Acne happens when the hair follicles on your skin get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to various types of blemishes like pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and even cysts. While it’s most common during our teenage years, thanks to those lovely hormones, acne can affect us at any age.

Several factors contribute to acne:

• Excess Oil Production
  • Our sebaceous glands can go into overdrive, producing more oil (sebum) than necessary, which clogs pores.
• Hormonal Changes
  • Hormones, especially during puberty or around our menstrual cycles, can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
• Bacteria
  • The bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can grow in clogged hair follicles, leading to inflammation.
• Dead Skin Cell
  • When dead skin cells accumulate, they can mix with sebum and block pores.
• Diet and Stress
  • Certain foods like (greasy or sweet) and stress can make acne worse, although this varies from person to person.

Managing acne requires a gentle and consistent approach. Here are my tried-and-true tips:

• Cleanse Gently
  • Wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. Be gentle – scrubbing too hard can irritate your skin and worsen acne.
• Moisturize
  • Yes, even oily skin needs moisture! Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
  • Need help choosing a moisturizer? Check this post out for a step-by-step guide to finding one that works for your skin type!
• Hands Off
  • Try not to touch your face too much. It’s hard, I know, but it helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and oils from your hands to your face.
• Stay Hydrated
  • Drink lots of water. It keeps your skin hydrated and helps flush out toxins.
• Healthy Diet
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Avoid too much sugar and greasy foods.
• Stress Less
  • Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, exercise, and getting enough sleep. (Helpful tip: journaling has reduced my stress levels significantly, if you’d like to try that out!)

Acne can be a persistent enemy, but with the right approach and products, we can manage it effectively. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to chat with a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and prescription options. Remember, you’re not alone in this – and with these tips, clearer, healthier skin is totally within reach.

Let’s do this together!

Hugs and clear skin,

Sarah