Acne: How to Treat It and How to Protect Your Skin While Doing It
At some point in your life, it’s highly likely you’ll deal with acne or breakouts. For some, it shows up in the teenage years. For others, it appears later, during stress, hormonal shifts, or even perimenopause.
Either way, understanding how to treat acne while maintaining a healthy skin barrier is key. Over-treating, stripping, or using the wrong products can make things worse, not better.
Your At-Home Acne Game Plan
Consistency beats intensity every time. Here’s what actually works:
Double Cleansing (Especially at Night)
This is non-negotiable. SPF, sweat, makeup, and buildup throughout the day can clog pores fast.
Start with a cleanser that breaks everything down, then follow with a second cleanse to truly clean the skin. This alone can significantly reduce congestion.
Chemical Exfoliation (Not Scrubs)
Think gentle, consistent exfoliation (not harsh scrubbing).
Products like Clear Daily pads help:
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Keep pores clear
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Reduce buildup
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Prevent new breakouts
Look for ingredients that also support pigment control if you’re prone to discoloration (like our Bright Daily Pads).
Vitamin C in the Morning
Vitamin C isn’t just for brightening, it helps protect the skin and reduce the risk of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after breakouts heal.
Moisturizer (Yes, You Still Need It)
One of the biggest mistakes acne-prone clients make is skipping moisturizer.
A well-hydrated skin barrier:
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Heals faster
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Produces less excess oil
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Tolerates active ingredients better
Skipping this step often leads to more breakouts, not fewer.
Mineral SPF Only
This is a big one.
Chemical sunscreens can trigger breakouts for many people. I see it all the time. Switching to mineral SPF can make a noticeable difference.
Look for these ingredients:
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Zinc Oxide
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Titanium Dioxide
They sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them much more acne-friendly.
Retinol (Within Your Tolerance)
Retinol helps regulate cell turnover and keep pores from clogging, but more is not better.
Use a strength your skin can tolerate consistently.
A great option for acne-prone skin is Marini Duality, which combines benzoyl peroxide and retinol to target breakouts while improving skin texture.
Targeted Treatments
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Sulfur spot treatments to calm active breakouts
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Enzyme exfoliants like Night Zyme to gently break down dead skin overnight (no irritation, no over-stripping)
In-Office Treatments: What Actually Helps
For Active Acne
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Chemical peels help clear pores and reduce active breakouts
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BBL can target acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation
For Post-Acne Marks (PIH) & Texture
Once breakouts are under control, we shift focus.
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BBL for lingering redness or pigment
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Microneedling for texture and acne scarring
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MOXI for overall tone and texture
Don’t Skip This: Regular Facials
While we’re actively clearing your skin, regular facials are essential. We recommend facials every 4-6 weeks for active breakouts.
They help:
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Deep clean and clear congestion
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Support your treatment plan
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Adjust your routine as your skin changes
Once your acne is under control, facials shift into maintenance, keeping your skin clear and balanced long-term.
The Bottom Line
Acne isn’t just about getting rid of breakouts, it’s about treating your skin in a way that keeps it healthy, resilient, and balanced.
