Tretinoin 101: What It Is + Why It Matters for Acne-Prone Skin

Diet & Lifestyle

PCOS, Acne, and Acceptance: Real Talk From the banu Community

When your skin keeps breaking out, your period feels unpredictable, or your body is sending signals that just don’t add up, PCOS could be part of the picture. Affecting about 1 in 10 people with ovaries, it’s super common in our community — yet still overlooked far too often. And if you’ve ever researched the best skincare for PCOS acne (you're not alone here), you already know how confusing and overwhelming the answers can sometimes be. The signs don’t always look the same for everyone: irregular or missing periods, higher testosterone levels, ovarian cysts (though not always), blood sugar or insulin resistance, and acne that just won’t seem to clear. The important thing to remember? You don’t need to check every box to be living with PCOS.

Acne 101

How to Support a Friend Who’s Struggling With Their Skin

We all know someone — maybe a friend, coworker, or classmate — navigating adult acne or severe acne. Knowing how to be a supportive friend in a situation like this matters, because a strong support system can make progress feel achievable and their mental health a little easier to handle. First, recognize that acne isn’t the same for everyone, it’s usually deeply personal and individual to their own bodily makeup, hormones, and other factors. Adult acne and severe acne can obviously affect confidence, mood, and how your friend navigates the world. So your role? Offer empathy, not judgment (of course). A few encouraging words or simple check-ins can go a long way toward empowering them on their journey.

Acne 101

Let Your Skin Just…Exist: Embracing Acne Neutrality

We’ve all had those mornings. Your reflection greets you with a fresh breakout, and suddenly every scroll on social media feels like a reminder that perfect skin is still the beauty standard. It’s exhausting. That’s where acne neutrality comes in: a mindset that shifts the focus from chasing perfection to finding balance and progress in your skin journey. Instead of idolizing “clear at all costs” or forcing constant self-love, acne neutrality creates space for something more realistic: acceptance and action. It’s about acknowledging that skin can have texture, spots, or redness and still be healthy. And it’s about protecting your mental health and acne by loosening the grip that social media’s highlight reels have on your self-worth.

Acne 101

Late-Summer Skin Slump? Here’s How to Reset Without Stripping Your Barrier

Late summer skin fatigue is real. Long days in the sun, heavier SPF layers, and sticky city air can leave you with clogged pores, rough texture, or a parched skin barrier. The good news? Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to fall doesn’t have to be a full overhaul — it’s about subtle shifts that help you adapt to the season while keeping your skin balanced.

Acne 101

How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin (Without Overcomplicating It)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: acne-prone skin doesn’t only affect people with oily skin. It can happen with dry skin, sensitive skin, even what looks like “normal” skin. It just means your skin is more likely to break out—and needs a more thoughtful approach to care. Whether you’re navigating hormonal flare-ups, product-triggered breakouts, or just want your skin to chill, this is for you.

Acne 101

Sweat, Sunscreen & Skin Freakouts: Your Official Guide to Summer Breakouts

There’s a reason your skin feels more reactive in the summer — and it’s not just the heat. From sneaky breakout triggers like salty ocean swims and poolside chlorine to the way your skincare routine shifts with the season, acne-prone skin needs a little extra attention right now. Consider this your no-stress guide to keeping things clear, balanced, and beach-day ready.

Acne 101

Body Breakouts Are Definitely a Thing — Here’s How to Manage

Let’s talk about body acne — aka bacne, chest acne, shoulder zits, the whole crew. It shows up without warning, overstays its welcome, and doesn’t care that you have a strappy dress to wear Friday. It’s common, it’s manageable, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.  

Acne 101

Why You’re Still Getting Breakouts as an Adult

Your skin grew up. Your zits didn’t. Thought you’d graduate high school and leave breakouts behind? Same. But adult acne didn’t get the memo. It’s showing up more than ever—especially for women in their 20s, 30s, even 40s. And while it might look like the teenage stuff, it usually runs deeper, heals slower, and laughs in the face of your old drugstore spot treatment. So what gives? Let’s break down what’s really going on with adult acne, and how to manage it without spiraling.

Acne 101

Is It Acne or Rosacea? Let’s Break It Down

You’re breaking out — but something feels…off. It’s red, inflamed, maybe a little itchy. Is it acne? Is it rosacea? Is your skin just mad at you? Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what’s going on before you start spiraling on Reddit. Not every breakout is actually acne. If your skin’s always flushed, your “zits” never get heads, or you’ve got stubborn cheek bumps that laugh in the face of regular acne treatments, it could be rosacea—a chronic skin thing that loves to masquerade as the real deal. The catch? Treating it like acne can make it worse. Knowing the difference means you can actually calm it down instead of accidentally starting beef with your skin barrier.

