Acne, Pores & Scarring: A Clear Skin Plan

If you have hormonal acne, applying makeup requires careful skin prep. Medicated acne creams can be drying and cause makeup to separate. I advise my patients to stop active creams a few days before an event and focus on hydrating the skin with a gentle moisturizer to create a smooth canvas.

This is a keloid, which is a type of raised scar that can form after an injury, including acne. Here, I am injecting it to flatten the tissue. It's important to understand that keloid tendency can be higher on bony areas, so treating acne promptly is crucial to prevent such scarring.

When applying a spot treatment cream for acne or dark spots, precision is everything. Use only a tiny, grain-sized amount and dab it directly onto the spot. Spreading it around can create a halo of irritation and lead to more pigmentation.

Here, I am using GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) derived from the patient's own blood. This holistic treatment is excellent for improving acne scars and open pores. I also use it around the eyes to rejuvenate the thin skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Are your workouts causing breakouts? It could be your protein supplement, especially whey, or the stress from heavy lifting raising your cortisol levels. It's also vital to remove all makeup before exercising, as sweat opens your pores and can lead to clogging.

For acne-prone skin, a few lifestyle changes make a huge difference. Keeping your scalp clean, eating a clean diet to support gut health, and getting proper sleep are fundamental. Your skin reflects your internal state, so less stress and more happiness will show.

In summer, common acne ingredients like salicylic acid can be too harsh on sun-sensitized skin. I often recommend calming ingredients like calamine lotion or fuller's earth to absorb oil without causing irritation. A clean scalp and a simplified routine are also key.

Acne on the back and shoulders, or 'truncal acne', can be caused by a dirty scalp, hormonal changes like PCOS, or even a high-protein diet. The first step is a proper diagnosis to see if it's acne or folliculitis, which would require a different treatment approach.

This patient came to me with a bag full of expensive, influencer-recommended products that had damaged his skin barrier. A good product isn't always the right product for you. My first step is always to repair the barrier before we can even begin to address the original skin concern.