If you have read the website or follow us on social media, you know that Judit has experienced acne and confidence problems for most of her life. This is part of the reason we’re so passionate about helping others feel confident in their skin.

Whether you're seeing your first breakout or have been struggling with acne for years, we want you to know you're not alone. Acne can show up at any age and in many forms, but the good news is there are ways to manage it and improve your skin over time.

In this guide, we’re breaking down what causes acne, how you can support your skin day-to-day, and what to avoid to keep flare-ups at bay. We’ll also answer some of the questions we hear most often from our clients at the studio. Let’s get into it.

Common Questions About Dealing With Acne

Acne can be overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what’s causing it or what actually works. Here are a few of the most common questions we hear in our treatment room:

How can I stop my skin from breaking out?

Breakouts are usually a result of clogged follicles, excess oil, bacteria, inflammation, or all of the above. To reduce breakouts, focus on consistency. Use a non-comedogenic face wash twice a day, avoid harsh scrubbing, and make sure to remove makeup thoroughly.

Keep your skin hydrated with a lightweight moisturizer, don’t pick at blemishes, and make sure any hair removal is done gently and hygienically. If breakouts persist, it’s a sign that your skin needs more support—whether through professional treatments or lifestyle changes.

How can I get rid of blackheads?

Blackheads form when pores become clogged with a mix of oil, dead skin, and makeup if you wear some. When that mix is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns dark. The best way to treat blackheads is with regular exfoliation (we love gentle acid or enzyme-based products), non-comedogenic skincare, and monthly facials to keep pores clear. Trying to extract them at home can lead to inflammation or PIH—so leave the extractions to your esthetician.

How can I shrink my pores?

We hate to break it to you, but you can’t actually shrink pores. What you can do is minimize their appearance by keeping them clean, exfoliated, and hydrated. Using non-comedogenic products helps reduce congestion, and professional treatments like microdermabrasion, acid or enzyme peels, and LED therapy can make a noticeable difference over time.

Does diet affect acne?

Yes—at least for many people. Diet isn’t the cause of acne on its own, but certain foods can trigger inflammation, excess oil production, and hormone imbalances that lead to breakouts. Dairy and high-glycemic foods (like sugary snacks and white bread) are common culprits. A healthy diet that includes plenty of whole foods, water-rich fruits and vegetables, and omega-3s can help support clearer skin from within.

How common is acne?

Very. Almost everyone deals with acne at some point. While it’s most often linked with teenage years, adult acne is just as real—especially for women dealing with hormonal changes. If you’ve ever felt frustrated about persistent breakouts, you're not alone. It’s one of the top skin problems we treat in the studio.

What are the main causes of acne?

There isn’t just one reason acne shows up—it’s usually a mix of things. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, stress, or pregnancy can kick oil glands into high gear. If dead skin cells don’t shed properly, they can clog hair follicles, trapping oil and bacteria inside.

The bacteria that causes breakouts thrive in these low-oxygen environments, which is why blocked pores often lead to inflammation. Diet, harsh or comedogenic products, and even environmental stressors like humidity and pollution can also make things worse. And of course, genetics often play a role—some of us are just more prone to breakouts than others.

How Can You Best Avoid Acne Flare-ups?

Here are some practical ways to maintain a skincare routine for acne-prone skin and prevent breakouts:

Keep your face clean

Ensuring your face remains clean is essential when preventing acne-prone skin irritations. Using the right cleanser is essential twice a day.
We often recommend a gentler, hydrating face wash (Low Foam Cleanser or Mild Cleansing Lotion) in the morning to refresh the skin without disrupting its balance, and a more active cleanser at night.

We suggest something with salicylic acid or enzymes to help keep pores clear (Cleansing Complex, Sebu Wash). If you're wearing makeup or SPF, it's important to double cleanse first (Pre-Cleansing Oil, Clay Mask), then follow with your nighttime cleanser. Always use lukewarm water—hot water can dry out the skin—and pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

Moisturize oily skin

It might feel counterintuitive, but moisturizing is a critical step—even for oily or acne-prone skin. Dehydrated skin can actually produce more oil, which often makes breakouts worse. What’s most important is choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type (AVST 1, Reparative Moisture Balance).

Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores, and don’t be afraid of richer textures if your skin is also dry or compromised. Lightweight moisturizers are great for many, but the goal is balance, not dryness. Always apply moisturizer to freshly cleansed skin to support your barrier and lock in hydration.

