Acne & Blemish-Prone Skin: What’s Really Going On With Your Skin

Acne and blemish-prone skin can be frustrating.

Not only because of the breakouts themselves, but because skincare advice today feels overwhelming and often contradictory.

One person tells you to dry everything out.

Another says you need to exfoliate more.

Social media pushes five active ingredients at the same time.

And yet… your skin still doesn’t feel right.

The truth is, acne is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s usually the result of several factors happening at the same time and that’s why a “one-size-fits-all” routine almost never works.

Acne Is Not Just a Surface Problem

Breakouts don’t start on the surface of the skin. They develop deeper, often long before you can actually see them.

Common contributing factors include:

• Excess oil production

• Clogged pores and dead skin buildup

• Inflammation

• A weakened skin barrier

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Stress and lifestyle habits

This is also why aggressive treatments can make acne worse. Over-cleansing, harsh exfoliation, or too many actives can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to more sensitivity, redness, and breakouts.

Why “Drying Out” Acne Often Backfires

It’s a common belief that acne needs to be dried out. In reality, dehydrated skin often produces even more oil to compensate.

When the skin barrier is compromised:

• Oil production increases

• Healing slows down

• Inflammation lasts longer

• Breakouts become more persistent

Acne-prone skin still needs hydration — just in the right form and with the right balance.

Less Can Be More

One of the biggest mistakes I see is using too many active ingredients at once. Combining exfoliating acids, retinol, antibacterial treatments, and strong cleansers can overload the skin.

A calm, consistent routine focused on:

• Gentle cleansing

• Barrier support

• Targeted treatment (not everything at once)

often delivers far better results than an aggressive approach.

Acne Looks Different on Everyone

Not all acne is the same. Some people struggle with clogged pores and small bumps, others with inflamed spots, and some with deeper, painful breakouts.

This is why understanding your skin, not just following trends is key.

A More Thoughtful Approach to Acne

Healthy skin doesn’t come from attacking it. It comes from understanding it.

When the skin feels supported, balanced, and respected, it’s far more capable of healing itself.

If you’re unsure where to start, a personalised skin consultation can help bring clarity and save you from wasting time, money, and your skin’s patience.