Guide to Navigating Acne-Prone Skin

Acne has no cure—but it can be effectively treated and managed. Unlike the occasional breakout (which can be treated reactively), recurring acne requires a preventative approach, especially during the clearing phase (first 3–6 months). Once you reach the maintenance phase, focus can shift to treating secondary marks such as PIE (post-inflammatory erythema) or PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

Because acne triggers vary widely from person to person, this guide is designed to help you identify common product and lifestyle factors that may be hindering your skin-clearing journey.

The Process of Getting Acne Under Control

1. Focus on Reducing Inflammation
Whether it’s breakouts, barrier sensitivity, or genetic tendencies—calming inflammation is key. A fussy barrier post-treatment or around your cycle is normal, but consistent issues need attention. Prioritize hydration and maintaining a healthy moisture barrier to support healing.

2. Use Effective Tools—Consistently
Acne isn’t one-size-fits-all. Actives like exfoliants, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide (BP), or sulfur can balance the skin when used appropriately. Frequency, concentration, and application all matter—your aesthetician can help tailor your regimen.

3. Oxygenate the Skin
Inflamed breakouts (red, pink, or purple lesions) indicate your immune system is fighting anaerobic acne bacteria, which can’t survive in oxygen-rich environments. BP and sulfur oxygenate the skin, reducing bacteria and helping your skin heal faster—especially during the clearing phase.

4. Eliminate Pore-Clogging Ingredients
Think of this as an elimination diet for your skin. For at least six months, avoid pore-clogging ingredients in haircare, makeup, toothpaste, laundry products, and supplements. Once your skin is balanced, reintroduce products slowly, one at a time.

5. Commit to Professional Extractions
Schedule professional extractions every 3–4 weeks while clearing your skin. During maintenance, adjust to every 4–10 weeks based on your skin’s needs for extractions or exfoliation.

Acne-Fighting Checklist

Eliminate Pore-Clogging Ingredients & Habits

Haircare:

• Avoid products with heavy oils, silicones, or butters that can transfer to skin.

• Sleep with dry hair, ideally wrapped in a bonnet or silk scarf, or use a silk pillowcase.

• Shampoo regularly, especially after workouts or sweating.

• Keep conditioner and styling products away from the hairline and face.

Makeup:

• Choose non-comedogenic or “acne-safe” formulations.

• Clean brushes after each use; shampoo them weekly with your facial cleanser.

• Ditch beauty blenders — use disposable sponges instead.

• Remove makeup before workouts (tinted SPF is okay).

• Always double cleanse at night.

Toothpaste:

• Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, carrageenan, and coconut oil.

• Brush before skincare routine to prevent residue near the mouth.

Once your skin is balanced, you can reintroduce select favorites gradually and monitor how your skin responds.

Check Supplements

Always consult your doctor before making changes.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): A major acne trigger. Check multi-vitamins, prenatals, and hair/skin/nail supplements.

• Iodine: Found in seaweeds, algaes, and green drinks—may aggravate acne for some.

• Whey + Soy Protein: Often problematic—choose soy-free plant proteins instead.

• Over-Supplementing: More isn’t always better. Only take what’s necessary for your health.
  
  

Workout + Exercise Habits

• Remove face makeup before workouts (tinted SPF is okay).

• Cleanse within five minutes of finishing exercise; if no sink, use WaterWipes or Clean Skin Club Wipes.

• Apply Hydrinity Hyacin Active and reapply SPF if outdoors.

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga if actively inflamed.

• Swimmers: protect with a thin layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or CeraVe Healing Ointment over SPF.

• Ice-massage or use a cold roller post-workout to calm inflammation.

• Tie hair back and align shampoo days with workouts.
  
  

Lifestyle Tips for Balanced Skin

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

• Change pillowcases weekly; choose cool, breathable fabrics

• Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

• Use fragrance-, dye-, and coconut-oil-free detergent.

• Use Poof Patches or hydrocolloid patches instead of picking.

• Retire the magnifying mirror.

• Clean phones, glasses, headphones, and hat brims daily.

• Cleanse with cool to lukewarm water.

• Use a humidifier in dry or heated environments to protect your barrier.
  
  

Common Breakout Triggers

• Certain medications can increase oil or inflammation (consult your doctor before stopping any prescription).

• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol.

• Inconsistent skincare or frequently switching products.

• Hormonal fluctuations (PCOS, thyroid issues, endometriosis).

• Treat active acne before focusing on PIE/PIH—balance first, brighten later.

Travel Tips for Acne-Prone Skin

• Bring your own pillowcase or a clean T-shirt for your pillow.

• On flights, apply a spritz of Hycain Active Spray, or a thin layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or CeraVe Healing Ointment over SPF for protection.

• Use disposable face cloths (Face Cloths or Clean Skin Club Towels) to dry after cleansing.

• Pack WaterWipes for reapplying SPF on the go.

• Opt for hats, UPF clothing, and sun umbrellas for extra protection.

• In hot climates, seek shade during peak heat hours—especially if prone to pigment or rosacea.

Common Dietary Triggers to Moderate

(These vary person to person; consult your doctor or dietitian.)

• High-glycemic foods: sugary drinks, sweets, white rice, chips, white bread/pasta.

• Dairy: milk and whey protein are top offenders; most tolerate small amounts of yogurt or cheese.

• Alcohol: dehydrates and spikes blood sugar—alternate with water.

• Eggs: high in biotin and androgens; moderate intake.

• Iodine: found in iodized salt, seaweeds, spirulina, and crustaceans.

• Caffeine: limit if sensitive—can disrupt sleep and stress levels.

• Processed + fried foods: enjoy occasionally, but wash hands after eating to prevent transfer to the face.
  
  

  Remember: Clearing acne is a journey, not a race. Consistency, patience, and the right guidance make all the difference.

Your IMA aesthetician is here to help tailor your regimen, support your progress, and celebrate every win along the way.

Prior to Your Appointment

🖤 Discontinue the use of any Retinol products for at least 5 days prior.

🖤 Use of Accutane (or other products containing isotretinoin) must be discontinued at least 6 months prior to treatment.

🖤 Avoid heavy sun exposure

🖤 Do not wax the face for at least two weeks prior to treatment.

🖤 Use of aspirin, ibuprofen or other over the counter anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medications may increase your chances of bruising.

After Your Treatment

🖤 Avoid any exfoliants for 3 days after your appointment (i.e. retinoids and retinol, glycolic, salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs & astringents)

🖤 Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, steam rooms & swimming pools for 48 hours after your appointment.

🖤 It’s normal for the skin to feel more sensitive in the days after your treatment. For most it's about 3 days but for some it can be up to 2 weeks.

🖤 Keep your skin hydrated by applying your specialty serums & moisturizers twice daily.

🖤 Keep your skin protected with SPF wear. Remember that SPF only lasts about 80-90 minutes. Reapplication is important.

🖤 Avoid the sun and strong winds directly following procedure, as this could cause irritation.

🖤 Ice rolling feels great and helps calm the skin. Make sure your tools have been sterilized.

🖤 You may take over-the counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication.

🖤 Hydrocortisone (steroid) cream may decrease any itching or skin irritation.

🖤 Antibiotic ointment may be used if skin is broken, to prevent infection.

🖤 In the rare case that you experience any adverse side-effects such as, persistent or unusual redness, swelling or drainage, please contact us immediately.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

🖤 No tanning or heavy sun exposure for at least 3 weeks before or after a treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or any derivative of Vitamin A for 5 days before and after your treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products for five days before treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of Hydroquinone (Pigment Pads) for 3 days before and after your treatment.

🖤 Avoid shaving, waxing, hair removal creams and laser hair removal services for at least three days before the procedure.

🖤 If you have open lesions, active cold sores, facial dermatitis or facial irruption you are not a good candidate for the peel till after it has completely healed.

Post-Treatment Instructions:

🖤 Most patients who undergo these treatments have redness for 24-48 hours.

🖤 Strictly follow the AM & PM Post Peel Skincare Regimen outlined below.

🖤 It is recommended that you do not apply makeup the day of your treatment. It is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight. Makeup can be applied if necessary.(Mineral makeup or Oxygenetix Foundation)

🖤 Do not pick or peel the flaking skin. You may clip peeling sections with scissors.

🖤 Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat for at least 7 days (getting overheated internally can cause hyperpigmentation). Always use sunscreen/sunblock for your protection. Do not pick or pull at any loose skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation or scarring.

