So your acne is driving you crazy and making you self conscious, especially when you look in the mirror. You’ve tried home remedies, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and even ordered Proactiv, only to be disappointed each time.
Every day you do your best to cover the pimples, bumps, and redness with makeup and wish one day you can go without makeup.
You’ve changed your diet, seen a doctor, and Googled and tried every tip and trick you might find.
You were let down each time.
If this sounds like you, then keep going, because you have found your solution! Actually, 2 solutions.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
What causes acne?
By now, if you have done all the searching listed above, you are probably an expert at knowing the cause. But for those who are just now searching for a solution, let’s get to the root of the problem.
- Hormones – Androgen hormones like testosterone can overstimulate oil glands and hair follicles, leading to excess oil production and clogged pores. So acne is common during puberty. Fluctuating hormones during the menstrual cycle can also trigger acne in women.
- Genetics – Some people are just more prone to acne because of genetics. If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to struggle with it as well. Genetics can determine how reactive your oil glands are.
- Medications – Certain medications like corticosteroids, testosterone, lithium, anticonvulsants, and others can cause acne flare-ups.
- Stress – Stress causes the body to produce more cortisol and other hormones that increase oil production and inflammation. This can worsen acne.
- Diet – A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can trigger acne. Milk and whey protein can also cause acne in some people because of hormones found in dairy.
- Poor hygiene – Not properly washing your face to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can clog pores and cause buildup.
- Environment/pollution – Excessive exposure to pollutants and chemicals in some environments can cause acne. Greasy cosmetic products can also clog pores.
- Bacteria – The acne bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis can cause infection and inflammation in pores.
**Note: When treating acne, if you use products that overdry your skin, it can cause your skin to produce more oil, which compounds the problem.
Which type of acne do you have?
Not all acne is the same, and the medical term for common acne is vulgaris.
Here are the main types of acne:
- Whiteheads – Also called closed comedones. These are small white bumps caused by dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria trapped within a clogged pore.
- Blackheads – Also called open comedones. These appear as small black bumps on the skin when a clogged pore is open to the air. The top surface looks dark because of melanin pigment.
- Papules – Small pink or red bumps that form when whiteheads or blackheads become inflamed. They don’t have a head and feel tender.
- Pustules – Pus-filled lesions that appear as red circles with a white or yellow-colored center. This happens when a clogged pore becomes severely infected.
- Nodules – Large, hard lumps under the skin’s surface caused by infection and inflammation of deeper oil glands. Nodules are a more severe form of acne.
- Cysts – Soft, pus-filled lumps that form deep within the skin. Cystic acne is the most severe form, but cysts can be the largest facial lesions.
- Rosacea – A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and bumps that resemble acne pimples. It usually affects the cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Gram-negative folliculitis – Caused by bacteria that get deep into hair follicles. It appears as itchy, pus-filled bumps and is resistant to typical acne medications.
- Acne cosmetica – Caused by makeup, skin care products, and hair products that clog pores and trigger breakouts.
So in summary, acne presents in various forms like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, nodules, cysts, and pustules depending on severity and how deep in the pores and skin the clogs and infections occur.
How to know which type you have
You may already know what is causing your acne from the descriptions of the types above. Or, from doing your own research.
But, here are a few more tips to better determine the type:
– Look at the size, shape, color, and texture – Whiteheads and blackheads are small, flesh-colored bumps. Papules are small pink pimples. Pustules contain visible pus. Nodules are large, solid, and painful. Cysts are the largest pus-filled lumps under the skin.
– Note where it occurs – Whiteheads and blackheads typically appear on the forehead, nose, and chin. Hormonal acne happens along the jawline, neck, and cheeks. Cystic acne happens more on the lower half of the face.
– Consider causes – If it started during puberty or menstruation, it may be hormonal. If products are triggering it, it may be acne cosmetica. Stress-related breakouts are usually papules and pustules scattered all over.
– Note pain level – Mild forms like whiteheads and blackheads are not painful. Moderate papules and pustules may be tender. Nodules and cysts are very painful.
– Check for scarring – Cystic acne and nodules often lead to scarring more than other types.
– Consider skin type – Oily skin is prone to whiteheads and blackheads. Dry skin leads to more irritation and inflammation.
