Breakouts and acne: causes, habits and treatments that help

Breakouts aren’t just a teenage thing. Plenty of adults deal with pimples, congestion and flare-ups, and it can be frustrating when your skin doesn’t respond to the products you’ve tried. The good news is that most breakouts come down to a handful of common causes, and small changes combined with the right professional care can make a real difference.

Why breakouts happen

A pimple starts in the pore. A few things usually work together to cause one:

• Excess oil. Skin makes oil (sebum) to protect itself, but too much of it can clog pores.
• Dead skin build-up. When dead cells don’t shed evenly, they mix with oil and block the pore, forming blackheads and whiteheads.
• Bacteria. Bacteria that live on the skin can thrive in a blocked pore.
• Inflammation. As the body responds, the area becomes red, swollen and sore.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes can increase oil production, which is why many people notice breakouts around certain times of the month or during different life stages.

Because several factors are involved, the most effective approach usually tackles more than one at a time: keeping pores clear, calming inflammation and supporting healthy skin. You’ll find more on our acne concern page.

Everyday habits that can trigger breakouts

Some breakouts are caused or made worse by things that touch your face every day. A few small changes can help.

• Change your pillowcase often. Your pillowcase collects oil, sweat, hair products and skincare residue night after night, and your face presses into it for hours. Swapping it a couple of times a week is a simple habit worth adopting, and the same goes for your face towel.
• Clean your phone. Phones pick up bacteria and oil from your hands, then sit against your cheek. Wipe yours down regularly, and try speaker or headphones for longer calls.
• Watch for friction and covering. Anything that rubs or traps heat and sweat against the skin can lead to breakouts in that area. Think helmets and chin straps, caps and hats, headbands, sports gear and even a hand resting on your chin. Keep these items clean, and cleanse your skin soon after exercise or a long day under a helmet.
• Hands off. Picking and squeezing pushes bacteria deeper, increases inflammation and can leave marks or scarring that last far longer than the pimple itself.
• Keep your routine gentle. Harsh scrubs and stripping cleansers can irritate the skin and make inflammation worse.

Professional treatments that can help

Every skin is different, so your therapist will build a plan around what they see. These are the treatments we most often use for breakout-prone skin.

• LED light therapy ($180, 40 minutes). Blue light is used for breakouts and red light to calm inflammation. It’s painless with no downtime. LED isn’t suitable if you take photosensitising medication such as isotretinoin.
• Oily Skin Peel. An everyday peel with 15% salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and works inside the pore to help clear congestion.
• Mandelic peel (30% or 40%). A higher-strength peel that suits sensitive and breakout-prone skin, as well as darker skin tones. Expect some flaking for a few days.
• Micro Skin Treatment ($180, 40 minutes). Microdermabrasion gently buffs away dead skin to help with congestion and texture. Your therapist will decide if it suits your skin on the day, as it isn’t always right for active, inflamed breakouts.
• Nano Infusion with Acne & Inflammation Serum ($275, 50 minutes). A gentle way to deliver a targeted professional serum, with little to no downtime.

Breakout-prone skin usually responds best to a course of treatments rather than a single session, often combining two or more of these over time. A Peel Skin Treatment is $180 for 40 minutes. Learn more about each peel in Professional peels explained.

Treating marks and scarring later

Once breakouts are under control, many people want to work on the marks and uneven texture left behind. Skin Needling ($300, 60 minutes) creates controlled micro-channels that stimulate the skin’s repair and collagen production. It’s one of our best treatments for acne scarring and texture, and a course gives the best results. Expect redness for a day or two.

That’s why we usually focus on calming active breakouts first, then move on to texture. See our acne scarring and texture page for more.

Homecare and personalised skincare

What you do at home matters just as much as what happens in clinic. Your therapist may recommend Australian Skin Institute products such as:

• Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser ($69) to cleanse without stripping.
• AHA Power Exfoliant ($59) to help stop dead skin from building up.
• Vitamin B3 Complex ($89) to support a calmer, more balanced-looking complexion.
• A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning, especially when you’re having peels.

If your skin is persistently problematic, our partner Tugun Compounding Pharmacy compounds personalised skincare scripted by its pharmacists, tailored to your skin. Request an order form and a pharmacist will contact you to discuss your needs.

When to see a doctor

Professional skin treatments can help many people with mild to moderate breakouts. If your acne is severe, cystic, painful or leaving scars, please see your GP or a dermatologist. They can assess your skin and discuss medical options with you.

If you’re taking isotretinoin or any other prescribed acne medication, always tell your therapist. Some treatments, including LED, aren’t suitable while you’re taking it, and your therapist will adjust your plan to keep your skin safe. The same goes if you’re pregnant or using retinoids.

Not sure where to start? Our Skin Discovery Treatment includes a consultation, an in-depth skin assessment, a targeted modality and a homecare plan. It’s $99 for new clients (usually $180).

Breakout-prone skin responds best to regular, consistent care. The Renewal Club is $220 a month for one Renewal Skin Treatment every month (regular value $275, save 20%), combining a personalised modality with an advanced one such as nano infusion or skin needling. Members also get 25% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail. Prefer something lighter? The Radiance Club is $135 a month (regular value $180). Both have a 6-month minimum term. Explore them on our memberships page.

Ready to book? Book online or find your nearest of our six Brisbane clinics.