Acne can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve tried countless products or have been told your only options are harsh medications or giving up your favorite foods. But acne is not a personal failing or a sign that your skin is “difficult.” It is a physiological response — a mix of hormones, inflammation, impaired barrier function, and congestion — all asking for clarity, steadiness, and support.

Below are the most common questions about acne treatment we hear in the treatment room, answered with both clinical insight and a grounded, herbalist’s lens.

What actually causes acne?

Acne is a constellation of factors working together:

• Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause)
• Slowed cell turnover and clogged pores
• Excess or imbalanced sebum
• C. acnes bacteria overgrowth
• Inflammation — the root of most breakouts
• Barrier impairment, which increases sensitivity and reactivity
• Genetics, which shape how your skin behaves under stress

For many people, acne is not “just clogged pores.” It is an inflammatory skin condition that needs thoughtful, consistent care — not punishment.

How can I prevent acne?

While acne can’t always be prevented (especially when hormones are involved), we can create a more resilient environment for your skin.

• Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping formula — harsh cleansers push your skin into chaos.
• Stay consistent with acne-safe products that protect pores while nurturing the barrier.
• Avoid picking or squeezing — this drives inflammation deeper and invites scarring or pigmentation.
• Prioritize sleep, blood sugar balance, mineral-rich foods, and simple stress-reducing rituals.
• Keep routines simple and intentional; complexity often overwhelms already-inflamed skin.

Lifestyle is not a cure. It is one supportive pillar among many.

What’s the best way to treat acne?

Acne is never one-size-fits-all. Treatment depends on the severity, your skin’s sensitivity, your age, and your history of inflammation.

For mild acne:
A well-designed routine with gentle exfoliation (like mandelic or lactic acid), benzoyl peroxide where appropriate, and steady barrier support can work wonders.

For moderate to severe acne:
We use a structured approach: consistent exfoliation, targeted antibacterial support, LED light therapy, lymphatic support, and inflammation management. When needed, we can coordinate with your physician for hormonal or systemic support — but most clients improve dramatically without prescriptions.

The key is intentional progression, not jumping to the strongest product first.

Does diet matter?

Not in the simplistic “stop eating pizza” way. Research suggests that high-glycemic foods and certain dairy proteins may worsen inflammation in some people. But diet is rarely the lone cause.

Think of nutrition as a grounding force: stabilizing blood sugar, supporting the gut, lowering systemic inflammation. Choose whole foods when you can, and be gentle with yourself while doing it.

Should I ever pop a pimple?

I know the temptation.
But squeezing almost always creates more inflammation, more pigmentation, and higher risk of scarring.

A safer approach: spot treat with benzoyl peroxide or our Herbal Acne Gel, apply cool compresses, or use an acne-safe hydrocolloid patch. Let the skin work through its natural cycle with as little disruption as possible.

Can stress make acne worse?

Absolutely. When cortisol rises, oil production increases, inflammation ramps up, and breakouts tend to flare.

Even one grounding practice — a slow breath, a herbal tea ritual, a short walk — can soften your skin’s inflammatory load. Your nervous system and your skin are in constant conversation.

How long does acne take to clear?

Most people begin seeing improvement within a few weeks, but true clearing often takes 8–12 weeks. This is because skin operates on a cycle; what you see today reflects what was happening beneath the surface weeks ago.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Is this an acne scar or just a mark?

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of acne.

• Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE): red or pink marks caused by lingering inflammation.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): brown marks caused by melanin response.
• True acne scars: texture changes caused by collagen loss.

PIE and PIH are not scars and respond beautifully to acids, LED, vitamin A, and botanical tyrosinase-supporting ingredients.
True scars require deeper collagen-stimulation tools like nano-needling, Phyto LED, or long-term retinol.

Can acne show up on the body?

Yes — chest, back, shoulders, and buttocks are common. These areas often benefit from benzoyl peroxide washes, gentle exfoliation, and avoiding tight fabrics or heavy conditioners that migrate onto the skin.

Does makeup contribute to acne?

Some formulas do.
Look for non-comedogenic, acne-safe, oil-free or low-oleic products. And always remove makeup thoroughly — especially if you’re using longwear formulas.

Are natural remedies helpful?

Some are lovely supplements (green tea extract, niacinamide, certain plant hydrosols), but many “natural” remedies are too irritating or too occlusive for acne-prone skin. Not to mention the havoc they may wreak on your liver!

At Viriditas, we lean into botanical intelligence with clinical clarity — herbs that soothe inflammation, support lymph, or calm redness, while avoiding essential oils or botanicals that overstimulate compromised skin.

Can acne be a sign of something deeper?

Sometimes. Persistent or resistant acne may point toward hormonal imbalances (such as PCOS), chronic stress, gut dysfunction, or thyroid issues. If something feels “off,” we investigate it through an integrative lens and refer out when appropriate.

Does sunscreen make acne worse?

Not when you choose well.
Use non-comedogenic, acne-safe sunscreen that protects without suffocating the pores. Mineral formulas tend to be especially well-tolerated.

How can I prevent acne scars?

Treat breakouts early.
Support the barrier.
Avoid picking.
Wear sunscreen daily.

Keeping inflammation low is the surest path to preventing scars.

Can acne return after it clears?

Yes — acne is a chronic, cyclical condition for many people. But with a good homecare ritual, seasonal adjustments, and steady maintenance, flare-ups become softer, shorter, and less frequent.

Do I need to see a professional?

If your acne is painful, persistent, cystic, leaving marks, affecting your self-confidence, or simply not responding to what you’ve tried — a trained acne specialist can help you create a personalized, thoughtful plan.

In-clinic treatments like lymphatic drainage, LED therapy, gentle extractions, and nano-needling can also accelerate healing in ways homecare cannot.

Is acne different on darker skin tones?

Darker skin tones are more prone to PIH — those lingering brown marks after a breakout heals. The treatment approach is similar, but pigmentation requires special attention. We focus on calming inflammation first, then brightening with gentle, melanin-respectful ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Acne is not a flaw — it is a message.
A whisper from the skin asking for balance, consistency, and a slower, more attuned approach.

With the right guidance, acne becomes manageable, predictable, and far less overwhelming. Your skin is capable of healing — often more than you’ve been led to believe — and it deserves a plan rooted in clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.

If you’d like support in understanding your skin more deeply, we’re here for you.