Let’s Talk Acne - June is Acne Awareness Month

It’s Acne Awareness Month—and what better time to hit pause, zoom out, and really talk about acne. Because if you're anything like most people who walk through my clinic doors, you’ve probably tried everything: drugstore spot treatments, trendy TikTok hacks, and maybe even a skincare shelf that looks like a mini Sephora. But still, the breakouts keep showing up. And the truth is, acne isn’t just a surface-level issue—it’s a multi-layered, often misunderstood condition that deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution.

So, what is acne, really? At its core, acne is a chronic skin condition that begins when dead skin cells build up and clog your pores. From there, things can spiral—oil overproduction, bacteria, and inflammation all jump in to fuel breakouts. But here’s the kicker: the inflammation isn’t just topical. Internal triggers like stress, food sensitivities, hormones, or even overdoing it on certain supplements (looking at you, B12 and iodine 👀) can set off a cascade that your skin wears like a flashing neon sign. That’s why it’s so important to treat acne from the inside and out.

And not all acne is created equal—blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules all form for different reasons and respond to different treatments. This is where your skincare routine needs to be targeted, not trendy. Hydrating when your skin feels dry isn’t enough—you need to understand your skin barrier and how keeping it strong can make or break your progress. When that barrier is compromised, it’s like fighting a battle without armor. That’s why you’ll often hear me say: hydration isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

Healing acne isn’t always linear—and that’s okay. There will be trial and error. There will be days when your skin feels worse before it gets better. But those moments are part of the process. One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the belief that there’s a single miracle product or “perfect” routine that works for everyone. In reality, real results come from building a routine around your acne type, your lifestyle, and your skin’s evolving needs. It’s a journey of patience, not perfection.

Whether you’re in the middle of your journey or just beginning to explore what your skin truly needs, remember: you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Working with a professional who understands acne on both a scientific and holistic level can be a game-changer. The right guidance can help you avoid the guesswork, skip the overwhelm, and finally start seeing real progress. Acne may be common—but your experience is unique. And finding a specialist you can trust, someone who takes the time to get to know your skin and your story, can make all the difference.

xo

Natasha

Acne Specialist