– Notice hair follicles – If you see a hair in the center of lesions, it may be folliculitis related.
– Talk to a dermatologist – A skin doctor can best diagnose the type through visual inspection, lab tests, and by looking at your medical history.
– Try different treatments – The type of acne you have determines what treatments work best, so this can provide clues. I have 2 proven solutions below, so keep going.
Paying attention to the details of your breakouts can help determine the predominant type of acne you’re experiencing.
Choose your solution
Solution #1: GlowBiotics
Your skin has a microbiome which comprises microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Your skin’s microbiome works with your immune system, protects against infection, helps to lessen inflammation, helps reduce the possibility of autoimmune diseases, and protects against environmental assailants.
When your microbiome becomes imbalanced, it can lead to several skin issues, including acne.
To help get your microbiome back in balance, GlowBiotics uses probiotics (good bacteria your skin needs) and prebiotics (food for the good bacteria).
When you balance your microbiome, you can expect to reduce the bad bacteria, defend against harmful bacteria and pollutants, balance the pH of your skin, strengthen your skin barrier, increase and preserve hydration, and stimulate your skin’s natural repair and renewing ability.
Which will then lead to less acne, less redness and inflammation, less dry and itchy skin, and a healthy glowing complexion.
How much time will you save if you don’t have to cover those blemishes with makeup?
Learn more about probiotics here.
GlowBiotics Products
They have several kits that will fit your personal needs.
1. Resurfacing Treatment Kit- This comes with Probiotic Acne Treatment Cleanser, Probiotic Clarifying Home Peel, Probiotic Triple Action Clarifying Pads, Gentle Probiotic Calming Lotion, and Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30.
This kit will address the signs of aging along with acne problems.
2. Active Acne Treatment Kit- Includes Probiotic Acne Treatment Cleanser, Acne Clarifying + Refining Treatment, Probiotic Clarifying Lotion, Calming Restorative Treatment, Probiotic Brightening + Refining Layering Solution, and Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30.
For acne that requires more attention than an occasional breakout.
3. Acne Prone Treatment- Kit includes Probiotic Acne Treatment Cleanser, Acne Clarifying + Refining Treatment, Probiotic Clarifying Lotion, Probiotic Brightening + Refining Layering Solution, and Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30.
This kit is for those that have the occasional breakout.
4. Hormonal Acne Duo- Includes Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment and Probiotic Firming + Replenishing Lotion.
Addresses the signs of aging and hormonal acne.
5. Post Pregnancy Acne Duo- Includes Acne Clarifying + Refining Treatment and Gentle Probiotic Calming Lotion.
To balance your skin after pregnancy.
6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Duo- Includes Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment and Probiotic Clarifying Lotion.
Will reduce oil and decrease bacteria without inflammation, calms deep, painful acne, and reduces the appearance of pores.
Solution #2 Averr Aglow
The founder of this brand apparently struggled with acne for years. She had tried everything you can think of and was let down each time. So, she made her own products.
Averr Aglow uses over 40 vitamins and minerals to help your good bacteria get rid of the bad, balance your oil production, get rid of pore clogging dead skin, and nurture your skin so it can be free and clear of acne and scars.
Along with getting your glowing complexion back. Even if nothing else has helped!
The Clear Skin Kit acne system is unique in the way you will use the products.
Step 1: #1 Clarifying Hydration Dew – Rose scented. Prepares your skin for optimal absorbtion of nutrients while also hydrating and providing antibacterial balance. Also reduces inflammation and redness while balancing oil and any dry areas of your skin.
Step 2: #2 Radiant Cleansing Nectar – This is a no rinse cleanser that removes all the impurities from your skin, including dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria. This will also minimize scarring while fighting off the bad bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Step 3: #3 Clear Skin Elixir – Overnight mask, made with French Pink Clay, to fight and prevent acne, while reducing discoloration and scarring.
Step 4: #4 Flawless Nourishment Cream or #4 Flawless Water Creme – Nourishment Cream is for ultimate hydration for dry or combination skin which will also balance oil production, fight breakouts, calm inflamed skin, and soften acne scars.
Flawless Water Creme is for those with more oily and/or sensitive skin.
When you’re ready to put your acne woes behind you, Shop GlowBiotics or Averr Aglow!
Take back control of your skin and get ready to GLOW again!!