There’s no other way to put it: acne sucks. It can destroy your confidence, leave your skin itchy and uncomfortable, and make every morning a fresh new hell.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right treatment and regimen, your skin can finally be on your side. Here’s how to win it back.

First Let’s Get One Thing Clear: YOU

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So What Causes Acne?

Acne can be caused by several different factors – including ones that might be in your control (like diet and lifestyle) and some that aren’t (like age and genetics). An important place to start is by recognizing these factors in your own skin, and then devising a relevant plan of attack.

Here are the major contributors to most acne breakouts:

• Excess sebum production: Overproduction of skin oil can clog pores.

• Dead skin cells: Accumulation of dead skin cells can block hair follicles.

• Bacteria: pores can be breeding grounds for bacteria, clogging them and leading to inflammation.

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, can trigger acne.

• Genetics: Family history can increase susceptibility to acne.

• Diet: High glycemic foods and dairy products may contribute to acne in some individuals.

• Stress: Stress can worsen acne by increasing inflammation and sebum production.

• Makeup and skincare products: Certain products can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as steroids and lithium, can cause acne as a side effect.

• Friction and pressure: Rubbing or wearing tight clothing can aggravate acne.

Making A Daily Routine 

Gentle Cleansing

Daily face washing is a necessity for cleaning skin of acne-causing bacteria. For a powerful formula that removes dirt and oil from pores (and is designed specifically for guys), get our Daily Face Cleanser.

Exfoliation

Scrub away the scary with a face exfoliant that uses particles to help you get rid of dead skin. Our Face Scrub uses Jojoba Beads to gently exfoliate your pores, removing the buildup of whatever mess you’ve gotten into.

Moisturizing

Without a replacement for natural moisturizing oils, a dry face is susceptible to breakouts. Get a face lotion like our Daily Moisturizer that hydrates and restores your skin’s moisture, without the greasiness.

Nutrition

Still falling asleep face first on piles of french fries? Yeah, that’s not gonna work out well for your skin. But what touches the outside of your body can be just as important for acne-fighting as what you put inside it.

Nutrition plays a significant role in acne development, and making informed dietary choices can help manage and reduce acne symptoms for many individuals.

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – along with proper hydration and avoiding dairy and high glycemic index foods like sugary snacks and processed carbs – can support skin health and reduce the risk of acne.

Hydration

Getting enough water is essential for overall health, including skin health, as it helps maintain skin moisture and supports the body's natural detoxification processes.

Depending on factors like body type, age, and climate, it’s recommended the average guy drinks 8 to 10 cups (64 to 80 ounces) of water per day. That’s about 2 liters of H20 down the hatch every day.

Stress Management

Got bills and exams and child support payments piling up? All that stress can release the hormone cortisol, which can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation in the skin — factors that contribute to acne breakouts. 

Chronic stress can also wear you down. It weakens the immune system, making it less effective in controlling acne-causing bacteria, and it may disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to hormonal acne.

 So what can you do? Try adopting stress-reduction techniques like relaxation, exercise, and mindfulness practices. Basically anything to get your mind away from worrying, and into a better state of equilibrium.

Exercise

Can you kickstart your heart for clearer skin? Essentially, physical activity increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells. This improved circulation can enhance skin health by promoting cell turnover and collagen production, ultimately helping the skin heal and repair acne-related damage more effectively.

Also, exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Lower stress levels can have a positive impact on acne, as stress is known to trigger hormonal imbalances and inflammation, both of which can contribute to acne breakouts. 

A word of caution: while exercise can be beneficial for acne, excessive sweating and friction from tight workout clothing can potentially make acne worse. Always maintain good hygiene by showering and cleansing the skin after exercising, using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) skincare products like our Daily Face Cleanser.

Avoiding Harmful Habits

Smoking cigarettes. Excessive alcohol consumption. All the coolest things turn out to not be cool at all for your skin.

Studies show that cigarettes and alcohol (and other naughty vices) can lead to issues like inflammation, dehydration, nutrient depletion, reduced oxygen flow, skin discoloration, and a whole host of other maladies that weaken your immune system. The result is poor skin health that can make acne much worse. 

In short, quitting smoking and moderating your alcohol consumption can have a positive impact on your skin appearance and overall well-being.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your acne situation ever gets unmanageable (or you just need professional advice), get yourself to a dermatologist. Only a licensed healthcare provider with proper training can give you the tailored treatment you need.

You Got This

Depending on your skin, it can take time for your body to react and repair itself after making the changes outlined here. But by following a balanced diet, maintaining a consistent skincare routine, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding harmful lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce the risk of acne breakouts and promote that radiant complexion you deserve.