ACNE 101

Acne is confusing. No matter how much you learn, or think you already know, about it - it’s always helpful for a little refresher, so we are taking you back the blemish basics. 

WHAT IS ACNE?

It’s a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and pores under the skin become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. 

WAIT… PORES? WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Well, everything actually. When the hair follicles and pores under your skin become clogged, it forms a “plug” that leads to comedones. Comedones are those skin-coloured, small bumps that form when a pore gets clogged. 

COMEDONAL ACNE VS. INFLAMMATORY ACNE 

Comedonal acne is a non-inflammatory acne without pus that usually develops on the forehead and chin. The most common forms of this type of acne are blackheads and white heads. Blackheads have “open” comedones (fun fact: the reason why they are black is because trapped oil oxidizes), while whiteheads have “closed” ones. With comedonal acne, there is a lower risk of dark spots and scarring. 

Inflammatory acne is more severe and occurs deeper within the skin than non-inflamed acne, causing pain, redness, swelling, and discomfort. This type of acne is most likely to leave dark spots and scarring. The most common forms of inflamed acne include:

• Papules: red bumps that do not have white centers
• Pustules: similar to papules but have white or yellow pus centers
• Nodules: swollen, painful lumps deep within the skin have no visible pus in their centers
• Cysts: like nodules, cysts form deep within the skin and have no white centers, but they are redder than nodules

HOW DO I TREAT MY ACNE?

The goal of an acne treatment is to minimize future breakouts and help prevent scarring and emotional distress. But first and foremost, the most important step to acne care is keeping your skin cleansed and balanced. 

If you are struggling with mild-to-medium acne: you may benefit from using over-the-counter (OTC) daily acne treatments that contain a higher percentage of salicylic acid, like our Peace Out Acne Serum (psst! it has 2%), plus additional ingredients to keep your skin nourished - not overdried. 

For spot treatment on blemishes: we recommend using our Acne Healing Dots - they can target more specific, pesky places. Infused with 0.5% salicylic acid, vitamin A, and aloe vera, it’s the only approved OTC acne healing dot on the market. 

Suffering from body or neck acne? You can use both Acne Serum and Acne Healing Dots to help treat that, too! 

If you have a more severe acne type or are just unsure, we always suggest you talk with a doctor or dermatologist to see what plan works best for you.

Got a skin concern? We’ve got a solution. Just text us & we’ll walk you through your personalized step-by-step solution. Your skincare coach will ask for a quick selfie to ensure we find the perfect regimen for your skin concerns! Let’s Chat >