I think it’s safe to say that almost everyone has battled the embarrassing blackhead or pimple at least once in their life. Acne is a skin condition that consists of noninflammatory and/or inflammatory lesions caused by dead skin cells and oils that clog pores, and it can be emotionally taxing on the person experiencing it. But don’t lose hope. No matter what the degree of your acne, there are plenty of options out there for you to treat it. You can have beautiful skin.

Whether it is deep painful cysts, whiteheads, red papules, or just annoying blackheads, acne can really stress you out and weigh on your self-esteem. You’re not alone. Millions of people of all ages and ethnicities suffer from acne breakouts. Acne isn’t just a teenage woe. Working as an esthetician in the med spa I see numerous clients that are experiencing breakouts in their 40’s and 50’s.

This is very stressful for them because many tell me they never had acne in their lives. Acne that appears in middle-aged women can usually be blamed on hormone fluctuations or imbalance and is most commonly found on the chin. Don’t worry, you can achieve clear skin.

Working in the skin care industry for fifteen years, I’ve seen skin care products and treatments come a long way. The med spa and dermatologist’s office offer many options for acne, but there are also many effective treatments you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Acne can lead to anxiety and depression. Not only is it distressing to have to figure out how to hide and treat the embarrassing bumps, you worry about the redness and inflammation the breakouts can leave behind. Possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can result after acne in darker skin complexions is also worrisome.

In this article, I have outlined seven home treatments you can try at home. Please remember everybody’s skin is unique and there are different types of acne. Results can vary among people so don’t get discouraged if one therapy doesn’t work for you.

If your acne doesn’t improve or worsens, it is always a good idea to see a professional, so you can have your skin evaluated and get educated on other possible treatment options.

Below are the four grades of acne, so you can have a better understanding of the type of breakouts you are experiencing.

4 Grades of Acne:

• Grade 1, Mild Acne – This type of acne is usually found in teenagers who are starting puberty. The breakouts usually consist of open comedones or blackheads and closed comedones which are noninflammatory acne lesions, or small whiteheads. Another term you may hear used for this type of acne is “congestion.”

• Grade 2, Moderate Acne – This type can be characterized by a high number of whiteheads with occasional papules and pustules appearing. Mild Papules are elevated red bumps and pustules are red bumps that are raised and white on the very top.

The white comes from debris and white blood cells that have accumulated at the top of the blemish. Inflammation and slight swelling may be apparent as well.

• Grade 3, Severe Acne – This condition consists of a large number of whiteheads and blackheads and many papules and pustules. Infection usually extends deeper into the skin causing a possibility of scarring due to the blemishes being so close and condensed to one another.

• Grade 4, Cystic Acne – This is the most serious form of acne. This grade consists of large nodules that resemble a boil. They can be categorized as being more than 5mm in diameter and grow deep into the lower layers of the skin.

Pus or other fluids are usually not a characteristic of this type of acne. The nodules or cysts can be painful and cause scarring.

You want to avoid serious infection and possible scarring at all cost. If you are unsure or feel you may have Grade 3 or 4, it’s always a good idea to see a professional.

Common Causes of Acne:

• Hormones – Hormones, specifically androgens or male hormones, stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This oil builds up in the hair follicle and becomes a food source for P. acnes bacteria. The conglomeration of dead skin cells, excess oil and P. acnes is what forms pimples.

Women may experience more breakouts prior to their period due to increased androgens in the bloodstream. Perimenopausal women may notice breakouts on their chin. This is because scientific research shows larger sebaceous glands in the chin and smaller follicles or pores.

It is believed that this area is more receptive to male hormone sebaceous stimulation. Pregnancy is another time you may see an increase in breakouts due to the hormone changes.

• Stress – You may notice more acne breakouts when you have a stressful event going on in your life. This can be especially annoying if it is an important affair like your wedding or prom, but unfortunately, it happens all the time.

The reason for this is the stress causes a domino effect – it triggers the brain to make a hormone that, then, causes the adrenal glands to produce a higher level of hormones that results in an excess oil formation. It wasn’t bad enough you have the stress but now you have that red bump staring at you in the mirror.

• Environmental Factors – Acne will usually flare up in the warmer months. Heat and humidity can cause the upper layer of the skin to slightly swell which in turn can block the pore even more and cause pressure on the follicle.

