By: Sheila Leftridge | The People’s Paper MS
In our communities, skincare often gets pushed to the bottom of the list— right behind work, family, and everything else demanding our attention. But taking care of your skin isn’t about vanity. It’s about health, confidence, and learning how to listen to your body.
This week, let’s talk about acne and breakouts: what causes them, what actually helps, and how to avoid making them worse. No perfection required. Just real, practical skincare truth for everyday life.
Acne & Breakouts: What’s Really Going On
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, and it happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. That buildup can turn into blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. They land most often on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. When bacteria multiply inside clogged pores, inflammation follows, which is what creates those painful bumps and can sometimes lead to scarring.
Blackheads vs. Whiteheads
A blackhead forms when a pore becomes clogged but stays open at the surface. Exposure to air causes oxidation, turning it dark. Blackheads are best addressed early. Staying hydrated helps, and while professional extraction is ideal, products specifically formulated for blackheads can be effective when used properly. One thing I’ve noticed over time: the longer a blackhead stays, the larger it becomes, often leaving a small indentation that can refill if the root cause isn’t addressed. Foods high in iodine like shellfish and even ketchup can sometimes trigger blackheads in acne-prone skin.
A whitehead occurs when the pore remains closed beneath the skin’s surface, trapping oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. These appear as small white or yellowish bumps and should be treated gently to avoid irritation or scarring.
Why Washing Your Face at Night Matters
Even if you never leave the house, dirt and oil build up on your skin throughout the day. If you wear makeup, washing your face before bed is non-negotiable. Skipping this step can transfer dirt and bacteria to your pillowcase, leading to breakouts. Nighttime is also when your skin repairs itself, so going to bed with a clean face supports healthy renewal.
I know some nights are exhausting. On those nights, I keep facial wipes nearby so I don’t skip cleansing altogether.
When removing makeup, I like DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Daily Cleanser, Toner & Makeup Remover. It’s a gentle, soap-free foaming gel that dissolves makeup while hydrating the skin. It contains Kakadu plum. That’s an antioxidant-rich superfruit from Australia and along with vitamin C it supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and helps fade dark spots.
Finding the Right Acne Cleanser
There’s no one-size-fits-all cleanser. Some acne products contain drying agents that help clear breakouts but leave skin tight and irritated. Others may actually worsen acne. Ingredients like mineral oil and coconut oil can be too heavy for acne-prone skin, so always check labels. With so much information at our fingertips, a quick ingredient search can go a long way.
I recommend trying travel-size products when testing something new. They’re cost-effective and allow you to see how your skin responds before committing.
One product I turn to during breakouts is Skin Essence Carson’s Black Ball Soap. Skin Essence is a corrective skincare clinic specializing in acne and eczema, and this soap is a 100% natural product from Nigeria. It contains no preservatives, so it should be stored in a dry soap dish. You only need a small pinch to create a rich lather. Its antibacterial properties help fight acne while keeping pores clean and free of excess oil.
Hydration Is Not Optional
Hydration matters, inside and out, especially during breakouts. Drinking water is essential, but topical hydration is just as important. I personally use medicated ointments because I have dry skin. If your skin is oily, a cream may work better. Skin Essence Carson offers both, and they’re safe for daily use. These products help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support healing.
Spot Treatment & What Not to Do
As tempting as it is, popping pimples usually makes things worse. It can push bacteria deeper into the skin and trigger more breakouts. I’ve learned this the hard way. Touching your face, resting your chin on your hand, picking at spots, also introduces bacteria.
Instead, try pimple patches to resist the urge, or use a targeted serum with ingredients like salicylic acid, AHA, or BHA. I apply spot treatments using a Q-tip to avoid spreading bacteria.
The Skin Truth
Clear skin doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from consistency, patience, and understanding what your skin needs. Start simple. Listen to your skin. And remember your skin tells a story. Treat it with care.
And that’s — The Skin Truth.
