Struggling with Acne? This Is What I’d Do
If you, or someone you love, is struggling with acne, you’ve probably seen how quickly it can affect confidence. And if you’ve walked the skincare aisles lately, you also know how overwhelming the options are: harsh cleansers, strong treatments, and routines with way too many steps.
Recently, I had a student ask me what I would do for acne. And the truth is, my answer is the same every time:
Keep it simple. Support the skin. Stay consistent.
What’s Actually Happening with Acne
In the teenage years especially, acne is often driven by hormonal changes. Increased androgens signal the skin to produce more oil (sebum). That oil, combined with dead skin cells, can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
The natural instinct is to “dry it out.”
But from a skin science perspective, that often backfires.
When the skin is stripped with harsh cleansers or treatments, it increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and disrupts the skin barrier. In response, the skin produces more oil to compensate, creating a cycle of irritation and breakouts.
So instead of stripping the skin, the goal is to:
✔️ gently cleanse
✔️ reduce bacteria
✔️ support the skin barrier
A Simple, Effective Routine
This is the exact approach I would recommend for my own family:
PM (Evening)
1. Cleanse with an oil cleanser
Oil cleansing works on the principle of like dissolves like. Nonpolar oils bind to and dissolve excess sebum, sunscreen, and buildup in pores without disrupting the skin barrier.
This is especially important for acne-prone skin, which is often made worse by over-cleansing.
2. Apply a high quality hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
Spray and let sit for about 15–30 seconds.
Hypochlorous acid is something the body naturally produces—white blood cells use it to fight bacteria and support healing. Topically, it can help reduce acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation, without the harshness of traditional treatments. I like and trust Active Skin Repair.
3. Apply a light layer of tallow balm
Use a small amount, just enough to lightly cover the skin.
Tallow is uniquely compatible with human skin because its fatty acid profile closely mirrors our own sebum. It provides:
- Bioavailable vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Lipids that support the skin barrier
- Deep, lasting moisture without clogging pores
This step helps signal to the skin that it doesn’t need to overproduce oil.
AM (Morning)
1. Rinse with water
No need for a full cleanse. This avoids unnecessary stripping.
2. Apply hypochlorous acid
Again, let it sit for 15–30 seconds.
3. Apply a small amount of tallow balm
Let it absorb before applying makeup (if used).
If makeup is part of the routine, it may be helpful to evaluate ingredients. Simpler, cleaner options tend to be less pore-clogging and less irritating. I like OGEE.
Why Ingredient Quality Matters
Not all skincare is created equal, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Many products marketed for acne contain:
- Alcohols that dry and irritate
- Synthetic fragrance
- Harsh actives used too frequently
- Long ingredient lists that overwhelm the skin
When I recommend products like oil cleansers or tallow balm, I’m not just thinking about what they are I’m thinking about how they’re sourced and made.
High-quality skincare should be:
- Made with fresh, stable ingredients
- Minimally processed to preserve nutrients
- Free from unnecessary fillers or synthetics
- Designed to support the skin
That’s exactly why I formulate products the way I do. If you’re simplifying your routine, each product should truly earn its place.
A Few Simple Extras
- Change pillowcases regularly - try a silk pillowcase
- Avoid over-touching the face
- Be mindful of hair products near the hairline
- Keep exfoliation gentle and minimal
Final Thoughts
Acne, especially during the teenage years, is incredibly common and often temporary, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
More often than not, skin improves when we stop trying to force it into submission and instead start supporting how it naturally functions.
A simple, consistent routine can:
- reduce irritation
- support healing
- restore balance over time
And just as importantly, it gives you (or your teen) something manageable and sustainable.
Because skincare shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
It should feel like care.