What is Acne?

Acne is a hereditary condition where pores shed skin cells faster than the body can expel them. While normal pores shed a single layer of dead skin cells daily, acne-prone pores can shed up to five layers a day — a process known as retention hyperkeratosis. Certain foods, supplements, lifestyle habits, and skincare ingredients may trigger or worsen breakouts in those prone to acne, but they are not the root cause of the condition.

What Are The Types Of Acne?

Open Comedone

AKA blackheads, these little guys are your pores' way of saying, “Hey, I’m clogged and proud!” They’re full of oil and dead skin, turning dark and stubborn when exposed to air. Ugh.

Non-Inflamed Acne

Closed Comedone

Whiteheads are like the secretive cousins of blackheads – all trapped and hiding under the skin. They’re the silent troublemakers, causing little white bumps with nowhere to go.

Papule

These are the “I’m here to make a statement!” pimples. They’re red, inflamed, and sitting pretty on your skin, but without the drama of pus. Just pure, unapologetic irritation.

Inflamed Acne

Pustule

Oh, here’s the drama queen! A pimple that has graduated to pus-filled glory, complete with a red, irritated base. It’s the pimple with extra flair and no shame.

Nodule

Big, bold, and not here for a good time – these deep, painful lumps are the ones that like to settle in and make a home in your skin, leaving a lasting impression.

Cyst

The grand finale of acne chaos. Soft, deep, and filled with pus, cysts are the rebels of the pimple world. They get real comfy in your skin and can be pretty darn stubborn about leaving.

Did you know there are skin conditions that present as acne, but aren’t the real deal? Treating these acne imposters like regular acne can sometimes backfire and make things worse!

What Affects Acne?

I hate to break it to you, but your sushi nights, whey protein shakes, peanut butter snacks, and tofu love affair might be stirring up trouble for your skin.

Foods

Biotin: the sneaky little culprit hiding in multivitamins, "beauty" vitamins, and even prenatal vitamins. Always consult with your doctor before changing your supplements.

Supplements

Swimming pools, toothpaste, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and yes, both prescription and recreational drugs — they can all crash your skin's vibe.

Lifestyle Habits

Your sunscreen, foundation, blush, lipstick, moisturizers, and half your skincare stash might be pulling the strings behind your breakouts. Time to investigate who's really skin-friendly!

Topical Ingredients

Home Care

Want to get a jump start on clearing your acne right from your home? We have added recommended basic home care for people interested in the routine and want to get a head start and familiarize themselves with the products.

  • Makeup remover: Pore Clearing Cleansing Oil

    Second Cleanse: Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser

    Toner: Moisture Balance Toner

    Hydrator: HydraRemedy Gel Serum

    Moisturizer: Cran-Peptide Cream

    SPF: SPF 30

    Mask: Hydracalm Mask

  • Makeup remover: Pore Clearing Cleansing Oil

    Second Cleanse: Ultra Gentle Cleanser or Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser

    Toner: Moisture Balance Toner

    Moisturizer: Cran-Peptide Cream

    SPF: SPF 30 or SPF 28

    Mask: Any

  • Makeup remover: Pore Clearing Cleansing Oil

    Second Cleanse: Ultra Gentle Cleanser

    Toner: Sal-C Toner (reach out to purchase)

    Hydrator: HydraBalance Gel

    Moisturizer: ClearDerma

    SPF: SPF 28

    Mask: Soothing Clay Mask

What’s Your Skin Type?

Very Dry Skin:

Tiny, practically invisible pores that might only show up in your T-zone if you squint hard enough. Your skin never knows what "oily" feels like, even after cleansing.

Dry Skin:

Small pores that keep to the T-zone, maybe stretching to the inner corners of your eyes when they're feeling adventurous. Your skin might finally start to feel a little oily 10-12 hours post-cleanse.

Normal Skin:

Medium-sized pores that hang out in your T-zone and politely extend to the inner corner of your iris (you know, the colorful part of your eye). You'll notice some oiliness creeping in around 7-9 hours after cleansing.

Oily Skin:

Large pores that confidently show themselves in the T-zone and reach all the way to the middle of your eye. You'll feel oily in just 4-6 hours after cleansing — your skin doesn't do subtle.

Very Oily Skin:

Extra-large pores that make no apologies, visible all over your face. Oiliness will show up to the party within 1-3 hours of cleansing, like an eager early bird.

Top products at V’s Skin Studio to combat acne:

  • Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser

    • A gentle cleanser with anti-inflammatory benefits that effectively cleanses the skin while reducing irritation and strengthening skin.

  • Face Reality Mandelic Serum 5% / 8% / 11%

    • The antibacterial serum provides gentle exfoliation to improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while addressing acne-causing bacteria. 

  • Face Reality Sulfur Spot Treatment

    • A highly effective spot treatment to treat current breakouts. It contains 6% sulfur to reduce inflammation and target acne causing bacteria, in combination with a calming peptide to control redness. 

  • Face Reality Acne Med 2.5% / 5% / 10%

    • This all-over treatment uses benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria, while gently exfoliating within the pores.