I have seen this pattern. I tend to do more acne facials in the summer months, especially in hot, humid Missouri! Your workplace could be contributing to your acne. People who work in places where there is a high amount of airborne grease may experience acne flare-ups.

• Heredity – some studies show genetics may play a role in the formation of acne. Genes play a factor in your skin type; oily skin types are more prone to acne. They can influence how your skin responds to hormones and its inflammatory response, especially to P. acnes in the case of acne.

• Cosmetics and Comedogenic Skin Care– Beauty products that contain pore-clogging ingredients can definitely cause blemishes. You can take control of your breakouts by being aware of the ingredients in the products you use.

Read the labels before purchasing makeup and skin care products. Avoid comedogenic ingredients like Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Oleth-3, Laureth-4, and Myristyl Myristate. I prefer a mineral makeup – they are healthy for the skin.

• Diet – For many years the consensus has been diet doesn’t affect acne. But recent studies show insulin may play a role in acne. It’s possible eating a diet high in sugar may cause breakouts. Another theory is that dairy may cause breakouts due to substances similar to the hormone testosterone found in milk.

Now you know some of the causes of acne, let’s talk about the options you have in correcting it.

 

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Top 7 Ways to Treat Your Acne at Home #1 Good Skin Care

I know I’m starting with the basic, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to use good skin care, especially if you are prone to acne. I’m always amazed at the number of clients who aren’t willing to invest in some good skin care products after a treatment at the spa. Trust me, this is just as, if not more important than the professional treatment.

Yes, the spa services are beneficial and effective, but if you want to maintain those good results following a professional service, you must take good care of your skin at home.

So many clients I talk to say they use bar soap and alcohol. The same ingredients that mold the soap into a bar are the same ones that can clog your pores.

Alcohol will only dry out and strip your skin, it can cause you to have more breakouts. This is due to the sebaceous glands trying to counter and repair the dryness, by going into overdrive and producing more oil.

Also, I tend to hear a lot of people with oily and acne skin say they don’t moisturize. This too could worsen your breakouts. If the skin is dehydrated it could trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate for the dehydration.

Exfoliation is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. It is good for every skin type but especially beneficial for acne skin. Exfoliants come in different forms: scrubs, serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and presoaked pads. It is recommended you only exfoliate 2-3 times a week unless it is an exfoliating cleanser. You could use an exfoliating cleanser every day or every other day as long as it isn’t’ drying your skin or causing redness. Always follow the product direction label.

Good skin care home regimen:

1. Cleanse with a gentle foaming cleanser.
2. Apply a toner. This balances the pH of the skin by bringing the alkalinity down. Too much alkalinity can lead to breakouts.
3. Apply an acne treatment serum and oil-free moisturizer.
4. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week in the evening. I’m not a fan of scrubs. They can be harsh and can aggravate your acne. I like using pads presoaked in salicylic acid and/or a glycolic acid solution. Some people prefer using a benzoyl peroxide or retinoid product several times a week. But mixing all three can be too harsh for your skin.
5. Treat your skin to a good clay-based mask 1-2 times a week, leaving it on 7-10 minutes.

 

#2 Sonic or Rotating Facial Brush

Cleansing your skin with a sonic or rotating brush every day or several days a week can be very beneficial in treating and preventing acne breakouts.

Years ago, when the sonic brush was introduced into our spa facials we had training on the device. I was impressed with the photos that illustrated skin that was cleaned with the device on a microscopic level.

One photo showed cleansed skin with the brush, the second photo revealed skin cleansed without it. It was very evident that the skin cleaned with the sonic brush did a better job at removing dirt and debris along with smoothing the skin compared to just manually cleaning the skin. You could actually see the dirt left behind.

Benefits:

• Exfoliates by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.
• Promotes blood circulation which in turn firms the skin and delivers more nutrients to it.
• Smooths the skin, shrinks pores.
• Leaves a nice glow to your skin.
• Provides better product penetration to your skin because it removes the dead layer that can block your topical skin care from being effective.

