Why Do I Have Acne?
Acne isn’t just a skin condition — it’s a signal. And before you go down another rabbit hole of harsh treatments and panic purchases, let’s pause. Understanding the type, grade, and cause of your acne changes everything about how you treat it — and how you treat yourself in the process.
What Is Acne?
Acne happens when oil glands and hair follicles get clogged — usually with a mix of dead skin, oil, and sometimes bacteria. Once that follicle is blocked, your body reacts. Some breakouts show up as inflammation. Some bring in bacteria. Some stay under the surface and hang around like they own the place.
Most acne involves at least one of these four elements:
Inflammation
Oil
Bacteria
Dead skin buildup
Your skin might be dealing with one or all of these — and the best treatment depends on which ones are showing up for you.
Types of Acne
Hormonal Breakouts
Show up around the chin and jaw. Often inflamed, sometimes cyclical. Triggered by changes in estrogen or testosterone (like menstruation, stress, puberty, or HRT).
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Trapped dead skin and oil under the surface. Often small, firm, and extractable.
Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Partially clogged pores oxidized at the surface — appear dark. Most common in the nose and chin area.
Cystic Acne
Deep, painful, often hormonal. Filled with pus and slow to resolve.
Nodules
Hard, inflamed, under-the-skin bumps caused by a rupture deep in the follicle wall. Typically persistent and prone to recurrence.
Grades of Acne
Understanding severity helps determine what level of treatment you actually need — so you don’t underdo or overdo it.
Grade 1 – Occasional whiteheads/blackheads, mostly surface-level
Grade 2 – More frequent whiteheads, some inflamed papules
Grade 3 – A mix of papules, pustules, and comedones
Grade 4 – Cysts, nodules, and widespread inflammation
What You Can Do
You’re not powerless. Acne can be managed through topicals, treatments, and most importantly, consistency. Here are some everyday factors that may be worth a closer look:
Diet
Inflammatory foods (processed sugar, iodized salt, dairy, excessive caffeine/alcohol) can spike oil production and throw off healing. Aim for whole foods, hydration, and balance. Not perfection.
Stress
Cortisol (your stress hormone) ramps up oil production. Even just 5 minutes a day of stillness, breathwork, or movement can bring your system back down.
Exercise
Supports detoxification, boosts mood, and lowers cortisol. Just don’t skip your post-workout cleanse — sweat + bacteria = clogged pores.
Sleep
Sleep is skin repair time. Disrupted or low-quality sleep can slow healing and increase inflammation. Build yourself a wind-down ritual that actually feels good.
Skincare Products
Over-exfoliation? Common. Using products with hidden pore-cloggers? Also common. Under-exfoliating? Yep. You need the right balance of exfoliation, hydration, and barrier support. A good esthetician will help you figure out the combo that works for your skin right now.
Physical Contact
Dirty pillowcases, touching your face, talking on the phone — all tiny micro-transfers of bacteria. Wash fabrics regularly. Try switching to silk or satin. And if you wear a mask regularly, wash that too.
Picking
I get it. It’s tempting. But poking around with inflamed skin usually makes things worse. If you struggle with this, pimple patches can help — they cover the breakout, reduce inflammation, and act as a physical barrier from your hands.
But Remember…
Acne isn’t your fault. It’s not a reflection of your cleanliness or discipline. It’s not a moral failing.
Treating acne is both a science experiment and an emotional experience. It requires patience, observation, and a willingness to adjust.
You’re not “bad at skincare” if something didn’t work. You’re just learning the language of your skin — and that language shifts. You’re allowed to take time, get support, and reframe what “progress” means.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, a professional consultation can help you pinpoint your acne type and get you started on a targeted routine.
And remember: you’re more than your breakouts. Always.