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Beauty Breakdown: Everything You Need To Know About Treating Acne

Jamie Schneider
Author:
August 22, 2022
Jamie Schneider
Former Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Editor
By Jamie Schneider
Former Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Editor
Jamie Schneider is the former Senior Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare.
Image by Susana Ramírez / Stocksy
August 22, 2022
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Welcome to the Beauty Breakdown, our series that dives into today's buzziest beauty topics. In each, we focus on a different theme and highlight all the need-to-know basics, common mistakes, and the best products to get your hands on.

Beauty is far from frivolous. Yes, it can be fun and playful (a swipe of sparkly shadow can instantly put a smile on my face), but caring about your skin isn't vanity—and this connection is extremely evident when it comes to acne. 

After all, acne is a skin condition, and a complicated one at that. Not only can breakouts become physically painful and lead to long-term scarring, but acne can also take a mental toll. A recent 2022 study even found that individuals compared acne and acne scars to an "unwanted intruder" responsible for their poor self-esteem and struggle for self-acceptance1, and these feelings can linger long after the blemishes themselves have cleared up. A 2020 systematic review2 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a significant association between both acne and depression and acne and anxiety. Suffice it to say, acne is more than skin-deep. 

And, look, your skin is a living, functional, beautiful organ that does so much to protect you—but it's OK to feel frustrated by some blemishes taking up the real estate. Just know that treating acne is a delicate dance that may require multiple approaches, which is exactly why we've created this master guide. Ahead, find everything you need to know about addressing acne, no matter which type of spot you've got. 

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The 101 on acne.

Technically, all acne stems from some level of inflammation as dead skin, oil, and bacteria stick together and block the pores. Specifically, an overgrowth of the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes3 can cause the release of inflammatory cytokines and messengers to create clinical inflammation, which results in a breakout. 

From there, you can wind up with various types of blemishes. Some spots are more red and painful (like papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules), while others result in much subtler mounds (like blackheads, whiteheads, and subclinical breakouts). We have a whole guide to the different types of acne if you want to learn more, but here's the gist: 

  • Whiteheads: Whiteheads are small, fleshy bumps on the skin, caused by dead skin, excess oil, and overall debris blocking the pores. 
  • Blackheads: Blackheads form the same way whiteheads do (i.e., when the pore becomes blocked with gunk and oil), but they're exposed to oxygen, which makes them dark in color.
  • Subclinical acne: It's not a term used in dermatology, but subclinical acne is basically a fancy way of saying "congested skin." It's synonymous with whiteheads. 
  • Papules: Think of the stereotypical solid, red-colored bump you may associate with acne—that's a papule.
  • Pustules: Papules often turn into pustules. When the red papule forms a white, pus-filled head, you now have a tender pustule. 
  • Cysts: Cystic acne is characterized by inflamed lesions, often large in size, that form deep within the skin—but unlike other forms of acne, they never come to a head on the surface
  • Nodules: Nodules are firmer than cysts and are also more widespread than typical pimples. They look like hard lesions that feel like lumps under the skin, and while they may be flesh-toned or red, they're often pretty painful to the touch. 
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The 6 things we're getting wrong right now. 

It turns out, a few common mistakes can make acne even worse. Here are the major no's when it comes to addressing breakouts: 

  1. Popping pimples. As tempting as it can be to poke and prod at a zit, do not (we repeat: Do not) try to pop a pimple, no matter how "ready" it may seem. Messing with the mound can only lead to more inflammation and potential scarring. 
  2. Ignoring hydration. Many with acne-prone skin often avoid moisturizers and oils for fear of clogging their pores. It's a valid concern, but completely stripping the skin is a recipe for increased oil production—which can lead to even more acne. 
  3. Avoiding sunscreen. Similarly, many people complain that SPF causes them to break out and look more oily, so they avoid sun protection altogether. Bad idea. While breakouts may be your main concern, you do also need to protect your skin from sun damage. Better yet, you can find plenty of lightweight, noncomedogenic formulas.
  4. Ignoring your diet & lifestyle. Your skin is a reflection of your internal health, and your diet, stress levels, and sleep (or lack thereof) can all affect your body's inflammatory response, and inflammation is the foundation for acne. 
  5. Spot-treating only. Spot treatments are great for sudden zits, but rather than addressing pimples whenever they arise, derms recommend preventive methods to keep breakouts from cropping up in the first place. Seems more efficient, don't you think? 
  6. Looking for a quick fix. At the end of the day, no magic fix will erase your acne overnight. Be patient—clearing up your skin takes time. 
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The 6 steps you need to know. 

Here's how to treat your breakouts from every angle:

1.

Know your triggers.

The more you get to know your breakouts, the better you can tackle them before they arrive. Although, a host of internal triggers can cause an acne flare, like stress, diet, hormones, seasonal changes, and lack of sleep—we have a guide to help you along the way, but you may want to enlist the help of a professional to get to the root of the issue (more on that later). 