Directions:

1. Wet your skin and apply a gentle foaming cleanser or whatever your favorite product is.
2. Wet the brush head and glide it in circles over the skin using light to moderate pressure. You can apply cleanser to the brush in addition to the cleanser applied to the face. Most brushes will have a timer guiding you as far as how long you should cleanse with it. The timing is usually one minute. If you have sensitive skin I recommend using light pressure with a soft brush tip and use only 2-3 times a week.
3. Rinse your skin and gently pat dry.
4. Apply acne serum and oil-free moisturizer

Nowadays, there are many facial brushes to choose from. It’s always good to do some research and read the reviews. My favorite and the one I use is the Clarisonic that ranges from $99 – $199 in price. There are other less expensive options out there as well like the MINTSonic Facial Cleansing Brush or MiroPure Sonic Brush. Check them out here:

 

        

#3 High Frequency Device

A high frequency wand or machine uses glass electrodes to deliver high oscillating electrical currents. The energy’s primary action is thermal. The electric current permeates the skin with renewing oxygen molecules.

The high frequency electrodes are made of tempered glass that either contain argon gas or neon gas. The argon gas produces a violet glow and the neon gas forms an orange glow.

The violet electrode is best for treating acne skin. High frequency machines have been widely used in spa facials for years and are an effective device I feel should still be used. Now you can easily buy and use an effective home device.

Benefits:

• Shrinks enlarged pores.
• Prevents and treats acne breakouts by controlling excess oil production and killing acne-causing bacteria and toxins.
• Aids in lymphatic drainage which eliminates toxins and reduces puffiness.
• Increases blood circulation which rejuvenates the lower layers of skin thus firming it, softens fine lines and wrinkles, and gives the skin a pleasant glow.
• Nourishes hair follicles and rejuvenates the scalp.
• Softens the skin and makes it more receptive to topical acne treatments.

Directions:

1. Cleanse skin and completely pat dry.
2. Remove all jewelry.
3. Place a thin gauze pad over your face.
4. Glide the electrode over your skin with light pressure for 2-5 minutes. To enhance results, you could apply a clay-based mask for ten minutes after you cleanse and before you do the high frequency treatment.
5. After high frequency treatment, apply acne treatment product and oil-free moisturizer.

One-to-two treatments per week is recommended. Please follow the exact manufacturer’s directions of the high frequency device you decide to go with.

Contraindications include but are not limited to pregnancy or if you have a pacemaker or heart disease. Avoid using harsh alpha hydroxy acids or retinoids during the high frequency treatment.

Avoid areas of rosacea or broken capillaries. Do not use around flammable substances or water. Make sure the bulb and electrode are intact.

Some of my favorite high frequency home devices are the NuDerma Skin Therapy Wand and the Darsonval Portable High Frequency Wand Facial Machine. Check them out below:

         

 

#4 Home Peels

Peels can be very helpful in preventing and treating blemishes. They work by dissolving the “glue” that holds skin cells together so dead cells that clog pore are removed faster. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic work well, but beta hydroxy acid like salicylic is recommended for acne skin because it goes deeper and penetrates the oil in the pores.

If you want to do a stronger or deeper peel you should see a professional esthetician. Home peel strengths should not exceed 30%, and it is even more important to look at the pH. Do not use a peel with a pH below 3. Please leave the stronger peels to the professionals. You don’t want to damage your skin.

Benefits:

• Deep cleans and unclogs pores.
• Erodes and clears blackheads and congestion.
• Lightens post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and redness from previous breakouts.
• Prevents future breakouts.
• Improves the texture of the skin.
• Better product penetration.

Directions:

1. Cleanse skin and completely pat dry.
2. Apply the peel and follow product directions for length of time the peel is to be left on your skin. It is usually recommended to leave the solution on for 1-2 minutes for the first peel then lengthen the time by one minute with each consecutive peel. Never exceed 5 minutes. It is normal to feel an itching sensation and heat, however, remove the peel immediately if you feel an intense burning and irritation.
3. Remove the peel with cool water. Rinse until there is no burning or irritating feeling left.
4. Apply a light oil-free moisturizer.

A few things to consider are: discontinue any retinoids 2-5 days prior to a peel, DO NOT do a peel if you are on prescription Accutane, don’t use any acid or retinoid products for 2-5 days following a peel, and always follow manufacturer directions for the peel you are using. Also, make sure and wear a mineral-based sunblock during the day.

