If you’re struggling with breakouts, you’re far from alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting teens and adults alike. At Art of Skin Care, we know acne can feel frustrating, painful, and even overwhelming — but with the right education and support, clear skin is possible.
Acne isn’t your fault. It’s a skin condition, not a personal failure — and with the right guidance, you can absolutely get clear.
This lesson breaks down the science behind acne, why certain people are more prone to breakouts, and the factors that may be triggering your flare-ups.
What Is Acne?
Your skin is covered in countless tiny hair follicles, each linked to an oil gland called a sebaceous gland. These glands produce sebum, a natural oil that protects and moisturizes your skin.
For acne-prone individuals, three things happen inside the pore:
Excess oil production
A buildup of dead skin cells
An increase in acne-causing bacteria
When oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria combine, they form a plug inside the pore. This leads to congestion, inflammation, and the visible breakouts you see on the skin’s surface.
Acne commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders, where oil glands are more active.
Types of Acne
Non-Inflamed Acne
Blackheads (Open comedones):
Dark-tipped plugs caused by oxidized oil and skin cells.Whiteheads (Closed comedones):
Sealed, white bumps where the pore remains closed.
Inflamed Acne
Papules:
Small, red, inflamed bumps.Pustules:
Papules with a visible white or yellow center (pus).Nodules:
Deep, painful lumps beneath the skin.Cysts:
Large, inflamed lesions that often lead to scarring.
Other Terms to Know
Comedones: Blocked pores filled with oil and keratin.
C. acnes bacteria: The bacteria involved in acne development.
Rosacea: Sometimes mistaken for acne but involves different triggers and treatment strategies.
Not all bumps are the same — identifying your acne type is the first step to treating it correctly.
Why Do I Have Acne?
The most common cause is genetics.
If one or both parents dealt with acne, you’re more likely to inherit:
Faster buildup of dead skin cells (retention hyperkeratosis)
Oilier skin or more active sebaceous glands
Pores that clog more easily
This means your skin naturally needs more support to stay clear — and the right skincare routine can make all the difference.
What Causes Acne Breakouts?
While acne-prone pores are inherited, your triggers are unique. Below are the most common factors that contribute to flare-ups..
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones like androgens stimulate oil production. This is why acne can worsen during:
Ovulation
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Perimenopause / menopause
AOS Tip:
Avoid dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt) the week before and during your period. Dairy can disrupt hormone balance and increase inflammation.
2. Gut Dysbiosis
Your gut and skin communicate through what researchers call the gut-skin axis. When your gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can increase systemic inflammation and worsen acne.
Common disruptors include:
Certain medications (including antibiotics & Accutane)
Food intolerances
Sugar & alcohol
Pesticides
Chronic stress
Poor dental hygiene
3. Stress
Stress increases cortisol, a hormone that tells your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. More oil = more clogged pores.
AOS Tip:
Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep nightly to reduce inflammatory acne triggers.
4. Diet
Your diet directly impacts your skin. Common acne triggers include:
Sugar & simple carbs
Iodine (salt-heavy foods)
Dairy & soy
Peanuts
Biotin supplements
Maca root
We’ll explore diet more deeply in Acne Lesson 4: The Clear Skin Diet
5. Pore-Clogging Ingredients
Skincare, makeup, body lotions, sunscreens, and hair products can all trigger acne if they contain comedogenic ingredients — even when labeled “non-comedogenic.”
You’ll find our complete pore-clogging and acne causing ingredient list in Acne Lesson 6.
Your products can either heal your skin — or secretly clog your pores.
6. Medications
Some medications list acne as a side effect, including:
Oral contraceptives
Antibiotics
Steroids
Certain antidepressants
Vitamins & supplements
If you suspect a medication is contributing to acne, talk with your doctor about alternatives.
You can read more about drugs and chemicals that contribute to acne HERE>
You can read more about birth control and acne HERE>
7. Medical Conditions
Some underlying medical issues can cause persistent acne, including:
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Often paired with symptoms such as:
Irregular periods
Excess hair growth
Weight gain
Thinning hair
If your acne is severe or resistant to treatment, discuss testing with your healthcare provider.
