Acne 101: Causes, Types & What You Can Do

First things first, acne is normal! It’s about time we normalised not having supermodel skin (because not even supermodels have supermodel skin) and embraced our imperfections whilst on the hunt for solutions. And the first call to action is to understand where acne comes from.

What are the Causes of Acne?

Acne can stem from a variety of different causes, but let’s start with the basics.

Acne happens when very small oil-producing glands on the surface of the skin - known as sebaceous glands if you want to get technical - start producing an excess of sebum. This excess sebum begins to build up along with dead skin cells and bacteria, blocking the gland. The result? You guessed it - The dreaded breakout.

Other causes include:  

• Hormones
• Certain medications
• Hereditary factors  
• Menstruation  
• Improper skincare  
• Irritating clothing

What Types of Acne are there?

The most common types of acne include:

• Whiteheads: small white or flesh-coloured bumps  
• Blackheads: small black or dark-coloured bumps  
• Pustules: pus-filled bumps  
• Papules: inflamed small pink or red bumps  

These types of acne, although can be stubborn, are fairly easy to treat.

Sometimes acne can develop into larger and more painful forms, like:

• Nodules: Red and inflamed lumps that form deep under the skin
• Cysts: Large pus-filled lumps deep that form under the skin

These types of acne can be more difficult to treat, and have the potential to cause serious scarring.

Personalised Acne Treatment: How Mi Skin Can Help

To directly treat your particular skin concerns, you may need a more personalised approach. Here at Mi Skin, we use skin analysis and consultations, combined with over 50 years of pharmaceutical science experience, to create custom treatments for restoring healthy and glowing skin.

We use medically certified prescription medicines to improve skin and transform confidence, using formulas tailored to your individual needs. With a carefully curated balance of active ingredients selected for your skin goals, including Niacinamide, Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid, our treatments are created for you and you only.

We’ve answered some of your most common acne concerns to get you on the road to sumptuous skin…  

Does acne mean my face is dirty?

Absolutely not. Even the cleanest of faces has a breakout every now and then. Excessive cleansing can often make acne worse.

Will I need prescription products to clear my acne?

If your acne is refusing to budge, a custom product developed by our specialists may be the light at the end of the tunnel. Created for you and you only, our personalised formula is the key to unlocking the skin you won’t get anywhere else.  

Will prescription products aggravate my sensitive skin?

We understand prescription products can sometimes be harsh on the skin, so any combination of our ingredients can be adapted to accommodate for sensitive skin. We guarantee we provide the best possible treatment for you and your skin. This is why our skin analysis is so integral to our process.  

Will changing my diet stop breakouts?

Research has shown that eating too much processed and sugary foods can contribute towards acne. The high sugar content can result in a spike in insulin that has the potential to encourage clogged pores. Try foods like fatty fish and raw vegetables instead to promote clear skin.

Is stress causing my acne?

Stress cannot cause acne, but it can aggravate existing acne. It’s important to decompress and take time for yourself to maintain great physical and mental health.

Is make up making my acne worse?

Overuse of heavy make up products can lead to breakouts, but you don’t have to stop wearing make up altogether. Make sure you are washing your make up brushes and blenders often to support optimum skin health.

Is it true you should not pop your pimples?

Yep. However tempting it may be, picking at your pimples can actually make your spots worse. Not only are you transporting more bacteria to the area from your hands, you can also spread the bacteria to other parts of your face. We’ll pass on that one.

Will I have acne forever?

There are successful treatments for almost all kinds of acne. It’s just about finding the right treatment for you to both improve your skin and transform your confidence.