The 3 Main Causes of Acne - And How to Fix Them
Though you might feel like your acne comes and goes at random, with no rhyme or reason, I’m here to tell you acne is far from random. It forms when three key factors come together:
1️⃣ Excess oil production
2️⃣ Clogged pores (keratin buildup)
3️⃣ Bacteria and inflammation
Most people treat acne by addressing just one of these causes—but true skin clarity comes from addressing all three. Here’s how:
1. Controlling Oil (Without Stripping Your Skin)
Oil itself isn’t the enemy—it’s when excess oil mixes with dead skin cells that breakouts start. But over-drying your skin makes things worse, triggering more oil production as a defense mechanism.
✅ Best products for oil control:
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex — High performing cleanser that incorporates a balance of bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients that thoroughly cleanse the surface and pores of the skin without stripping essential natural oils, leaving skin soft and smooth.
iS Clinical Active Serum – Fast-acting with willow bark and sugarcane extract to exfoliate the skin and deep clean pores.
🛑 Avoid: Harsh foaming cleansers or alcohol-based toners that leave skin tight, dry, and damaged.
2. Unclogging Pores & Reducing Keratin Buildup
Dead skin cells naturally shed, but in acne-prone skin, they can build up and trap oil inside the pore. Proper exfoliation helps prevent blockages before they turn into breakouts.
✅ Best products for clearing pores:
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser – A gentle glycolic acid cleanser that dissolves dead skin without irritation.
GlyMed Plus Anti-Aging Exfoliant Masque – A mix of chemical and physical exfoliation for smoother, clearer skin (do not use on inflamed acne).
🛑 Avoid: Over-exfoliating, especially with rough scrubs that cause micro-tears and irritation.
3. Killing Acne-Causing Bacteria & Calming Inflammation
The bacteria C. acnes thrive in clogged pores, triggering an inflammatory response that turns small bumps into red, painful breakouts. This is where professional-grade benzoyl peroxide and anti-inflammatory skincare make a huge difference.
✅ Best products for bacteria & inflammation:
Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality – My ride or die acne product. Retinol, benzoyl peroxide, green tea extract, peptides, and antioxidants deliver serious acne control and dramatic benefits to aging skin, in one amazing product.
GlyMed Plus Protective Skin Serum – Balanced to identify with the skin’s natural epidermal environment, this ultra-light and nourishing formula drenches the skin in humectants, ceramides, antioxidants, and other age-fighting nutrients.
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield – Daily SPF prevents post-acne dark spots and protects the skin barrier.
🛑 Avoid: Skipping moisturizer! Hydration supports healing and prevents irritation from acne treatments.
The Takeaway: Acne isn’t just a surface issue—it’s a complex skin condition that needs a multi-step approach.The right routine balances oil, clears pores, and fights inflammation without damaging your skin barrier.
📅 Not sure where to start? Let’s create a customized acne plan for you.