Esthetician Top Picks for Getting Started Treating Acne
Is Adult Acne Different?
Yes — and it’s far more common than most people realize. Many adults experience new or returning acne due to shifting hormones, chronic stress, product sensitivities, or lifestyle changes.
Adult acne often behaves differently than teen acne and requires a more specialized approach.
Learn more about adult acne in our full guide: Understanding Adult Acne.
You’re Not Alone — And You Can Get Clear
Although genetics influence your skin, the right strategy, routine, and support system can transform acne-prone skin into clear, healthy skin.
At Art of Skin Care, our estheticians specialize in guiding clients through this process with personalized, results-driven routines.
Ready to Start Your Clear Skin Journey? Join the AOS Clear Skin Club — It’s Free!
Clearing acne isn’t something you should have to figure out alone. When you join our AOS Clear Skin Club, you receive expert support, personalized guidance, and access to exclusive perks — all at no cost.
What You Get as a Clear Skin Club Member
Personalized Acne-Safe Routine
Our Master Estheticians design a routine tailored to your skin type, acne type, lifestyle, and sensitivity level.
Free Acne Coaching & Expert Support
Get direct esthetician guidance, ongoing adjustments, and answers to your skincare questions throughout your clear-skin journey.
Product Recommendations & Troubleshooting
Not sure which cleanser or serum is best for you? We help you choose the right acne-safe products — and avoid ingredients that may be holding you back.
Education Designed for Real Results
Learn the science of acne, your personal triggers, and the steps you need to stay consistently clear.
Members-Only Perks & Early Access
Enjoy exclusive promotions, seasonal acne lessons, and early access to new AOS resources, tips, and tools.
When you understand what truly causes acne, you’re empowered to make choices that lead to clearer skin.
Acne FAQs: Myths & Facts
Myth 1: Acne is caused by dirty skin.
Fact: Acne is not caused by dirt.
Breakouts come from a combination of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside the pore — not surface dirt. In fact, over-cleansing can irritate the skin and make acne worse.
Myth 2: Only teenagers get acne.
Adults get acne too — and it’s increasingly common.
Hormones, stress, gut health, and skincare products can trigger acne well into your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Read more about this in our guide to Adult Acne.
Myth 3: You should dry out your skin to clear acne.
Fact: Drying out the skin disrupts your barrier and can increase breakouts.
Acne-prone skin still needs balanced hydration and barrier support. Over-drying leads to inflammation, which fuels acne.
Myth 4: Makeup causes acne.
Fact: Only some makeup causes acne — especially if it contains pore-clogging or acne causing ingredients.
Acne-safe makeup exists and can be worn daily when chosen carefully. Always check ingredient lists and avoid comedogenic oils and fillers.
Myth 5: Scrubbing your skin will clear your pores.
Fact: Physical scrubs can irritate acne-prone skin and worsen inflammation.
Gentle, regular chemical exfoliation (like mandelic acid or corrective toners) is much more effective and safer for clearing clogged pores.
Myth 7: Non-comedogenic products won’t clog your pores.
Fact: The term “non-comedogenic” is not regulated.
Products may still contain acne triggers even if labeled acne-safe. Learning how to spot pore-clogging ingredients is key to staying clear.
See our full list in Acne Lesson 6.
Myth 8: Stress doesn’t really affect acne.
Fact: Stress is a major acne trigger.
Cortisol increases oil production and inflammation — two things acne thrives on. Sleep, lifestyle balance, and stress support matter more than you think.
A Personal Note from Celine
I know how overwhelming acne can feel — the confusion, the frustration, the trial-and-error, and the impact it can have on your confidence. I’ve worked with so many clients over the years who felt stuck or discouraged, and I always remind them of one thing: your skin is not the enemy. It’s communicating, and together, we can learn what it needs.
Acne is never a one-size-fits-all condition, which is why personalized guidance matters so much. When you have someone who understands your skin, your lifestyle, your triggers, and your goals, everything becomes clearer — and progress comes faster.
Wherever you are in your journey, know that you’re not alone. The AOS team and I are here to support you every step of the way, and we’re genuinely invested in helping you achieve calm, healthy, radiant skin.
Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skin Care, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skin Care, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
