How to Clear Acne: Causes, Types & Personalized Treatments from Face Reality Certified Experts at Sarah Moon Facial Studio
- Sarah Moon
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Acne is one of the most common skin challenges people face, and it can feel like a never-ending battle. At Sarah Moon Facial Studio, we’re here to help you understand what causes acne, how it forms, and how to get clear, healthy skin. With personalized care and a science-backed approach, our Acne Program is designed to target breakouts and restore your skin’s natural glow. ✨
What causes acne to form? 🤔
Acne is a complex skin disorder involving our skin's pilosebaceous units (the small structures where hair follicles and sebaceous glands meet). Acne forms when several factors come together, including:
🌀 Sluggish skin cell turnover: When skin cells don’t shed properly, they can clog pores.
🗑️ Excess sebum and debris: Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate and block hair follicles.
🦠 Bacteria: Certain bacteria, like Cutibacterium acnes, thrive in these clogged pores and can cause inflammation, leading to both inflamed and noninflamed breakouts.
When these factors combine, they create the perfect environment for acne to form.¹
Acne and Its Many Triggers⚡
Acne has a HUGE genetic component (thanks, ma and pa) 😅, and can also be affected by hormone levels, stress levels, diet and nutrition, sleep quality, external friction from clothing or sports equipment, hair and cosmetic products, and certain medications.²⁻³
How Acne Can Present 🪞
➡️ Papules and Pustules
Also known as inflammatory acne, these are the red, irritated bumps most people think of when they imagine pimples. They can be tender to the touch and often appear as pink or red bumps on the skin.
Note: While papules and pustules are commonly found in Acne Rosacea (a subtype of rosacea), they are caused by different factors.
➡️ Comedones
Often referred to as non-inflammatory acne, comedones are generally less red and painful than papules and pustules. This type of acne includes:
Open Comedones (Blackheads): These clogged pores are exposed to air, causing them to darken.
Closed Comedones (Whiteheads): These are clogged pores that stay beneath the skin’s surface.
Comedones are also commonly seen in Acne Cosmetica—acne triggered by makeup or hair products that can clog pores.
➡️ Nodules and Cysts
Known as nodular or cystic acne, these deep, painful breakouts are often linked to hormonal shifts, especially along the jawline and chin. They can be large and inflamed, and they may take longer to heal than other types of acne.
Nodules and cysts can appear not just on the face, but also on the body— sometimes on the back, underarms, and groin.
So, How Do We Clear Breakouts?
At Sarah Moon Facial Studio, we specialize in helping you achieve clearer skin through our personalized Acne Program. Viewing the skin through a scientific, corneotherapy-based lens, our Acne Specialists address acne breakouts in these 3 ways:
1 - Ensure skin barrier health💧
Properly hydrate the skin so skin cells become less 'sticky'. This allows for healthy skin turnover and, overall, happier skin.⁴ ✨
2 - Increase cell turnover 🔄
Address the sluggish turnover you're experiencing and get those follicles healthy and clear. For this, we utilize products containing ingredients like Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Vitamin A.
We also check to make sure your personal care products ( ie. haircare, makeup, and toothpaste) aren't contributing to your breakouts and don't have any major pore-clogging ingredients.
3 - Tackle acne-causing bacteria 🦠
Depending on the type of acne you have, utilize anti-bacterial ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid, and Cinnamon Bark.⁵
Acne: A Multi-Faceted Challenge 🧩
Acne is rarely caused by just one thing—it’s often a "perfect storm" of factors working together. That’s why having an Acne Expert by your side can make all the difference.
At Sarah Moon Facial Studio, we take the time to understand every aspect of your skin’s needs. We’ll work together to identify all the factors contributing to your breakouts and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique skin. Our Estheticians, certified as Acne Experts by Face Reality Skincare, are dedicated to providing personalized care that clears your skin and boosts your confidence.
Goodbye Breakouts, Hello Confidence—Let’s Begin! 🔓
Ready to say goodbye to breakouts and hello to clear, healthy skin? 🙌
Want to feel confident without the need for foundation? 💁♀️
Ready to calm your skin and reduce acne scarring? 🌸
Our Acne Program is here to help you achieve these results and so much more.
Let’s get started on the path to clear skin and renewed confidence! 💖
Sarah Moon Facial Studio is proudly located in West Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina. 🌸
Our expert Estheticians are dedicated to helping you achieve your best skin with custom facials and personalized skincare routines. Treatments and product regimens are thoughtfully tailored to all Fitzpatrick skin types. 🌿
We believe in providing a safe space for all gender identities and sexual orientations—everyone is welcome here! 🌈💖
References:
Jusuf NK, Putra IB, Sari L. Differences of Microbiomes Found in Non-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Lesions of Acne Vulgaris. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Oct 22;13:773-780. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S272334. PMID: 33122933; PMCID: PMC7591237.
Sutaria AH, Masood S, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2023 Feb 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
Lerner, O. (2022, August 8). Acne may impair sleep quality for adult patients. Dermatology Times. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/acne-may-impair-sleep-quality-for-adult-patients
Yolanda, M. O., Jusuf, N. K., & Putra, I. B. (n.d.). Lower facial skin hydration level increases acne vulgaris severity level. Bali Medical Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.15562/bmj.v10i3.2195
Julianti E, Rajah KK, Fidrianny I. Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon Bark, Honey, and Their Combination Effects against Acne-Causing Bacteria. Sci Pharm. 2017 Apr 11;85(2):19. doi: 10.3390/scipharm85020019. PMID: 28398231; PMCID: PMC5489923.
