Like booty calls and taxes, acne is a part of life, whether it’s cystic acne, hormonal acne or even postpartum acne. Here’s a secret: it doesn’t make you any less of a babe. 

But when the bumps have you down in the dumps, it’s okay to want a little less of them. To treat acne, you need to know what’s causing it.

What causes acne?

Problem: Pore congestion

One of the most common causes of acne & breakouts is congestion. That’s when things like excess oil, makeup, bacteria, and pollution get stuck in your pores and stay there. If you’re not cleaning your face and digging up what’s hiding in your pores, then get ready for a wave of zits.

Solution: A face mask for acne

Get a good routine that cleans your skin, but also clears out the congestion in your pores. Start with a cleanser to remove makeup and surface level dirt, like my Charcoal Face Cleanser. Move onto a natural enzyme exfoliant like my Brightening Vitamin C Mask to dive deep into your pores and remove congestion. This Vitamin C mask is the best natural remedy for acne, and it’s gentle on sensitive & inflamed skin. It is not just a mask for acne but it is also used as an acne scar treatment. Finish with a moisturiser that’s light and non-greasy, that will moisturise and protect your skin barrier without further clogging. And ta-da: revealing your brightest, clearest, softest skin.

Problem: Hormonal acne

PMS, pregnancy, puberty, getting off the pill or the planets moving out of alignment: there’s a lot that causes the hormonal action happening under your hood. Estrogen and progesterone are two of the main culprits. They do a lot of good work for your body, but occasionally through you a curve-ball in the form of a planet on your face, #letsbefrank. 

Solution: Keep your face clean

These peaks in hormones are inevitable. Be patient: it’ll pass. In the meantime, if you are looking to treat hormonal acne after getting off birth control, for example, make sure you’re using natural acne remedies that aim to treat postpartum acne or hormonal acne, and won’t aggravate your skin, making your breakouts worse. Keep your face clean, exfoliate to clear congestion & impurities, and moisturise to make sure your skin barrier is kept happy. Natural remedies in treating postpartum acne is especially important when breast-feeding. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist if you are ever unsure which ingredients are safe.

Problem: Stress Acne

Stress leads to things like bad sleep quality. When you’re stressed and not sleeping, you may notice zits erupting on your face like mini volcanos. Not getting enough sleep causes your body to experience higher levels of cortisol, which can trigger breakouts.

Solution: Check your sleep hygiene

Get some…. sleep. Read before bed, stay off your phone, and soak with In Your Dreams. My Sleep Scrub & Soak is made with calming ingredients to relax your body & mind before bed, so when you get horizontal you’ll actually go the f to sleep. Sleep will reduce cortisol levels in your body, allowing your skin cells to refresh, which is the best cure for hormonal acne.

Problem: Product chemicals

Some ingredients are sneaky: hidden in ingredient lists, ready to strike and clog your pores. Watch out for sodium lauryl sulfate & some fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin. And don’t forget about your shampoo and conditioner, especially if you’re breaking out along your hairline.

Solution: Natural acne products

Check the labels on the products you’re using. Go natural: with your products and your skin. Chemicals that dry out your skin only cause irritation and further inflammation. Whereas, natural skincare, like mine, cleanses without taking away the natural oils on your skin, while reducing and clearing your existing blemishes. Try going make-up free for a few days (or weeks) and see the difference it makes. My Brightening Vitamin C Mask will keep your skin bright & glowing, so I won’t be surprised if you stay make-up free. 

Problem: Pash rash

Breaking on the lower half of your face? Pashed someone lately? If they’ve got a beard, ding ding ding. #letsbefrank, beards are in. I’d grow one if I could. But the friction it causes on your face causes an increase in oil production. And therefore, an increase in clogged pores. I like tough love, not rough love. Suggest a beard oil to soften things up. Or a clean shave. But not a clean break. I’d never make you slow down on the smooching.

Acne is a part of life for most babes. Don’t ignore it: look at it in the mirror and look at what’s going on in your life that could be causing it. That’s the most important thing to do if you want to stay on top of it and treat acne naturally.

When in doubt, DM by babes @frank_bod or see your dermatologist.

Now pop your booty, not your pimples.

x frank