🖤 Do not have electrolysis, use chemical depilatories or wax the treated area for at least 10 days.

🖤 Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray. Do not use a steam room, Jacuzzi, or sauna.

🖤 Do not go swimming.

🖤 Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.

🖤 Do not use mechanical exfoliation.

Post Care Skin Care Regimen:

AM REGIMEN

🖤 Cleanse with a Gentle Cleanser such as Cleaning Complex

🖤 Treat with Pro Heal Vitamin C

🖤 Treat w/ Hydra-Cool Serum

🖤 OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Apply Anteage System or Youth Serum

🖤 Apply recovery balms such as Aquaphor, Shield Recovery Balm or Polysporin Ointment

🖤 Always use sunscreen SPF30 or above, reapply every 80 minutes when outdoors

PM REGIMEN

🖤 Cleanse with a Gentle Cleanser such as Cleaning Complex

🖤 Treat with Pro Heal Vitamin C

🖤 Treat w/ Hydra-Cool Serum

🖤 OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Apply Anteage System or Youth Serum

🖤 Apply recovery balms such as Aquaphor, Shield Recovery Balm or Polysporin Ointment

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Micro Needling is a safe, natural, holistic alternative for resurfacing the skin. There may be some bleeding and mild discomfort during the treatment which is temporary. Topical coolness or anesthetic cream may be used if needed for tolerance.

🖤 Helps to build collagen

🖤 Smoothes fine lines and may help fill in pitting or areas lacking structure

🖤 Smoothes acne scars

🖤 Stimulates growth factors

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

🖤 No tanning or heavy sun exposure for at least 3 weeks before or after a treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or any derivative of Vitamin A for 5 days before and after your treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products for five days before treatment.

🖤 Discontinue use of Hydroquinone (Pigment Pads) for 3 days before and after your treatment.

🖤 Avoid shaving, waxing, hair removal creams and laser hair removal services for at least three days before the procedure.

🖤 If you have open lesions, active cold sores, facial dermatitis or facial irruption you are not a good candidate for the peel till after it has completely healed.

Post-Treatment Instructions:

🖤 Most patients who undergo these treatments have redness for 24-48 hours.

🖤 Strictly follow the AM & PM Post Peel Skincare Regimen outlined below.

🖤 It is recommended that you do not apply makeup the day of your treatment. It is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight. Makeup can be applied if necessary.(Mineral makeup or Oxygenetix Foundation)

🖤 Do not pick or peel the flaking skin. You may clip peeling sections with scissors.

🖤 Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat for at least 7 days (getting overheated internally can cause hyperpigmentation). Always use sunscreen/sunblock for your protection. Do not pick or pull at any loose skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation or scarring.

🖤 Do not have electrolysis, use chemical depilatories or wax the treated area for at least 10 days.

🖤 Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray. Do not use a steam room, Jacuzzi, or sauna.

🖤 Do not go swimming.

🖤 Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.

🖤 Do not use mechanical exfoliation.

🖤 Redness or sensitivity might be present

🖤 Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness as desired

🖤 May use cool compresses or sterilized ice rollers to treat discomfort, burning, redness, or swelling

🖤 Resume your regular skin care regimen once skin is no longer sensitized, usually 5-10 days and once completely healed its safe to restart Retin A, usually 7-10 days

🖤 We recommend a series of 3-9 treatments, every 4 weeks, for best results.

Post Care Skin Care Regimen:

AM REGIMEN

🖤 Cleanse with a Gentle Cleanser such as Cleaning Complex

🖤 Treat with Pro Heal Vitamin C

🖤 Treat w/ Hydra-Cool Serum

🖤 OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Apply Anteage System or Youth Serum

🖤 Apply recovery balms such as Aquaphor, Shield Recovery Balm or Polysporin Ointment

🖤 Always use sunscreen SPF30 or above, reapply every 80 minutes when outdoors

PM REGIMEN

🖤 Cleanse with a Gentle Cleanser such as Cleaning Complex

🖤 Treat with Pro Heal Vitamin C

🖤 Treat w/ Hydra-Cool Serum

🖤 OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Apply Anteage System or Youth Serum

🖤 Apply recovery balms such as Aquaphor, Shield Recovery Balm or Polysporin Ointment

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.