Additionally, some comedogenic (or pore-clogging) ingredients can cause breakouts, whether in skin care or makeup formulas. While there's no set definition of this term, it's important to keep an eye on the products you're introducing to your routine and make sure you don't face a reaction. "Even if two people are predisposed to acne, what is noncomedogenic to one person might be so for another," board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., once shared with mbg

2.

Use AHAs and BHAs.

When it comes to treating acne, AHAs and BHAs are star players. The latter are especially beloved for breakouts since BHAs are oil soluble, meaning they can penetrate deep into pores and unclog them at the source. Of the BHAs, salicylic is perhaps the most popular: "It is able to penetrate the skin deeper into pores to help remove dead skin cells, fight bacteria, and control excess sebum," Gabriel says about the exfoliant. Salicylic acid is also found to be antibacterial, making it particularly effective for acne-prone individuals. 

AHAs, on the other hand, are frequently touted for textural and tonal concerns, like acne scars, dead skin, and fine lines. They're also hydrophilic, meaning water-loving, which makes them simultaneously exfoliating and moisturizing (and perhaps a gentler option for more sensitive skin types). 

For acne in particular, glycolic and mandelic acids are your winners: Research has shown that glycolic acid is superior in reducing the appearance of acne scars4, and mandelic acid has the ability to penetrate deeper into pores, similar to that of a BHA. "[It] has even been shown to reduce [excess] sebum production and oily shine5," board-certified dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, says about the ingredient

3.

Prioritize hydration. 

Acne-prone skin can also run dry—in fact, a lack of hydration can even cause breakouts to appear in the first place. See, when your skin is dehydrated, inflammation tends to follow. That inflammation "can release CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone)6, a hormone that can actually tell your sebaceous glands to produce more oil," celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, previously shared with mbg. CRH can also kick-start what's known as retention hyperkeratosis7—where dead skin cells become cohesive and don't shed as normal (almost like they're "stuck" to your face). When dead skin cells and oil become trapped within your pores, breakouts aren't too far behind. 

That being said, focusing on hydration is just as important as spot treatments and exfoliating formulas—and your acne treatments should always come buffered with moisturizing players. 

4.

Try retinol. 

Retinol is ideal for acne-prone skin, beloved by derms for encouraging cell turnover, promoting collagen production, and treating acne. Specifically, the vitamin A derivative interacts with the skin cells' receptors and beneficially alters the genes involved with inflammation and cell growth. This reduces the formation of microcomedones8, or skin pores clogged with sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Plus, retinol exfoliates within the pores, "where slowed dead cell shedding leads to enlarged pore appearance and breakouts," board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, previously told mbg.

Now, retinol comes in many forms: You can find both OTC and prescription-strength options with varying concentrations, or you could opt for a retinol alternative if your skin runs especially sensitive. You can find product suggestions for all of the above right here

5.

Be nice to your skin. 

The way you think and talk about your skin can influence its appearance over time—yes, really. See, if you berate your skin for its "imperfections," you'll likely treat it in a harsher manner and ultimately do more harm than good. If you view your skin like the dynamic, functional organ that it is, you might see a budding breakout as a sign you should take a longer look at your daily habits and lifestyle, which often yields gentler, more effective results. 

Take it from holistic esthetician Hayley Wood: "Whenever I have a great skin success story, I find that one of the biggest hurdles that they finally get over is just the way they speak about themselves, their skin, and the skin care experience as a whole," she says on an episode of Clean Beauty School. "Once people actually understand what's happening with their skin, they get the right language to talk about it, then choices are made differently." 

That's not to say you must love everything about your skin every single day. You're allowed to feel frustrated with your breakouts, but try to express gratitude for what you can. For example, "I'm grateful my skin protects me from pollutants," or "I'm grateful my skin's acid mantle locks in moisture." 

6.

See a derm. 

Some types of acne (think cysts or nodules) will not respond to OTC acne treatments and thus require a trip to the derm. Not only will they be able to perform in-office extractions and peels and prescribe medication as needed, but they'll also be able to ID your skin and get to the root of the issue. If you have lingering questions or concerns about your breakouts, it's always worth giving your doctor a ring. 

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3 extra ideas—in case you want to go all out. 

Looking to go above and beyond? I applaud your determination! Here are some extra tips to supercharge acne treatment: 

  1. Keep a skin care journal: To keep track of your personal triggers, take note whenever you experience a breakout and write down what your skin looks like with each passing day. Depending on how often they appear, you might discover a few patterns. 
  2. Get an acne facial: Also called a "decongesting facial" or "deep cleaning" facial, this treatment deeply purifies the skin and often includes rounds of extractions, peels, and LED light therapy
  3. Chill your tools: To deflate a swollen, inflamed pimple, try pressing the spot with a chilled facial roller or straight-up ice cube wrapped in a tissue. The cool temperature will constrict the circulation, limiting flow to the area and retracting the inflammation. Plus, it feels quite nice on an angry zit. 
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The 8 products to try. 

