11 Acne Tips from an Esthetician

There are a lot of myths surrounding acne and the treatment can vary depending on the root cause and the severity. Treating breakouts and acne begins with the home routine, but may require the support of a dermatologist or other skincare professionals and possibly even a prescription. It’s important to remember that acne is very common and is normal. Try not to fall prey to negative messaging or think that you are somehow the reason you have acne.

What is Acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition. In fact, 80% of people ages 11-30 have at least a mild form of acne. In the United States alone, it affects up to 50 million people each year. The impact of acne, especially on adolescents, can be significant as it can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, poor self-image, lower confidence, and impaired productivity. While acne is most common for individuals under 30, it can occur at any age or stage of life.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. This can create an environment where bacteria can flourish and trigger inflammation and infection. True acne can range from mild to severe and is a medical skin condition. Some contributing factors that can trigger acne or make it worse can be genetics, hormones, lifestyle, diet and nutrition, stress, and using the wrong skincare products.


Pimples vs Acne

Pimples come in many different forms. They can be open or closed clogged pores. They can range in size from small to large. They can be more superficial or they can be deep nodules or cysts. They can be “angry” and inflamed… or not.

Is it a pimple, a breakout, or is it acne? It can be confusing and there are a lot of terms that get thrown around. Think of it this way, a pimple is a single growth on the skin caused by a clogged follicle. Multiple pimples present as a breakout. Acne can be diagnosed when multiple breakouts are present on the skin and occur chronically.


Pore Perfecting Routine

Vitamin C Cleanser
 
Cleansing is an essential step in every skincare routine. Because the leading factors of acne are excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria it is important to cleanse the skin to remove impurities with a gentle cleanser. For acneic skin, be careful to not over-cleanse the skin and strip the skin’s protective barrier. Avoid cleansers with SLS and harsh ingredients that may make breakouts worse and trigger increased inflammation. Our Vitamin C Cleanser features a Vitamin C that is ideal for breakout-prone skin. It is free of harsh and harmful ingredients and is gentle, yet effective, and can calm the look of skin as it removes impurities.

 

Microdermabrasion Exfoliator

Exfoliation is a key element in an acne routine. Exfoliation helps remove the excess dead cells that can block and clog follicles. When these cells build up on the surface of the skin and in pores, along with oils and impurities, it creates an environment where P. Acnes bacteria flourish. The result is breakouts and inflammation.

The Microdermabrasion Resurfacing Exfoliator contains salicylic acid that is especially well suited to exfoliate inside the pores and soothe the look of breakouts, along with Glycolic, Lactic, and Malic Acid. These are combined with other soothing botanicals and super-fine pumice and bamboo stem powders to gently polish the surface of the skin. It is important to avoid over-exfoliation and do not use scrubs on inflamed breakouts.


Hydrating Toner
 
Toning is important to rebalance your delicate skin’s pH levels and remove any lingering impurities. Acne bacteria can thrive when our skin’s pH falls out of the ideal range for too long. Toner can also help reduce pore-clogging dirt, debris, and makeup that your cleanser may be leaving behind, which is a must when breakouts are present. Our Hydrating Toner reduces the appearance of pores while also deeply moisturizing the look of the skin with Aloe and Rosehip oil. It contains tea tree and witch hazel in an alcohol-free formulation to gently treat the look of breakouts as it nourishes the skin.

Actives Brighten & Even Serum & Vitamin C Serum
 
Vitamin C serums can be hard for acne-prone skin to tolerate. L Ascorbic Acid, aka pure vitamin c, can trigger breakouts for some people and may not be ideal for oily and acneic skin. Luckily, there are different forms of Vitamin C and a wide range of products in the world of skincare. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate works well if you battle breakouts. It has been shown to have antimicrobial benefits and improve the look of acne and hyperpigmentation. The Brighten and Even Serum features this unique Vitamin C derivative and works very well for your daytime routine. 

 
10% Niacinamide Booster
 
Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory B vitamin that works to reduce the appearance of irritation and redness associated with acne. It also works to visibly regulate the amount of oil being produced by the glands in your skin and support our natural barrier functions. It can play an important role in reducing the look of pigmentation problems that may be lingering post-breakout, also known as post-inflammatory erythema. It can be a game-changer if you battle acne and breakouts. Our 10% Niacinamide Booster provides skin with a surge of moisture while improving the overall look of skin.

Actives Firm & Lift Serum
 
Retinoids are a must-have ingredient when dealing with acne. Our Firm and Lift Serum features both a Granactive Retinoid and Bakuchiol and is well suited for even more sensitive skin types and both are uniquely well-suited for breakout-prone skin in particular. It is important to remember retinoids may initially cause the skin to “purge”, so if it seems that it may be making the look of your acne worse, try to keep on pushing through. Retinoids may support the body’s natural ability to visibly increase cell turnover, which is great when dealing with acne or breakouts because it can resurface the look of skin for a smoother, more even texture and help keep pores clear.


