Acne 101: Your Guide to Clearer Skin

Acne – it's a fact of life for many people (tween, teens and beyond!) and can be super frustrating and emotional to deal with. But before you blame that pizza or junk food for your breakout, let's break down what acne really is, how to tackle it, and where Avatara can help.

What Causes Acne?

Our skin has tiny oil glands that keep it hydrated. Sometimes, these glands go into overdrive and produce too much oil. This oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores. Bacteria love to grow in clogged pores, leading to inflammation – and that's what shows up as a pimple!

Here are some other factors that can contribute to breakouts:

• Hormones: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty can trigger oil production and acne.
• Genetics: If your parents had acne, you're more likely to experience it too.
• Stress: Feeling stressed? It can show up on your skin! Stress hormones can worsen breakouts.
• Diet: While greasy food isn't the sole culprit, sugary and processed foods can contribute to inflammation in the body, which can reflect on your skin.

Types of Acne

Not all pimples are created equal! Here are the most common types of acne:

• Whiteheads: Tiny, closed bumps under the skin.
• Blackheads: Clogged pores that appear dark due to oxidation.
• Papules: Small, red bumps that are inflamed.
• Pustules: Pus-filled pimples, also known as whiteheads with a yellow center.
• Nodules: Larger, painful bumps deep under the skin.
• Cysts: The most severe form of acne, these are large, pus-filled nodules that can leave scars.

How to Treat It

The good news? Acne is treatable! Here are some tips:

• Don’t skip cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser like The Super Cleanse to remove excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin's natural moisture.
• Dissolve the buildup: Gentle exfoliants can be a game changer after cleansing to keep pores clear. Toning with The Clean Sweep is an easy way to incorporate some skin-refining into your routine - plus it’s alcohol-free!
• Moisture is key: Hydrated skin is less likely to overproduce oil. Look for gentle, balancing moisturizers like The Simple Shield and The Moon Dream that nourish the skin and support its health and recovery. Bonus points when there’s SPF in it (aka The Simple Shield) bc UV rays can make breakouts and inflammation even worse!
• Incorporate a mask: We know inflammation is the main culprit when it comes to acne, so adding in a soothing mask like Chill Out or Juicy Avobravo into your weekly routine can help send that redness and irritability packing.
• Load up on antioxidants: Antioxidants keep skin defended from environmental stressors that can weaken the skin and lead to more breakouts. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide and botanicals like Aloe and Cica can work wonders for daily skin dramas. Ps. check out our previous blog about the benefits of Vitamin C for acne-prone skin.
• Be patient: It takes time to see results. Stick to your routine and be consistent with it to get skin back to its happy place and strengthen its defenses against future breakouts. 

Acne Do's and Don'ts

• DO: Wash your face twice a day, especially after sweating.
• DO: Change your pillowcase regularly. Bacteria love to lurk on dirty fabrics!
• DO: Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• DON'T: Scrub your face. Harsh scrubbing can irritate your skin and worsen breakouts.
• DON'T: Touch your face throughout the day. Your hands carry bacteria that can clog pores.
• DON'T: Apply harsh products like alcohol or astringents. These can dry out your skin and make breakouts worse.

With a little knowledge and the right routine, you can ditch the breakouts and achieve the clear, confident skin you deserve! Just Remember: If your acne is severe, cystic, or doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments, consult a dermatologist.