Acne, a common skin condition (alas), is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous (oil) glands and is most prevalent in areas where these glands are highly active: the face, neck, back, and chest. To truly understand why this persistent skin issue plagues so many of us, we need to explore how our skin functions and what triggers these breakouts.
The Structure of Your Skin
Your skin is a living, dynamic organ made up of billions of cells floating in a watery liquid that mimics the salt content of seawater. In fact, 75% of your body is water, with around 35% stored in the skin. Here’s a simple breakdown of its structure:
Epidermis: The outermost layer responsible for protecting the underlying tissue.
Dermis: The inner layer where the skin's major activities occur.
Basal Layer: A thin, dividing layer between the epidermis and dermis.
Though this might sound straightforward, the reality is that your skin is a highly active, ever-renewing system. In young adults, the skin renews every two to three weeks. This process slows down as we age, taking twice as long in older adults.
Your Skin’s Renewal Process
The outer layer of your skin is composed of hardened, dead cells. These cells are constantly shed and replaced by new ones in a continuous process. Amazingly, we shed about 4% of our total skin cells daily, and these dead cells contribute significantly to household dust (gross). In fact, the average person will lose about 13.6kg of skin over their lifetime!
The deep dermis layer is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll find blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, and crucial connective tissues containing collagen and elastin—the compounds that keep our skin firm and youthful. But, it’s the sebaceous glands located here that play a central role in acne. What Causes Acne?
The sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), which helps to keep your skin lubricated. However, when your body produces excess sebum—usually due to hormonal changes—it can clog hair follicles and pores. This leads to bacterial build-up, which in turn causes acne.
One of the key hormonal players is androgens (male hormones), present in both men and women but at lower levels in the latter. These hormones trigger the overproduction of sebum. In women, fluctuating estrogen levels also play a significant role. For example, hormone imbalances during puberty or your menstrual cycle often result in breakouts. It’s no surprise that acne is common in teenagers, but studies show that 54% of women over 25 also struggle with acne.
Adult Acne and Genetics
While acne is often associated with adolescence, many women experience adult acne well into their 30s and 40s. Hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to these late flare-ups. According to research, if one of your parents had acne, your risk of developing it increases by 50%. If both parents struggled with acne, the odds rise even further.
But don't despair! There are effective treatments and natural remedies to help manage and prevent acne. From over-the-counter products to skincare routines and dietary adjustments, your skin can improve with care and attention.
For most people experiencing acne, dermatologists typically recommend starting with over-the-counter products for 4 to 6 weeks. If these do not work, prescription options, such as antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, or medications like the contraceptive pill (to influence how skin responds to hormones), may be prescribed. In more severe cases, isotretinoin (commonly known as Roaccutane) may be used to treat persistent acne. However, Roaccutane can come with significant side effects, so it's worth trying other steps and treatments before resorting to this option.
If you experience an unexpected breakout after years of clear skin, try adjusting your skincare routine. Be gentle with your skin, avoiding harsh scrubbing or exfoliating. Additionally, it’s essential to reevaluate your diet, as nutrition influences hormone balance.
Dietary Considerations
Certain foods and substances can trigger or exacerbate acne, such as:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Caffeine
Spicy foods
Orange juice
Tomatoes
Dairy products
For clearer skin, try incorporating foods rich in:
Zinc, Vitamins C, E, and A, and polyunsaturated fats
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Lean meats, skinless poultry (or vegetarian alternatives)
Nuts, wheat germ, and seeds
Cut down on alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, and avoid processed meats, sugar, and juice concentrates. Regular exercise also plays a role in maintaining hormonal balance and promoting healthy skin. Lastly, avoid touching your face unnecessarily to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Always wash your hands thoroughly if you need to touch your skin.
Don't Squeeze! See a Professional
Resist the urge to squeeze or pick at your blemishes, which can lead to scarring (trust me, I know it's hard to resist). Instead, visit a professional aesthetician who can safely address your acne. Ask about High-Frequency Treatments, which are highly effective in treating acne. These treatments involve using electrical currents at specific frequencies to generate oxygen, kill acne-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation. The result? Spots and redness disappear faster.
Managing Oily Skin
People with oily skin tend to be more prone to acne because of overactive sebaceous glands. However, the silver lining is that oily skin tends to age more gracefully and stays well-hydrated. To keep oil production in check:
Use an oil-based or gel cleanser to cleanse your skin.
Avoid over-cleansing, as it can trigger a reaction called seborrhoea, where the oil glands overcompensate for the loss of natural oils, leading to dehydration and premature ageing (not a vibe).
Recommended Products and Natural Remedies
Explore my Zit Zapper Skincare Collection—a line designed to help you achieve clear, radiant skin. Say goodbye to blemishes and welcome a complexion with confidence and youthful luminosity.