Don’t over-exfoliate to remove dead skin cells

Exfoliation can work wonders by removing dead cells and promoting a radiant glow. But overdoing it can backfire. Too much exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and trigger more inflammation and breakouts.

Instead, use a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or lactic acid once or twice a week (Active Serum, Revival Mask). These penetrate deeper to dissolve debris without scrubbing. Always listen to your skin—if it’s feeling raw or irritated, ease up.

Be mindful with makeup

Heavy makeup can clog pores and trap bacteria. If you wear makeup, opt for mineral-based, non-comedogenic products. And no matter how tired you are, remove it thoroughly at the end of the day. Dirty brushes and expired makeup can also be culprits, so keep your tools clean and check expiration dates regularly.

Stay hydrated

Hydration plays an essential role in keeping your skin balanced and resilient. For acne-prone skin, drinking enough water throughout the day helps regulate oil production, supports healing, and encourages natural cell renewal. Aim for steady water intake and include hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and berries in your diet.

On the outside, use a moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep your barrier strong and comfortable. Together, internal and topical hydration can noticeably improve your skin’s tone and texture.

Avoid picking or popping

Popping pimples might feel satisfying (believe us, we know), but it can push bacteria deeper, leading to more inflammation, scarring, and prolonged healing. If a breakout is particularly stubborn, use a spot treatment—like Spot Stop from Circadia, our favorite—or better yet, book a facial and let us treat it professionally.

Whether you're dealing with blackheads, hormonal acne, or just the occasional flare-up, the path to clearer skin takes a bit of trial and error. But that’s where we come in. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Facial Treatments To Help Manage Acne

While what you do at home is crucial, keeping up with regular professional treatments can lead to faster, longer-lasting results. These facials not only help control acne but also support overall skin health and resilience:

Treatment #1: Signature Bespoke Facial

Our most personalized treatment, the Signature Bespoke Facial is fully customized to your skin’s current condition and needs, whether we’re addressing congestion, inflammation, or dehydration.

We can incorporate microdermabrasion for exfoliation, chemical peels to renew the skin, oxygen therapy to calm and boost healing, LED light therapy to reduce bacteria and inflammation, and ultrasonic exfoliation for gentle yet deep cleansing. We also integrate professional-strength serums and masks to calm, clear, and balance the skin—all chosen based on your skin's real-time response.

Treatment #2: CoolJet Plasma with Exosomes

CoolJet plasma treatment uses advanced technology to deliver a controlled, non-invasive pulse of energy into the skin, opening microchannels that allow for deep penetration of topical actives, especially our powerful exosome serums. Exosomes are rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory signals that help reduce redness, support skin regeneration, and encourage healing.
This hydrating facial treatment is especially beneficial for inflamed or post-acne skin, helping to calm irritation and promote a smoother, more even skin tone over time. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, but powerful in its ability to support clearer, stronger skin from within.

Tips for Sudden Active Flare-ups

Apply ice for five minutes

A blemish is a sign of inflammation. Gently applying an ice cube directly to the area for five minutes every few hours can help calm swelling and reduce redness. It’s one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to visibly shrink an unexpected breakout without irritation.

Apply a Non-Drying Spot Treatment or Hydrocortisone Cream

Most blemishes show up red, swollen, and inflamed. This is when you want to reach for something calming—like Spot Stop from Circadia or an over-the-counter cortisone cream. These options help reduce inflammation without drying out the area and leaving behind a flaky, crusty patch.

That’s the last thing you want! The goal is to help the blemish heal quickly while keeping it easy to conceal. Overdying only emphasizes texture and makes the spot more noticeable.

Avoid touching your face

It’s tempting, but touching, picking, or squeezing can spread bacteria, increase inflammation, and lead to scarring. Keep your hands off and let your treatment do the work.

Unveil Clearer, Healthier Skin at JE’DERM!

Regular facial treatments designed to address all the complexities of acne are beneficial for keeping your skin healthy long-term. To treat problematic skin effectively, you need to understand the causes, use the appropriate products, and undergo the right treatments.

At JE’DERM skin atelier, we use several modalities and can customize a skincare plan just for you that addresses your unique condition. Let us help you on this journey! Give us a call or book your appointment today!

Acne Be Gone: Tips and Treatments for Clear Skin

Common Questions About Dealing With Acne