Here, the products beauty experts can't get enough of. 

Best cleanser: Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser

Pros

  • Contains a blend of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients

Cons

  • Contains essential oils, if you're sensitive to those

Active ingredients:

Glycolic acidLactic acidGreen tea extractKelp extractNeem seed oilEucalyptus oil

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-free

This wash contains glycolic and lactic acids to unglue dead skin cells and clear pores, along with a "Green Fusion Complex" comprised of green tea, kelp, eucalyptus, and sea moss extracts for extra hydration (again, hydration is huge when it comes to acne treatment!). It will make your skin feel refreshed and invigorated, never stripped raw. 

Best serum: Kinship Self Smooth

Pros

  • Smooths skin texture without irritation

Cons

  • Might not be best for inflamed acne

Active ingredients:

Glycolic acidOat extractStrawberry extractPre- and probiotics

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-free

Acne scars are no match for this glycolic-infused solution. With 10% of the famous exfoliant, this lightweight serum sloughs away dead skin and smooths the surface practically overnight. Plus, it's simultaneously soothing with oat extract and pre-probiotic technology to nurture the skin microbiome—and a strong microbiome is key for keeping breakouts at bay. 

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Best toner: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Pros

  • Clears skin & evens tone

Cons

  • Contains butylene glycol

Active ingredients:

Green tea extractSalicylic acid

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-free

This cult-favorite toner includes 2% salicylic acid to quickly clear pores and minimize bumpy texture. And the dry-down time is so fast, you'll barely even notice it's there. Our deputy commerce editor, Braelyn Wood, considers it a godsend.

Best spot treatment: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment

Pros

  • Provides quick results

Cons

  • Pricey for a small bottle

Active ingredients:

Green tea extractSalicylic acidAzelaic acidNiacinamideKaolin clay

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-free

Tiny but mighty: This mini spot treatment is brimming with acne-clearing actives, like salicylic acid, azelaic acid (which can neutralize acne-causing bacteria), niacinamide, and kaolin clay (which absorbs excess oil and grime). For a particularly angry-looking spot, a couple of days with this formula will noticeably shrink it in size.

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Best moisturizer: Codex Shaant Oil Control Cream

Pros

  • Clinically shown to control oil production & pore size

Cons

  • Contains essential oils, if you're sensitive to those

Active ingredients:

BakuchiolAshwagandhaShaant Complex technology

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-free

Shaant means "peace" and "calm" in Hindi, which is such a refreshing approach to treating acne (campaigns often use aggressive language like "fight," or "attack"). The moisturizer contains the brand's proprietary Shaant Complex technology, which contains plant-based ingredients clinically shown to help control oiliness, shed dead skin, reduce pore diameter, and soothe redness. Plus, it includes bakuchiol and ashwagandha to help further balance oil production and smooth skin texture. 

Best sunscreen: antedotum Essential Daily Sunscreen

Pros

  • Creamy formula that doesn't feel heavy or greasy

Cons

  • Pricey

Active ingredients:

Zinc oxideHydrolyzed pea proteinAspen bark extractVitamin C

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-free

No lie, this is one of the creamiest mineral sunscreens I've tried. It immediately melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy, pore-clogging finish, which is a difficult balance to strike for those with oily and acne-prone skin. On that note, it also has zero white cast, thanks to the subtle peachy tint. 

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Best mask: Jori Skincare Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

Pros

  • Very lightweight

Cons

  • Benzoyl peroxide can be drying

Active ingredients:

Benzoyl peroxideAlpha-linoleic acidSaw palmetto

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-free

This derm-backed brand was formulated specifically with adult acne in mind. In this weightless, water-gel mask, you'll find micronized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (micronization allows the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deeper into the pores), alpha-linoleic acid for oil control, and saw palmetto for balance.

Best for body: Soft Services Clearing Clay

Pros

  • Can be used as a wash, mask, or spot treatment

Cons

  • Not great for inflamed, active acne

Active ingredients:

Salicylic acidSulfurZinc PCAAloe vera juiceGlycerin

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-free

The body acne market is becoming more and more elevated, with products that rival their facial counterparts. Just take a look at this sulfur-infused clearing clay: That hero ingredient helps remove oil from the surface of the skin and prevents blackheads, yet it's less irritating than other acne-fighting ingredients. Then there's kaolin clay to absorb grime, zinc PCA to balance oil production, salicylic acid to unclog pores, and glycerin and aloe vera to keep things hydrating.

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The beauty breakdown.

Acne is a complicated condition. The different causes and treatments go way beyond what I've covered in this breakdown, but feel free to use this guide as a starting point. The most important thing to remember is that your skin is on your side—as frustrating as it can be to deal with consistent breakouts, try to look at blemishes with curiosity instead of hostility. After all, your skin could be desperately trying to send you some warning signs.

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