If you’ve never broken out, then no need to continue reading, and if that’s you, then don’t talk to us!  Jkjk 

But really, we have all experienced breakouts in some form, either caused by excess oil production, clogged pores, and/or bacteria. While they’re not necessarily life-threatening, pimples can impact our self-confidence greatly. We want them treated yesterday!

Let's debunk some common misconceptions about breakouts.
Breakouts are not always caused by dirty skin. In fact, excessive scrubbing can worsen the situation.

Another misconception is that only teenagers get breakouts. Nope! Breakouts can affect people of all ages.

The causeof acne is more about individual factors like hormones, genetics, and skincare habits.

So, let's clear up the confusion and focus on effective strategies to manage breakouts.

Acne is a broad term encompassing various skin conditions. Here are some types of breakouts: 

• pimples are inflammatory acne characterized by small, raised bumps filled with pus
• open comedones, also called blackheads- dark spots caused by oil and dead skin
• closed comedones, also called whiteheads- white bumps caused by oil and dead skin
• Nodules- painful, deep bumps sometimes filled with pus which means it’s now a cyst

…and these different types of acne generally like to hang together.

It’s not uncommon to see a few different types of acne on a patient’s skin. Many treatments help treat several types of acne, but some ingredients are proven better for each type. It’s why I always recommend getting in front of a trained dermatology professional when you’re experiencing breakouts.

While I always recommend scheduling an appointment at your local dermatology clinic (that’s my main day job as a PA!) I want to share skincare information from a medical perspective that is important for long-term success and healthy skin.

Remember what I’m all about here - a complete skincare routine - because it’s the foundation to treating all types of breakouts.

First things first, repair your skin barrier to make sure it’s properly functioning. We’ll do this with moisturizers and gentle, non-medicated cleansers. 

PRO TIP: sometimes adding a moisturizer improves breakouts alone since many acne products dry out the skin and cause the barrier to not function appropriately and dry skin alone can be just as acne-prone as oily skin due to a compromised barrier.

To prevent and start to treat breakouts, consider the basics:

• Skincare Products: Avoid harsh skincare products that may irritate the skin. This includes many products marketed for acne!
• Cleanse: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Try the double cleanse method. 
• Moisturize: Keep your skin moisturized to maintain its balance.
• Introdcue Active Ingredients: once establishing the basic routine of cleansing and moisturizing with non-medicated products then add ingredients like chemical and physical exfoliators and retinoids to remove dead skin cells.
• Trigger Identification: Identify and avoid factors that trigger acne. Is dairy playing a role? make sure to make these 5 changes if you have acne.
• Lifestyle Changes: Reduce stress, follow a healthy diet, and prioritize sleep. Shower as soon as possible after sweating!
• Professional Help: If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist or dermatology PA or NP.

It’s important to have a basic, daily skincare routine to treat breakouts. If you haven't already, take the free skincare matchmaker quiz where I’ll recommend the steps and products for your skin type. (there are alternatives for pregnancy too!)

Products Paired on Purpose

Discover the power of key ingredients in products paired on purpose that work wonders in tackling breakouts.

Potent breakout fighters like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids are key ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine. These superheroes help unclog pores, fight bacteria, and reduce inflammation.