Acne Triggers: Understanding and Managing Breakouts

Many people decide to become an esthetician because of their own personal struggles with acne. My journey began in middle school, when my hormones started to change. Suddenly, I was dealing with tiny bumps all over my skin, unsure of how to fix them. I spent hours in front of a mirror picking at my skin with extraction tools, believing that once the bump was gone, I could cover up the redness and scars with makeup. But as many of you may have experienced, picking at those tiny bumps only turned them into bigger cysts or pimples. Some of the scars I created back then still linger today and may never fully heal.

I tried everything: Stridex pads, alcohol, moisturizers, masks—yet nothing provided long-term relief. Acne has been an ongoing struggle for me, one I still face daily. Personally, I deal more with non-inflamed acne, but it’s important to recognize that you don’t need to have cystic acne to feel frustrated by your skin. Everyone has their own version of "the worst my skin has ever looked." Acne affects everyone differently, and it's essential to acknowledge how it impacts your confidence, no matter the severity.

When I started esthetician school, I gained a deeper understanding of how acne forms and how we can prevent and control it.

 Acne Can Be Controlled, Not Cured

Acne is genetic, which means it can't be fully cured, only managed. If someone in your family has struggled with acne, there's a good chance you will, too. One of the main contributors is hyperkeratosis, a condition where the skin cells shed at a rate five times faster than normal. When you combine this with oil, sweat, dirt, and bacteria, acne forms. However, there are steps we can take to regulate these factors through skincare, diet, and lifestyle changes. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s crucial to find the routine that works for you.

Skincare Regimens

Skincare is one of the most powerful tools we have to manage acne. In fact, I would argue that skincare is even more important than in-office treatments, especially when it comes to long-term acne control. It can be overwhelming to create a regimen on your own without expert guidance, which is why consulting with a skincare professional or acne specialist is essential.

An effective skincare regimen for acne typically includes a gentle cleanser, exfoliant, serum, and treatment products like retinoids. Since acne-prone skin sheds layers more quickly than normal skin, exfoliation is key to preventing clogged pores. Popular products I recommend include a Barrier Balance Cleanser, Mandelic Serum, and Acne Med, but the specific products and strengths should be customized to your unique skin type and acne concerns. If you’re struggling with acne, book a free consultation with me to get started on a regimen tailored to your needs!

Diet

I believe diet is the most important factor in controlling acne. Inflammation plays a huge role in the formation of acne lesions, and this inflammation often begins in the gut. Our skin and gut are closely connected, so when your skin acts up, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right inside your body.

Hormones are another major factor, and diet has a direct influence on hormone balance. The foods you eat can either reduce or contribute to inflammation, and everyone’s acne triggers are different. A great way to discover your specific triggers is through a food allergy test or hair scan. This way, you don’t have to guess or cut out common acne triggers without knowing for sure. Some of the most common acne-triggering foods include eggs, peanuts, dairy, gluten, whey protein, B12, biotin, soy, iodized salt, seafood, and sugar.

On the other hand, foods that help reduce inflammation and improve skin health include zinc-rich foods, probiotics, freshwater fish, Vitamin C, Brazil nuts, green tea, walnuts, spinach, and oat milk. If you notice breakouts after eating certain foods, try keeping a food diary to track potential triggers. Clear Skin Restore and Clear Skin Balance are supplements that Face Reality specifically designed for acne prone skin. They include all of the ingredients that you want to reduce inflammation and breakouts.

Lifestyle

Small changes in your daily routine can also make a big difference in preventing breakouts. Here are a few simple adjustments you can make:

- Brush your teeth before you wash your face, as toothpaste residue can irritate your skin.

- Use a Clean Skin Club Towel or other disposable towel to dry your face instead of a washcloth, which can harbor bacteria.

- Opt for unscented, gentle laundry detergents to avoid irritating fragrances.

- Wash your face after rinsing out shampoo and conditioner, as these products can leave pore-clogging residue on your skin.

Other good habits include changing your pillowcase frequently and cleaning your phone regularly—both can be sources of bacteria that contribute to acne.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Working with an acne expert is key to understanding your specific acne triggers and creating a customized plan for managing your skin. With the right skincare routine, dietary adjustments, and small lifestyle changes, you’ll find it much easier to keep breakouts under control. Skin perfection doesn’t exist, but that’s the beauty of life—our skin is constantly changing, just like we are. Learning to love yourself and your skin, no matter where you are in your journey, is what truly matters.

Xoxo,  

The Pink Estie