Happy Acne Awareness Month! Everything you actually need to know

By Rahel Haile, LE | The Rich Skin Society

June is Acne Awareness Month and as an esthetician who specializes in acne-prone skin, this month means a lot to me. Not just because of the awareness it brings, but because acne is something I've lived through personally. It changed the entire trajectory of my career and is how The Rich Skin Society came to be.

So this month, I'm dedicating this blog to all things acne. We're going deep: what it is, what causes it, the different types, the ingredients that actually help, and the simple (but often overlooked) tips that can change how your skin behaves.

What Is Acne, Really?

Most people think of acne as just "breakouts." But acne is actually a chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. When that environment sits long enough, bacteria thrive and your skin responds with inflammation in the form of redness, swelling, and yes, those pimples we all know too well.

Acne most commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Basically, anywhere your oil glands are most active.

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: acne is not a hygiene problem. It's not about being dirty or lazy. And it is absolutely not just "a teenage thing." Adult acne is incredibly common, especially in women and it can show up or worsen well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

What Causes Acne?

Acne rarely has just one cause, it's usually a combination of internal and external factors working against you. This is where we do a deep dive and get personal to see what your causes maybe. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Hormones

  Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most common drivers of acne, especially in adult women. Androgens (like testosterone) stimulate your oil glands to produce more sebum, which leads to clogged pores. This is why breakouts often spike around your cycle, during pregnancy, after stopping birth control, or during perimenopause.

• Excess Sebum Production

  Some people are just naturally oilier and that's not a character flaw. But when your glands produce more oil than your skin can handle, the excess mixes with dead skin cells and it ends up clogging your pores.

• Bacteria

  Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called P. acnes) is a bacteria that lives naturally on your skin. It becomes a problem when it gets trapped inside a clogged pore and multiplies, causing that inflammatory response we see as red, angry breakouts.

• Dead Skin Cell Buildup

  Your skin is constantly shedding dead cells. When that process gets sluggish or when your skincare routine isn't supporting proper cell turnover those cells can accumulate and block your pores.

• Diet and Gut Health

  This one doesn't get talked about enough. Research increasingly supports a connection between what you eat and what shows up on your skin. High-glycemic foods (sugar, refined carbs), dairy, and certain food sensitivities can trigger or worsen acne for many people. Your gut health directly influences inflammation levels throughout your body, including your skin.

• Stress

  Stress increases cortisol, which in turn increases sebum production. It can also disrupt your skin's barrier function and slows healing. If you notice you always break out during stressful periods, that's not a coincidence.

• Pore-Clogging Products

  Some of the products you're using to help your skin could actually be making it worse. Many skincare and makeup products contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients.

• Medications and Supplements

  Certain medications, including some birth control formulations, corticosteroids, and even some protein powders or high-dose B vitamins can contribute to your acne. If you started breaking out after starting something new, it's worth investigating.

The Different Types of Acne

Not all acne is the same and the type you have matters when it comes to treatment. Here's a breakdown:

• Non-Inflammatory Acne

  • Blackheads (Open Comedones)- A blackhead is a clogged pore that's open at the surface. The dark color isn't dirt it's oxidized oil and melanin reacting to air exposure. These are some of the most misunderstood blemishes in skincare.

  • Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)- A whitehead is a clogged pore that's closed at the surface. These are the small, flesh-colored or white bumps that don't have a red, inflamed appearance. They're the early stage of most breakouts.

• Inflammatory Acne

  • Papules- Small, raised, red bumps with no visible white head. These form when the wall of a clogged pore breaks down and bacteria spread into the surrounding skin. They can be tender to the touch.

  • Pustules- This is what most people picture when they think "pimple". These are similar to papules but contain visible pus, that white or yellow center is your body fighting the bacteria. Do NOT squeeze. I mean it!!

  • Nodules- Larger, deeper, solid bumps that form deep within the skin. Nodular acne is more serious and can be painful. It doesn't have a head, and attempting to pop it can cause significant discomfort, damage and scarring.

  • Cystic Acne- The most severe form of acne. Cysts are large, deep, painful, fluid-filled lesions that form when the infection goes deep into the skin. Cystic acne is highly likely to scar and requires professional treatment. If this is you, please see a professional.

• Hormonal Acne

  • Often categorized separately because of its pattern. Hormonal acne tends to cluster along the jawline, chin, and neck especially in adult women. It's often cyclical (tied to your period), deep, and cystic in nature. Treating it requires addressing the root cause, not just the surface.

Ingredients That Actually Help Acne-Prone Skin

The skincare aisle is overwhelming. Here are the ingredients worth knowing & why they work:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)

  A beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pore lining and dissolves the buildup of dead skin and oil. It's oil-soluble, which means it can get inside the pore which makes it one of the most effective ingredients for blackheads, whiteheads, and mild inflammatory acne.