Acne 101

Breaking Out or Purging? Here’s How to Tell — and What to Do About It

You finally commit to a skincare routine — maybe it's your first dip into a retinoid, or you’re flirting with exfoliating acids — and boom: your face suddenly switches up on you. You’re spiraling. Is it a skin purge? A breakout? Is your barrier about to disown you? Take a breath. This might actually be a good sign. A skin purge happens when actives like retinoids or BHAs speed up cellular turnover and push all the junk (clogged pores, micro-breakouts, bad decisions) to the surface. It’s temporary. It’s annoying. But it can be a turning point if you know how to ride it out.

Acne 101

Cryotherapy for Acne: Is It Worth It? Here’s the Chill Breakdown

Cold plunges. Ice rollers. Cryofacials. The skincare world is deep in its “frozen era,” and cryotherapy has officially entered the acne chat. If you’ve seen videos of skin icing or heard about cryofacials and wondered if there’s any real benefit, here’s what you should know. Cryotherapy won’t replace your acne treatments, but it can definitely support them. The right kind of cold therapy helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and give your skin a little post-breakout breathing room. Let’s get into how cryotherapy works for acne and where a cryofacial fits into your routine.

Acne 101

Skin Cycling 101: How to Reset Acne-Prone Skin

If your shelf is full of half-used exfoliants and “miracle” products you gave up on, same. Skin cycling offers structure, but in a chill, supportive way that actually respects your skin barrier. This routine keeps things gentle, effective, and sustainable. No more guessing games. It’s not a social media trend. It’s a smarter way to treat acne, support your barrier, and finally get consistent results—especially if your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, or just plain tired. Skin cycling can be adjusted according to your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or reactive.

Acne 101

How to Pop a Pimple (If You’re Going to Do It Anyway)

We get it. You know you shouldn't pop that pimple, but here you are, standing in front of the mirror, fingers ready. You’re not alone. And while derms usually say “hands off,” sometimes the urge wins. So — if you’re going to pop it, here’s how to do it with the least damage, and the most control. This is just a guide — not a green light for every pimple, especially deep, cystic acne. When in doubt, skip the squeeze and go for a derm. But if you're dealing with a surface-level whitehead? Keep reading.

Diet & Lifestyle

Easy Acne-Friendly Swaps You Can Make in Your Kitchen

Let’s get one thing clear: food doesn’t cause acne. But your diet can absolutely influence it—especially if you’re already prone to breakouts. Research shows that certain ingredients (especially high-glycemic carbs and dairy) may worsen acne by affecting hormones, oil production, and inflammation. The good news? You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods to see clearer skin. Just a few thoughtful swaps, all of which are part of a healthy diet, can make a real difference over time. These acne-friendly food swaps are designed to reduce triggers—not joy.

Diet & Lifestyle

Clear Skin Starts Within: Hormone-Friendly Habits for Breakout-Prone Skin

If your breakouts show up like clockwork before your period, cluster around your chin or jaw, or get worse when you're stressed or sleep-deprived, there's a good chance hormones are involved. And while prescription treatments can be helpful, they’re not the only option. Disclaimer: These tips can help regulate hormones naturally, but they aren’t a substitute for medical care. If you suspect an underlying hormonal condition like PCOS, always consult a healthcare provider or board-certified dermatologist.

Acne 101

What to Know About Oral Acne Meds (and If They’re Right for You)

Topicals can only do so much, especially when you're dealing with deep, stubborn, or hormonal acne. That’s where oral medications come in. They work internally to tackle oil production, inflammation, and hormone imbalances that topicals can’t always reach. Quick note: This guide is research-backed, but nothing replaces a chat with a board-certified dermatologist.

How We're Setting a New Standard for Acne-Safe Skincare

Ever scanned a label for the magic words “non-comedogenic” only to break out anyway? Same. When I was in the thick of dealing with adult acne, I clung to anything that said “for sensitive skin” or “dermatologist-recommended.” Some were even “non-comedogenic,” which I thought was a sure thing. But the breakouts just wouldn’t quit. Eventually, I realized: there’s no real standard for what makes something truly safe for acne-prone skin.

