, bikini line, hairline, and even the scalp.

Recommended approach:

  • High Frequency daily on affected areas (link: High Frequency Acne Device)
  • Body Peel 2x per week (link: Multi Acid TCA Body Peel)
  • Retinol or retin-A in the evening to enhance results (link: Advanced Retinol Serum)
  • Apply hydrating serum after the peel (link: Body Serum)
  • Finish with a moisturizer with ceramides and squalane to seal and protect the barrier

Peels are one of the best ways to treat acne because they help dissolve pore-clogging buildup. High frequency reduces bacteria and inflammation. Retinoids support renewal and healing. Barrier support keeps skin stable.

How Long Does Acne Take to Clear?

It depends on:

  • The type of acne
  • How inflamed it is
  • How long you’ve had it
  • Whether scarring is involved
  • How consistent you are

Mild congestion may improve within weeks. Deep, long-standing cystic acne takes longer — especially if it has been cycling for months or years.

In general, the longer acne has been present, the longer it can take to fully calm and correct.

Acne doesn’t disappear overnight. But it can absolutely be managed with the right strategy.

Acne Habits That Matter More Than You Think

  • Remove makeup before workouts: Wearing makeup while sweating traps oil and debris inside pores.
  • Change out of sweaty clothes immediately: Tight, damp fabrics + friction can trigger acne mechanica on the chest, back, and shoulders.
  • Rinse conditioner before cleansing: Conditioner residue can clog pores — especially on the back, shoulders, and hairline.
  • Change pillowcases every 1–2 nights: Don’t sleep on bacteria and oil buildup.
  • Disinfect devices daily: Phones, keyboards, remotes — anything you touch can transfer bacteria back onto skin.
  • Double cleanse at night: First remove makeup/SPF (link: Jojoba Oil), then cleanse (link: Prebiotic Gel Cleanser).
  • Skip harsh scrubs: Use controlled exfoliation instead (link: TCA Multi Acid Face Peel).
  • Don’t skip moisturizer: Barrier support helps regulate oil and reduce sensitivity (link: Microbiome Moisturizer).

Does Dairy Cause Acne?

Dairy contains natural hormones that can stimulate oil production and inflammation — especially in acne-prone individuals.

If you struggle with breakouts, avoid cow’s milk and traditional dairy.

Instead choose:

  • Almond milk
  • Oat milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Goat or sheep cheese (if tolerated)

Does Exfoliating Thin the Skin?

No. Proper exfoliation removes dead skin that clogs pores and traps oil. It does not thin healthy skin.

For acne-prone skin, multi-acid peels are ideal because they can:

  • Dissolve congestion
  • Reduce oil
  • Help fade dark marks
  • Treat acne at the same time

Over-exfoliation is the problem — not exfoliation itself.

FAQs

Is acne always hormonal?

Hormones often influence oil production, but exfoliation, inflammation, product buildup, and lifestyle habits play major roles too.

Can teens use high frequency?

Yes. High frequency is safe when used properly and helps reduce acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation.

What’s the difference between acne scars and dark spots?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the dark mark left behind after a breakout. It fades with consistent exfoliation and sun protection.

Scars are collagen and elastin damage that creates texture changes like pitting. Scars require collagen stimulation (like microneedling) to improve.