Acne Tips from Your goPure Estheticians

Trying to clear acne can involve much more than the skincare products you choose. Involving just a few lifestyle changes can help with acne much more than most people realize. Here are our top tips on minimizing acne that has nothing to do with changing your skincare routine!

1. Avoid touching your face when it is not needed. If you do need to touch your face or rest your hands on your cheeks, try to make sure your hands are clean first.

2. Try to manage your stress, which is easier said than done. Stress can release the hormone cortisol which can potentially make your skin more oily and clog your pores. While stress can sometimes be out of our control, it doesn’t hurt to take at least 15 minutes in your day for yourself with breathing exercises, reading, a warm bath, or however you choose to decompress.

3. Changing your pillowcases is another underrated tip that can go a long way. Some people like to change their pillowcases daily, but if that seems like too much for your lifestyle, every few days to once a week should suffice.

4. Keeping your cell phone or any other device that may come in contact with your face clean can help reduce impurities and excess bacteria that our skin is exposed to unnecessarily.

5. Avoid picking at your skin whether you have a breakout or not. Picking at acne increases inflammation and irritation, can lead to more susceptible post-breakout scarring, and can even potentially spread bacteria across your face. It’s not worth the extra damage and irritation this causes to the skin.

6. Be mindful of your hair care products, especially if your breakouts are concentrated on your forehead and cheeks. Keep them off of the skin and remove any residue that may accidentally come into contact with your face or other areas that are more susceptible to breakouts.

7. Feeding your body and skin with the right nutrients is important. Remember there are also a lot of myths surrounding food and acne. Note how some common triggers such as dairy, sugar, or gluten may impact your skin.

8. Lymphatic drainage is an excellent tool to rid your body of toxins and help drain excess fluid from your tissues. You can incorporate this into your routine through facial massage, ice rollers, or gua sha tools. It is also great for de-puffing the look of your skin, giving you an extra glow, and spending a few minutes on yourself for some self-care.

9. Keep toothpaste off the face! Using toothpaste to battle breakouts is a long-standing skincare myth. Did you know that the fluoride from toothpaste may trigger perioral dermatitis, which is often mistaken for acne? Cleanse the skin if you have toothpaste around the mouth area after brushing.

10. Exercise can be great for the body, mind, and skin. It can lower cortisol and increase other beneficial hormones. Be mindful to cleanse the skin after a workout and any excess sweating. Try and keep your skin free of makeup if you are acne-prone while working out and sweating.

11. Ice your breakouts. It may sound weird, but icing your face can reduce the inflammation, redness, and irritation that may come along with acne and breakouts. If you do this, just be sure to wrap your ice cube in a paper towel or cloth to ensure you are not increasing your risk for broken capillaries. You can swipe the ice cube along your face or hold it in place, but try to stop and give a few extra moments of attention to your breakouts here.


Quotes from the team:

"I have battled acne on my face and body since I was a young teenager. It has come and gone through my adult years, pregnancies, and the skin changes that come with aging. It has also left scars along the way. My personal battle with acne led to my passion for teaching about the power of a home skincare routine, and the responsible use of active ingredients, and it has shaped my mission to help everyone feel confident and beautiful in their skin. Real skin has scars, flaws, lines, hyperpigmentation, texture, and visible pores, and most people also battle acne at some point in their lives. I want everyone to know that this is normal and there are solutions. Your worth is never defined by the unique story your skin tells. Acne Positivity Day is all about the honest vulnerability and empowerment we find in sharing that beautiful skin story." - Stephanie K. 

“I have dealt with acne both personally and in my profession, and I just want everyone to know they are not alone. When I had acne, it was painful, felt impossible to treat, and I didn’t want to leave my house. Even as an esthetician, I have had my struggle with acne. As frustrating as it can be, being consistent with my routine and knowing that it can be managed gave me the confidence I needed to not let acne stop me from living my life.” - Kaylie C.
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1 comment

Hi I’m a 58 year old that has dealt with acne all my life. I also have rosacea which finding a product to treat both seems impossible. I am currently in Rhofade and Ivermectin n they work pretty good but considering my age I would like to combat wrinkles while nit sacrificing my skin. I have been using the Gopure Brighten n Even Serum which contains Vitamin C. I have noticed that my face is breaking out a little more n wonder if this is purging or causing my acne to be worse. Please note again that I also have rosacea…..so what r ur thoughts?? Thank you!

Robin Ball

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