Here are some additional remedies and products worth trying:
Himalaya Neem Tablets: Help fight skin problems from within.
Tea Tree Oil: Dab tea tree oil directly on problem areas three times daily until they clear up.
Eyedrop Solution: Apply a small amount to reduce redness and inflammation.
Azulen Paste by Doctor Eckstein: A trusted acne treatment I’ve relied on since my teens.
Natural Home Remedies for Acne
Turmeric & Lemon Juice and/or Honey:
Mix 1 tsp ground turmeric with either ¼ tsp lemon juice and/or ½ tsp honey.
Apply to the affected area.
Why it works: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne scars, while lemon juice reduces oil and redness. Honey balances bacteria on the skin and speeds up healing.
Cumin & Sesame Oil Mask:
Mix 1 part ground cumin with ½ part organic cold-pressed sesame oil.
Use as a face mask for 10 minutes.
Why it works: Cumin's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects unclog pores and soothe redness, while sesame oil promotes healing and reduces scarring.
Caraway Seeds & Sesame Oil:
Mix crushed caraway seeds with sesame oil and apply to affected areas.
Why it works: Caraway seeds help regenerate skin cells, improving the appearance of acne scars.
Turmeric & Aloe Vera Gel:
Combine 1 tsp ground turmeric with 1 tbsp aloe vera gel.
Apply as a mask for 15 minutes (expect some staining, but it washes off with milk).
Why it works: Aloe vera's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing acne.
Chickpea Flour Mask:
Mix 1 tbsp chickpea flour, a few drops of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric, and 1 tbsp yoghurt.
Apply to the skin and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Why it works: This Ayurvedic mask exfoliates, brightens the skin, and gradually fades blemishes over time.
While make-up can be a quick fix to cover blemishes, it’s not a solution for treating your skin. If your skin concerns are persistent or severe, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. In the meantime, however, a few make-up tricks can help minimise the appearance of pimples or blemishes. The key is using the right kind of concealer—one with a dry texture. Here’s why: a dry concealer sticks to the blemish, lasts longer, doesn't irritate the skin, and can even help dry out breakouts.
Funny Story Time...
I was hanging out with one of my best guy friends at his university residence when I spotted a Yardley concealer stick on his dresser. Knowing he wasn’t the type to use many products, I jokingly suggested that one of his female friends must have left it behind. But to my surprise, he revealed that it was something his mum had given him to get rid of spots!
I couldn’t stop laughing (and was inwardly proud!). He had no idea the concealer had a tint that reduced the redness of his blemishes. He only knew it helped dry them out. After I explained how the product worked, he was entirely on board with keeping it—feigning ignorance if anyone asked why it was there, of course. Why? Because it worked!
Steps for Covering Blemishes
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using concealer to cover up blemishes while ensuring your make-up looks flawless.
Step 1: Apply Foundation First
This is one of the few instances where you want to apply your foundation before your concealer. Doing so makes the entire process easier and more natural-looking.
Step 2: Use a Green-Tinted Concealer
A green concealer helps neutralise the red tones of blemishes. Apply it as an undercoat before using your regular concealer to create a smooth base. You can also use the Azulen Paste by Doctor Eckstein as the green tint under your concealer.
Step 3: Opt for a Dry-Textured Concealer
Choose a stick concealer with a dry texture. Creamy or liquid concealers can often be too oily, causing them to slide off throughout the day. If you don’t have a stick concealer, you can apply a translucent powder on top of your creamy concealer to set it.
Pro Tip: Make sure the shade of your concealer matches your skin tone exactly—do not go lighter. A lighter concealer will highlight the blemish and make it appear larger because light brings features forward.
Step 4: Dab, Don’t Rub
Use your ring finger (your fourth finger) or a concealer brush to dab the concealer directly onto the blemish. Patting ensures the product is evenly blended and doesn’t rub off. Focus on the center of the blemish and gently feather the edges outward to blend seamlessly into your skin. Finish by setting the area with a powder to ensure the concealer lasts all day.
If your blemish is particularly stubborn, feel free to apply a second layer of concealer for extra coverage.
You. Looked after.
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Sources and related content:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9661895/
American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/
The International Dermal Institute: https://dermalinstitute.com/
Disclaimer: This blog is only intended for informational purposes. Any information associated with this blog should not be considered a substitute for prescriptions suggested by beauty, diet, and healthcare professionals. Readers are subject to using this information at their own risk. Tash Fromberg is not responsible for any harm, side effects, illness, or health or skin care problems caused by this content or anything related. Please remember products that work for me may not work for you. Always test them on a small area of skin before buying or using them if unsure.
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