Acne is one of the most common and persistent skin conditions, affecting people across all age groups—from teenagers to adults. It doesn’t discriminate and can have both physical and emotional impacts on those who experience it.

As a qualified Dermal Clinician and Beauty Therapist, I’ve seen first-hand how acne can deeply affect self-esteem and overall wellbeing. While it’s a self-limiting condition with no cure, there are ways to manage breakouts, calm inflammation and support your skin’s health during flare-ups.

Before you fall for social media skincare fads or advice from unqualified sources, let’s break down what causes acne, debunk a few myths, and explore what actually helps.

Understanding Acne: A Multifactorial Condition

There’s no single cause of acne—it’s influenced by a range of internal and external factors, including:

• Hormones

• Diet

• Stress

• Hair and skincare products

At the core of acne lies inflammation. Here’s what’s happening beneath the skin’s surface:

• Excess sebum (oil) is released from the oil gland and becomes trapped in pores.

• There’s an overproduction of skin cells, leading to congestion.

• C.acnes bacteria (formerly known as P.acnes) thrive in these clogged pores, feasting on oil and dead skin cells.

• This triggers the body’s immune response—causing redness and inflammation.

Why You Shouldn’t Over-Strip the Skin

It might seem logical to remove oil from the skin to treat acne—but your skin needs some oil to maintain the acid mantle, its natural protective barrier. Harsh, drying products can disrupt this balance and make things worse.

The Four Grades of Acne

Acne presents in varying degrees of severity. Here’s how it’s classified:

• Grade 1 – Mild:
  Non-inflammatory, with whiteheads and blackheads only.

• Grade 2 – Mild to Moderate:
  Some inflammation, papules and pustules appear.

• Grade 3 – Moderate:
  Painful, inflamed breakouts on the face and/or body; redness and potential for scarring.

• Grade 4 – Severe (Cystic Acne):
  Deep, painful cysts, severe inflammation, and a higher risk of scarring. Professional help is essential at this stage.

Managing Acne: What Helps

Start with a Consistent Skincare Routine

Clean, healthy habits form the foundation of managing acne.

Helpful Tips:

• Exfoliate Gently

  • Avoid harsh scrubs that can worsen inflammation.

  • Choose gentle chemical exfoliants with AHA/BHA or acid-free peptide-based options.

• Choose Non-Comedogenic Products

  • Avoid ingredients like cacao butter, coconut oil, and wheatgerm oil in skincare and makeup.

  • Foundation can sit on your skin for hours—make sure it’s acne-friendly.

• Cleanse Twice Daily

  • Use warm water and a gentle, SLS-free cleanser.

  • Don’t scrub your skin—friction and heat can increase oil production.

• Support Your Skin Microbiome

  • A balanced microbiome helps regulate inflammation and protects your skin from harmful bacteria.

The Power of Vitamins A and B

• Vitamin B (Niacinamide):

  • Reduces inflammation and excess oil.

  • Supports skin barrier function and healing.

  • Helps with scarring and post-acne pigmentation.

• Vitamin A (Retinol/Retinoids):

  • Regulates oil flow and speeds up cell turnover.

  • Helps tighten pores and smooth skin.

  • Essential for preventing and healing breakouts.

Additional Acne Management Tips

• Never Pick Pimples

  • Picking can rupture the pore wall, spread bacteria deeper, and lead to scarring.

  • Use a spot treatment instead to reduce the temptation.

• Hydrate Your Skin

  • Acne-prone skin can still be dehydrated.

  • Use lightweight, water-based gel moisturisers that hydrate without adding oil.

• Check Your Hair Products

  • Hair sprays, serums and shampoos can transfer to your skin and clog pores.

  • Choose non-comedogenic options.

Don’t Forget Your Diet

What you eat shows up on your skin. A healthy, balanced diet can help reduce acne flare-ups.

• Avoid Sugar

  • Sugar promotes inflammation and spikes cortisol, which increases oil production.

  • Reducing sugar can significantly improve skin clarity.

  • Always speak to a medical professional before making dietary changes.

Need Help with Your Skin?

Acne can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team at CRC is here to help you understand your skin and provide evidence-based treatment options tailored to you.

If you’d like personalised guidance or support for managing acne, get in touch with us:

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’d like to learn more about our treatments, please give us a call on:

03 5221 9920 or 0428 462 299

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram

You can also book online

Email us at enquiries.crc@outlook.com for any concerns or enquiries