What Is Acne (Really) and How Do You Clear It?
If you’ve ever struggled with acne, you know it’s more than just a few random pimples—it can affect your confidence, your mood, and even your day-to-day choices. But what actually causes acne? And how can you finally get it under control? Let’s break it all down.
Acne 101: What’s Happening Under the Skin?
Acne is actually an inherited disorder of the pores. In healthy skin, dead skin cells shed about one layer per day inside the pore. But if you’re acne-prone, your pores shed up to five layers a day. That extra buildup clogs the pore and creates a microcomedone—the beginning of every type of acne.
From there, it can develop into a:
Blackhead or whitehead (depending on whether the pore remains open or closed),
Pimple or pustule (if bacteria gets involved),
Or even a painful cyst deep under the skin.
Here’s the kicker: this whole process can take up to 90 days before a blemish shows up on your skin.
How Long Does It Take to Clear Acne?
Because of that 90-day cycle, you might still see breakouts for a while—even after starting a solid skincare routine. That’s why acne treatment is a process, not an overnight fix. Most people who follow the Face Reality Skincare Program see clear skin within 3 to 6 months, but everyone’s skin is different.
Your personalized routine considers:
Type of acne
Skin type and sensitivity
Skin tone
Environmental factors (like climate)
Your Role in the Journey: Commitment Is Key
Getting clear skin requires a serious team effort—between you and me (your Acne Expert)
. Here's what you need to do:
✔️ Stick to your customized home care routine—every day.
✔️ Check in every 2 weeks for treatments or adjustments.
✔️ Follow lifestyle recommendations (more on that below).
✔️ Speak up if something isn’t working—you might need an update to your regimen.
What Are “Adjustments” to Home Care?
As your skin improves, your Acne Expert will likely adjust your products every 2 weeks during the first couple of months. This keeps your skin from getting too comfortable with your routine (which can stall progress), while also preventing irritation or dryness. If you can’t make it in, don’t skip the update—just reach out for new instructions.
What Happens During Treatments?
Treatments typically include:
Gentle corrective peels to help with exfoliation
Extractions to clear clogged pores
Enzyme treatments for sensitive or dry skin
These treatments give your home routine a boost and keep your skin moving in the right direction.
Lifestyle Habits That Can Affect Acne
Your skincare routine is essential—but what you do outside the bathroom matters, too. Here are some surprising things that can make acne worse:
🛌 Pillowcases & Fabric Softeners
Change pillowcases frequently and skip the fabric softeners—they leave a waxy residue that clogs pores.
🧼 Detergents
Choose fragrance-free laundry detergents to avoid skin irritation.
🌊 Swimming & Water Softeners
Pool chemicals and potassium-based water softeners can aggravate acne. Petroleum jelly over sunscreen can help protect your skin while swimming.
🌞 Sun Exposure
While it might seem like the sun helps, it can worsen dark spots, speed up aging, and damage follicles. Always wear sunscreen!
💄 Comedogenic Products
Be careful with hand lotions, lip balms, makeup, and even tissues. Many contain pore-clogging ingredients—especially those around the mouth area.
😴 Stress & Sleep
Lack of sleep and chronic stress trigger oil production, leading to more breakouts. Prioritize rest and relaxation where possible.
🚫 Picking and Squeezing
It’s tempting, but picking at your skin can lead to long-lasting dark marks. Instead, try rubbing ice on blemishes for a few minutes twice a day.
Hormones, Medications & Acne
Certain birth controls, hormone therapies, and even prescription medications can make acne worse. Talk to your doctor or Acne Expert about any meds you're on, and be sure to check if you need a break from other treatments (like Retin-A or Curology) before starting your new routine.
Final Thoughts
Clearing acne isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s about understanding your skin and treating it with consistent, thoughtful care. With the right guidance, patience, and commitment, you can absolutely take control of your acne and reveal your healthiest skin yet.
