Unmasking Acne: Causes, Triggers, and the Path to Clear Skin

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 at some point in their lives. It’s not just a teenage issue—it can persist or even begin in adulthood, with studies showing that nearly 5.6 million Canadians struggle with acne each year. Yet, despite how widespread it is, acne remains one of the most misunderstood skin conditions. For many, it’s more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a deeply personal struggle that affects self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being.

What has helped me manage my own acne is understanding that it requires a full-circle approach. From lifestyle adjustments and diet to professional-grade skincare and treatments, addressing all these factors together is key to keeping acne under control. But to truly manage acne effectively, it’s important to first understand the science behind it—what causes it, and why it happens.

What causes acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle, far more complex than surface-level oil or clogged pores. At its core lies a process called retention hyperkeratosis, where the skin overproduces keratin, causing dead skin cells to adhere inside the follicle rather than shedding naturally. This creates a blockage in the pore, setting the stage for excess oil production, bacterial growth, and inflammation—all hallmarks of acne.

In healthy skin, the follicle sheds dead skin cells at a steady, manageable rate. However, in acne-prone skin, this process becomes dysregulated. Instead of shedding one layer of cells, the follicle may shed multiple layers at once, overwhelming the pore and creating a blockage. This environment becomes ideal for Cutibacterium acnes bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and cystic acne.

Hormonal imbalances further exacerbate this process. Androgens, such as testosterone, stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, which mixes with the buildup of dead skin cells and clogs the follicle. This is why acne frequently flares during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or other times of hormonal fluctuation, creating a cycle of breakouts that can be challenging to control.

Unmasking Acne: Causes, Triggers, and the Path to Clear Skin

The Role of Diet in Acne

When it comes to diet and acne, it’s not just about cutting out certain foods—it’s about supporting your body where it needs it most. Acne is often a sign of internal imbalances, including gut health, liver function, and mineral deficiencies.

I’ll dive into these topics more in-depth in their own posts because they’re so detailed and need proper breakdowns, but to keep it simple and to the point:

Your gut health is key. When your gut is out of balance, it can trigger inflammation that shows up on your skin. Adding gut-friendly foods like fermented veggies, bone broth, and fiber can help reduce inflammation and support clear skin.

Your liver works hard to detox your body and regulate hormones. When it’s overwhelmed, breakouts can follow. Supporting your liver with leafy greens and antioxidant-rich foods can make a big difference.

Lastly, minerals like zinc and magnesium are essential for clear skin. Instead of focusing only on cutting things out, focus on adding nutrient-dense options like pumpkin seeds, avocados, and salmon to nourish your body and skin.

It’s not all just about eliminating foods—it’s about nourishing your body so it can work with you, not against you. I’ll dive deeper into these areas in a future post, but understanding balance is a great first step.

So you want to treat acne holistically? What exactly does that mean?

Holistic acne treatment focuses on addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Start with dietary changes by reducing high-glycemic foods, limiting dairy, and adding anti-inflammatory options to your meals. Supplements like zinc and vitamin A can also support skin healing and regulate oil production.

While treating acne holistically is the best route, this is where the full-circle approach truly comes into play. Skincare is a vital part of managing acne, as it addresses the surface and superficial layers of your skin. The right products help clear breakouts, balance your skin, and prevent future issues, working hand-in-hand with the internal factors we’ve already discussed.

Below are my go-to recommendations for acne-prone clients—products I trust to deliver results. All are acne safe and have been personally pore clog checked by myself!

Disclaimer: These recommendations are a generalization of the most common products I use with clients, but everyone’s skin is unique. Your routine should be tailored to your specific needs. To ensure accuracy and create a plan that works for you, I encourage booking a free in-person or virtual consultation. Together, we can find the perfect combination to optimize your skin’s health.

Check Your Skincare—For Free! You’re Welcome 😉

Listen, if there’s one super easy, totally free, no-excuses step to start clearing your skin—this is it! Checking your ingredients takes seconds, and it could save you from breakouts caused by hidden pore-clogging culprits.

💡 Don’t let sneaky ingredients sabotage your skin! Use my Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker to scan your skincare and makeup labels. It’s free, it’s quick, and your skin will thank you. Click here to check your products now!

MY TOP Skincare Product Recommendations for Acne:

and yes, these have been already ingredient checked for you & 100% acne safe.

Cleansers:

• iS Clinical Cleansing Complex: A gentle yet effective cleanser that clears pores, reduces inflammation, and works for all skin types without stripping your barrier. Perfect as part of a double cleanse.

• Glymed Plus Idyllic Cleanser: A luxurious cream-based cleanser that removes impurities while nourishing the skin with calming ingredients. Ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.

• Glymed Plus Mega Purifying Cleanser: Deeply hydrates while cleansing, making it a great option for those with dry or compromised skin barriers.

