Acne, Explained: What Causes Breakouts + How to Build a Clear Skin Routine
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In honor of Acne Awareness Month, we’re breaking down what actually causes breakouts—and how to treat acne without damaging your skin barrier in the process.
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns and can affect all skin types and ages. While everyone’s skin is different, breakouts are often caused by a combination of excess oil, clogged pores, inflammation, bacteria, and barrier disruption.
Here’s how to build a routine that actually works.
What Causes Acne?
Acne forms when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and congestion within the skin. Hormones, stress, skincare products, and even over-exfoliating can all contribute to breakouts.
Common Acne Triggers
Excess Oil Production
Overproduction of oil can clog pores and contribute to congestion and breakouts.
Hormonal Fluctuations + Stress
Hormones and stress can increase oil production and inflammation, often triggering breakouts around the chin and jawline.
Pore-Clogging Products
Heavy skincare, makeup, or hair products can trap oil and bacteria within the pores.
Over-Exfoliating the Skin
One of the biggest mistakes we see with acne-prone skin is over-stripping the skin barrier. Harsh acne products and excessive exfoliation can increase irritation and inflammation.
Sweat, Heat, + Friction
Exercise, sweat, tight clothing, hats, and heat can all contribute to clogged pores and irritation.
Diet + Lifestyle Factors
For some individuals, diet, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits may also influence acne and skin inflammation.
The Best Approach to Treating Acne
The goal isn’t to completely dry your skin out—it’s to create balance.
Healthy, clear skin starts with supporting the skin barrier while using targeted treatments consistently. The right skincare routine should help reduce excess oil, clear pores, calm inflammation, and maintain hydration at the same time.
Our Clear Skin Essentials
Clear Cleanse
What It Is: A gentle sulfur cleanser for acne-prone skin.
What It Does: Removes excess oil, clears congestion, and deeply cleans the skin without stripping the barrier.
What’s Inside: Sulfur, Salicylic Acid
Clear Clarifying Pads
What It Is: Daily treatment pads for breakout-prone skin.
What It Does: Helps clear pores, reduce oil, smooth texture, and brighten post-breakout marks.
What’s Inside: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Peptides
Prebiotic Peptide Serum
What It Is: Lightweight hydrating serum for balanced skin.
What It Does: Hydrates, calms redness, and supports the skin barrier.
What’s Inside: Prebiotics, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Nightglow
What It Is: An advanced retinoid nighttime treatment.
What It Does: Helps improve breakouts, smooth texture, refine pores, and brighten post-acne discoloration with less irritation.
What’s Inside: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), Peptides, Antioxidants
Retexturize Weekly Pads
What It Is: Weekly exfoliating treatment pads.
What It Does: Smooths texture and helps keep pores clear.
What’s Inside: TCA, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid
Clear Stick
What It Is: A targeted spot treatment for active breakouts.
What It Does: Helps reduce blemishes and calm inflammation.
What’s Inside: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid
Building a Simple Acne Routine
Morning Routine
• Gentle cleanser like Hydra Cleanse Foamy
• Clear Clarifying Pads
• Prebiotic Peptide Serum
• SPF
Evening Routine
• Clear Cleanse
• Prebiotic Peptide Serum
• Nightglow
• Clear Stick on active blemishes
• Dream Cream
Weekly Treatment
• Retexturize Weekly Pads 1–2x weekly
Consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to acne. Supporting the skin barrier while using targeted ingredients can help improve breakouts and create healthier, more balanced skin over time.