• Benzoyl Peroxide

  An antibacterial ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. It's effective for inflammatory acne (papules and pustules) but can be drying and irritating. Start low & slow and always follow with moisturizer.

• Retinoids (Retinol, Adapalene, Tretinoin)

  Vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover, prevent pores from clogging, and reduce inflammation. Arguably the most proven anti-acne (and anti-aging) ingredient on the market. They take 8–12 weeks to work and can cause initial purging, which is normal and worth pushing through. Best paired with a BHA/AHA to help bring everything all the way up to the surface.

• Niacinamide

  A form of Vitamin B3 that regulates sebum production, reduces inflammation, fades post-acne dark spots, and strengthens the skin barrier. It's also well-tolerated by most skin types, making it a great supporting ingredient for acne-prone skin.

• Azelaic Acid

  SO Underrated and VERY underused. Azelaic acid kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, regulates cell turnover, and fades hyperpigmentation, all without the irritation of retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Great for sensitive, acne-prone skin and hormonal acne.

• Zinc

  Both topical and oral zinc have shown meaningful results for acne. Topically, it's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. As a supplement, zinc helps regulate hormone levels and sebum production.

• Sulfur

  An old-school ingredient that's having a well-deserved comeback. Sulfur dries out excess oil, unclogs pores, and has mild antibacterial properties. Great in spot treatments and masks.

What to Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

Just as important as what you use is what you stop using. Here are common culprits that could be making your acne worse:

• Comedogenic oils- Coconut oil, wheat germ oil, and flaxseed oil are highly pore-clogging. Check the comedogenic rating of any oil before putting it on your face.

• Heavy, occlusive moisturizers- If your skin is oily and acne-prone, thick creams with mineral oil or petrolatum can trap debris in your pores.

• Physical exfoliants (scrubs)- Harsh scrubs can damage your skin barrier and spread bacteria. Stick to chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid) instead.

• Drying alcohols- Products with denatured or SD alcohol can strip your skin, causing it to overcompensate with even more oil production.

• Skipping moisturizer- This one surprises people, dehydrated skin overproduces oil. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is non-negotiable, even for oily skin.

• Not wearing SPF- Unprotected UV exposure worsens post-acne hyperpigmentation and weakens your barrier. You HAVE to wear it every day, especially if you are using chemical exfoliants, retinol and doing any in person treatments.

Simple Tips for Dealing With Acne Day-to-Day

You don't have to overhaul your entire life to start seeing improvement. Here are some things you can start with:

1. Wash your face in the morning and at night. Over-cleansing strips your skin and triggers more oil production. Twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser is the sweet spot.

2. Change your pillowcase every 2–3 days. You're spending 7–8 hours a night pressing your face against fabric that collects oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This is a free, easy win.

3. Stop touching your face. Your hands carry bacteria. Every time you rest your chin in your hand, pick at a blemish, or unconsciously touch your face, you're transferring that bacteria to your skin.

4. Wash your phone screen. Your phone screen presses against your face every time you take a call. Wipe it down daily.

5. Clean your makeup brushes often. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for the exact bacteria that cause acne. Clean them regularly with a gentle brush cleanser.

6. Drink more water and less of what spikes your blood sugar. Hydration supports your skin's barrier function. Even coffee on an empty stomach And high-glycemic foods (sugary drinks, energy drinks, candy) trigger insulin spikes that can increase oil production and inflammation.

7. Be patient with new products. Most acne-fighting ingredients take 8–12 weeks to show results. Give products time before you decide they're not working and don't stack too many new things at once.

8. See a professional. I'm biased, but also right. If you've been managing acne on your own for months or years without consistent results, a professional (me;)) can help you identify what's actually driving your breakouts and build a real plan. Not a protocol you found on TikTok, but a real, personalized plan.

The Emotional Side of Acne

We can't talk about acne without talking about how it feels.

Acne affects your confidence. It affects how you show up in photos, in meetings, on dates, in the world. It can be isolating, especially when it feels like everyone else has figured out their skin but you.

I want to say this clearly: your worth has nothing to do with what your skin looks like. But I also understand that knowing that doesn't always make it easier to believe.

That's part of why The Rich Skin Society exists. Not just to help people get clear skin but to help people change their relationship with their skin. To understand it instead of fight it, to treat it with care instead of frustration.

You are not your acne and it is absolutely possible to get to a place where your skin feels like yours again.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're ready to stop guessing and start actually understanding your skin, I'd love to work with you. Every appointment starts with a consultation because your skin has a story and your treatment should reflect it. And if you are not located in Albuquerque, New Mexico I would still love to work with you virtually!

And stay tuned, this month I'll be posting a full series dedicated to all things acne: products, supplements, different types of acne, the gut-skin connection, and more.

Book your consultation & treatment → The Rich Skin Society

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