Toner:

• Glymed Plus CB-D Spray: A calming toner infused with CBD to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin. Great for refreshing throughout the day.

• Glymed Plus Blemish Control No. 5 with Benzoyl Peroxide: This lightweight treatment serum features 5% benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and clear active breakouts. Its powerful formula works deep within the pores to help prevent future blemishes, making it an essential addition to any acne-fighting routine. (Best for severe and inflamed acne)

Serums:

• Glymed Plus Radiant Serum: Packed with alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate and brighten the skin while reducing post-acne marks. (Best for non-inflamed acne, closed comedones)

• iS Clinical Active Serum: A multitasking serum that reduces inflammation, unclogs pores, and targets hyperpigmentation. Perfect for active breakouts and evening skin tone.

• iS Clinical Pro-Health Advanced+: A lightweight antioxidant serum that calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and targets hyperpigmentation. (Ideal for morning use.)

Moisturizers:

• iS Clinical Hydra Cool: A lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula that soothes redness and supports barrier recovery.

• Glymed Plus Vitamin C Cream: Brightens the skin while delivering powerful antioxidants to fight free radicals and support healing.

• Glymed Plus Comfort Cream: Perfect for calming inflammation and supporting skin healing after treatments or irritation.

SPF:

• Colorescience FLEX SPF: A broad-spectrum sunscreen that adjusts to your skin tone, providing even coverage and sun protection without clogging pores.

Masks/Treatments:

• Omnilux Clear LED Mask: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation with blue and red light therapy, while supporting overall skin health.

• Glymed Plus Mattifuling Sulfur Masque: Targets active breakouts by reducing oil, calming inflammation, and clearing pores without over-drying.

• iS Clinical Active Peel System: A gentle yet powerful two-step treatment that exfoliates, hydrates, and brightens the skin. This at-home-peel-system helps improve tone and texture while supporting skin renewal, making it ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Designed to leave your skin smooth, clear, and radiant.

Another disclaimer: Please don't buy and use ALL of these products. These products are individually picked to create a simple routine and are NOT meant to be layered and used all together in the same routine. Your barrier will thank you.

Now to summarize because If you're anything like me, I always need help processing it all.

Treating acne is never a one-size-fits-all journey, but with a full-circle approach that combines proper skincare, professional treatments, and lifestyle changes, clear and healthy skin is absolutely achievable. From understanding the root causes of acne to nourishing your body and finding the right products, it’s about creating balance both inside and out.

If you’re ready to learn more about the connections between your skin and your overall health, follow along every Monday as I dive into specific topics that play major roles in acne and other skin concerns. Each post will break down these key areas and offer actionable steps to help you on your journey to clear skin.

And let’s not forget the importance of what we put in our bodies! That’s why I’m sharing this Skin-Loving Recipe of the Week—a hearty, nourishing chili packed with skin-supporting ingredients.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Instant Pot Organic Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound organic grass-fed lean ground beef

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for sautéing)

• 1 small organic onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can organic chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15 oz) can organic black beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 (15 oz) cans organic tomato sauce (or substitute one can with diced tomatoes if preferred)

• 1 (6 oz) can organic tomato paste

• 1 cup organic beef or chicken bone broth

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1-2 tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins/Substitutions:

• I personally use a mix of organic canned beans (kidney, navy, or adzuki beans work wonderfully).

• Add more beans or use only beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein if desired.

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add avocado oil. Once heated, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Turn off sauté mode and add the chickpeas, black beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Stir everything well to combine.

4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.

5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

6. Open the lid, give the chili a stir, and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve warm, topped with optional garnishes like sliced avocado, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (a great substitute for sour cream), or fresh cilantro.

Whats chili without chips? For a crunchy side or topping, try Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips. Made with avocado oil and free of inflammatory oils, they’re an excellent acne-safe option to complement your chili.

About Cheese:

Cheese can be included in this recipe if you’ve gone through an elimination process and confirmed that dairy is not a trigger for your skin. It’s crucial to choose high-quality sources, such as organic or grass-fed cheese, to avoid inflammatory additives. The best options for acne-prone individuals are harder cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, or goat cheese, as they contain less lactose and tend to be easier to digest.

Why Opt for Bone Broth Over Regular Broth?

Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and essential minerals that promote gut health, reduce inflammation, and support skin repair. Unlike regular broth, it offers added benefits for overall skin clarity and healing, making it a great choice for acne-prone individuals.

Bean Benefits for Skin:

• Chickpeas: High in zinc to reduce inflammation and improve skin healing.

• Black Beans: Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and support skin clarity.

• Kidney Beans: Packed with zinc and antioxidants to combat acne and reduce scarring.

• Adzuki Beans: Promote collagen production and detoxify the skin.

• Navy Beans: Contain copper for skin elasticity and fiber for a healthy gut-skin connection.

Feel free to mix and match beans based on your preferences for added variety and benefits!

Natasha, At Skin

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