Alpha hydroxy peels are good but start with a beta hydroxy acid peel if acne is your main concern. They are lipid soluble, so they will dissolve oil within the pores compared to alpha hydroxy peels that are water soluble. I talk to many clients who use glycolic acid at home that helps control their acne too.

I like: Perfect Image Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel and Exuviance Performance Peel AP25. You can find these products here:

        

#5 Home Facial/Mini Facial

Facials are great for treating acne. In most cases, we always recommend our acne clients start with that service first. Mini facials done at home can be beneficial as well. However, I do recommend seeing a professional esthetician if you need a lot of extractions done.

Benefits:

• Deep Cleansing.
• Shrinks Pores.
• Softens skin for easy extractions.
• Promotes blood circulation for healthy, glowing skin.

Directions:

1. Cleanse skin with favorite cleanser. Use your sonic or rotating brush if you have one.
2. Steam your skin for 5-10 minutes.
3. Gently extract blackheads but only with an extracting tool, not your fingers. You can apply a paste made with baking soda and water to your face for several minutes to soften the skin and make extraction easier. However, if you have a lot of congestion, pustules, and blackheads I recommend seeing a professional esthetician for extractions.
4. Apply a clay mask and leave on for 7-10 minutes.
5. Rinse mask off and apply acne treatment serum and oil-free moisturizer.

It is good to do home facials every 2-4 weeks if you are trying to clear up breakouts. Use good products and don’t be too aggressive if you have sensitive skin.

Recommended home steamers include: OKACHI GLIYA Nano Steamer and Zenpy Nano Ionic Facial Steamer. Both come with a skin care/blackhead toolkit. Check these awesome steamers out below:

           

#6 LED Therapy – Blue light

LED blue light treatments have been proven to improve acne conditions. It works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. Blue light shrinks the pores as it cleans the bacteria from them and reduces the inflammation associated with acne.

Benefits:

• Shrinks pores as the blue light cleans the bacteria from the oil gland.
• Reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne.
• Improves the texture of the skin.
• Helps clear acne breakouts.

Directions:

1. Cleanse your skin with your favorite cleanser and pat completely dry.
2. Gently glide over bare skin with light pressure and circular motion for approximately 5 minutes but follow the specific directions of the device you have purchased.
3. Apply acne treatment serum and oil-free moisturizer.

At-home device technology has greatly advanced, so they are highly effective. Studies show LED blue light therapy does improve acne conditions. Use your device 2-3 times a week but again, follow the manufacturer’s directions for your specific device.

Recommended LED Blue Light at-home devices: Project E Beauty Light Photon LED Therapy, Angel Kiss Foldable PDT Photon Therapy Facial Salon Skin Care Treatment Machine (This is the pricier option, but you get more lights that are good for anti-aging, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation in addition to the blue light for acne. The panel design is similar to the one we use at the med spa.) You can find these great products here:

                

 

#7 Home Microdermabrasion

Home microdermabrasion is another option to help clear your acne at home. However, I don’t recommend going directly over large papules, pustules, and cystic breakouts.

Microdermabrasion is an appropriate treatment for acne prevention, blackheads, and congestion. It is a manual exfoliation of the skin, unlike a peel which is a chemical exfoliation. It removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause pimples.

Benefits:

• Unclogs pores by vacuuming out debris.
• Removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Improves or smooths the texture of the skin.
• Lightens Hyperpigmentation.
• Softens fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes blood circulation to the skin cells.
• Better product penetration.

Directions:

1. Cleanse skin with your product of choice and completely pat dry.
2. Making sure the skin is pulled tight, glide the microdermabrasion device over your skin with moderate pressure. Make two passes over the entire area with one pass going in a vertical direction and one pass moving in a horizontal direction.
3. Gently rinse skin of any debris/dead skin.
4. Apply gentle oil-free moisturizer.

It is recommended you perform your microdermabrasion once a week to once every two weeks for six weeks to see skin improvements. Discontinue any acids or retinoids at least two days prior to doing your microdermabrasion and always follow the manufacturer’s directions of the device you purchase. Do not use if you are taking the prescription Accutane.

A couple microdermabrasion home devices I recommend are Microderm GLO Diamond, Trophy Skin Rejuvaderm Md, or the Microderm GLO Mini which I have and really like. Check out these great home devices below:

                  

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please see a dermatologist if you have questions about your acne.