Acne, Breakouts & Blackheads: What You Need to Know

Acne, breakouts, and blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns among teens, adolescents, and adults alike. The good news? Acne is treatable — but it requires consistency, the right products, and understanding the root cause of your skin issues.

As a holistic master esthetician and trainer based in Solana Beach, California, I've spent decades helping clients achieve clear, healthy skin using a natural, hormone-safe approach. Whether you're local to Solana Beach or shopping our skincare line online, this guide will help you understand acne and how to treat it effectively.

Why Do You Have Acne?

There are several reasons why someone develops acne. The most common cause is a hormonal imbalance, which can be triggered or worsened by:

• Stress (which releases cortisol, disrupting progesterone and testosterone levels)
• Certain foods and dietary habits
• Skincare products with pore-clogging or hormone-disrupting ingredients
• Makeup products that aren't suited to your skin type
  

I personally suffered from acne as a young teen. Through my own skin and health journey, I developed a natural, holistic approach to clearing acne — one that addresses the skin from the inside out.

Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Acne

Many popular acne skincare products contain ingredients that can actually make your skin worse over time. Here are the ones I recommend avoiding:

Benzoyl Peroxide

While some people see initial results, benzoyl peroxide causes significant stress and irritation to the skin. It generates free radicals that damage the skin's barrier and cellular DNA, leading to premature aging. It also destroys both good and bad bacteria, leaving skin red, sensitized, and vulnerable.

Retinol & Retin-A

Long-term retinol use can damage the skin. Overuse or using a concentration that's too strong can lead to peeling, excessive dryness, increased redness, and even rosacea. It can also thin the skin over time.

Glycolic Acid

When overused, glycolic acid sensitizes the skin and increases your risk of sun damage. Like all chemical exfoliants, it must be used carefully and sparingly.

Coconut Oil, Mineral Oil & Talc

These common ingredients tend to clog pores and overstimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to more breakouts.

Important note: A product can be labeled organic, natural, or clean and still contain ingredients that irritate acne-prone skin. Always read the label.

6 Expert Tips for Clearer Skin

Tip 1: Avoid Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Steer clear of coconut oil, mineral oil, and talc in your skincare and makeup products. These clog pores and increase breakouts.

Tip 2: Use a Hormone-Safe Serum

I formulated our Clear Skin Serum specifically to address acne, breakouts, scarring, fine lines, and pigmentation — without damaging the skin. It's hormone-safe and designed to be used at night under your moisturizer.

Tip 3: Wash Your Pillowcase & Makeup Brushes Regularly

Change your pillowcase every couple of days to prevent bacteria from spreading to your skin. Wash makeup brushes after every use.

Tip 4: Ditch the Face Wipes

Most face and baby wipes contain mineral oil, alcohol, and parabens — all of which can irritate acne-prone skin. Instead, use a pH-balanced cleanser that purifies and detoxes your skin without stripping it.

Tip 5: Check Your Shampoo

Shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) — the ingredient that creates foam — can clog and irritate the skin along your hairline and forehead. Switch to an SLS-free formula.

Tip 6: Support Your Skin from the Inside Out

Certain supplements can support your immune system and help achieve a clearer complexion. Stress management is also a key part of the holistic approach to healing the skin. Practices I personally recommend: walking, detox baths, dancing, tapping, qigong, and deep breathing.

What Does Your Skin Really Need?

What does your skin really need? Fill out our free Skin Quiz to get expert recommendations tailored to your unique skin type and concerns.

[Take the Skin Quiz]

Personalized Acne Consultations in Solana Beach

Every skin is different. That's why I offer personalized skin consultations — in person at my Solana Beach studio or virtually — where I analyze your current skincare routine, lifestyle, and skin concerns to create a customized acne treatment plan just for you.

This includes a curated at-home skincare kit with products selected specifically for your skin type and acne triggers.

Ready to start your journey to clear, healthy skin?

🌐 www.lesliemorand.com

📞 (425) 445-8349

Clear skin is possible — naturally. Real results from Leslie Morand's hormone-safe acne treatment in Solana Beach, CA.