Acne 101

The Ultimate Guide to Fading Acne Marks — and Knowing What You're Dealing With

Clearing a breakout is hard enough. But the dark spots, red marks, and weird texture it leaves behind? That’s a whole other ball game. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, lingering redness, or actual scarring, knowing what you’re working with helps you treat it faster without wasting your time or money. Consider this your cheat sheet to all things acne marks. Shall we?

Acne 101

Pore-Clogging Ingredients to Watch For (and What to Use Instead)

If your acne-prone skin still feels unpredictable — even when you swear you’re doing everything right — it might be time to zoom in on ingredients. Comedogenic (aka pore-clogging) culprits can hide in everything from your cleanser to your conditioner, quietly clogging things up and making breakouts stick around. Even labels like “non-comedogenic” don’t always mean safe. That’s why it pays to know what ingredients to look for, and what to ditch.

Diet & Lifestyle

Snack Smarter, Glow Harder: Food Swaps for Breakout-Prone Skin

No, food alone won’t cause or cure acne. But if you’ve noticed a connection between what’s on your plate and what’s on your face, you’re probably right. Certain foods can mess with hormones, spike inflammation, and crank up oil production — basically, a recipe for breakouts. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire menu. A few easy swaps can help keep your skin happy and your meals delicious. Here are some skin-friendly ones to start with.

Post-Acne

Laser Therapy for Acne Scars: When It’s Time and What to Know

You’ve finally made progress calming your acne — but the scars? Still hanging out. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of breakouts and thinking about laser therapy, you’re not alone. Acne laser treatment has become a go-to option for smoothing skin and supporting visible progress, but timing is everything. Let’s talk through what laser therapy can (and can’t) do for acne scars, and how to know when you’re ready.

Acne 101

Accutane: What to Know Before You Say Yes

If you’ve tried everything for severe acne — topicals, antibiotics, and every OTC spot treatment — and still feel stuck, Accutane might be the next step. But before you commit, it’s key to understand how it works, what the side effects are, and why a board-certified dermatologist is your go-to for guidance. Here’s what to know so you can make an informed, empowered decision.

Acne 101

Derm Visits, Decoded: The Acne Questions That Really Matter

Let’s be honest — trying to figure out your acne on your own can feel like a full-time job. If nothing's clicking or things are getting worse, it might be time to call in a pro. That’s where board-certified dermatologists come in. They’ve seen it all, and they’re here to help you cut through the noise. Come armed with these 8 important questions to get the most out of your visit and start seeing results that actually make sense for your skin.

Acne 101

What Sulfur Actually Does for Your Skin (and Why It Belongs in Your Routine)

If you’ve dealt with breakouts longer than you'd like to admit, you’ve probably heard of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and maybe even retinoids. But sulfur? Underrated. It’s got that old-school pharmacy vibe, but don’t sleep on it — it’s gentle, effective, and kind of a sleeper hit for calming chaos.

Acne 101

Face Mapping: What Your Breakouts Are Trying to Tell You

If you've ever wondered why it's always your chin, or your forehead, or those same two cheek spots — you're not alone. Face mapping can offer a bit of clarity. Face mapping is an ancient skin-reading practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It connects the location of your acne to what's going on internally. Is it exact science? No. But it can be a useful check-in tool when you're navigating your skin journey. Let’s get into what face mapping can (and can’t) tell you—starting with the usual suspects: forehead acne, cheek acne, nose acne, and jawline acne.

Acne 101

Breaking Out? It Might Be Fungal Acne — Here’s What to Know

Let’s talk about something a little less mainstream and way more common than you’d think: fungal acne. If you’ve been dealing with clusters of tiny, itchy bumps (especially on your forehead, chest, or back), and nothing seems to help — there’s a solid chance you’re not actually breaking out. You could be dealing with fungal folliculitis, a skin condition caused by — you guessed it— yeast overgrowth, not bacteria. And that matters. Because if you treat fungal acne like regular acne, it’ll stick around. But once you know what you’re dealing with? That’s a breakthrough moment.

Acne 101

Different Types of Acne — and How to Actually Treat Them

Breakouts hit different. Sometimes it's tiny bumps across your forehead. Other times, it’s one deep, angry zit that won’t go away. Knowing your type of acne is key to finding the right acne treatment — because not all breakouts respond the same. Here’s your no-BS guide to the different types of acne, how they show up, and what your skin ~actually~ needs.

Acne 101

What Is Salicylic Acid and Why It Belongs in Your Skincare Routine

Let’s talk about one of the most proven, go-to ingredients in the acne world: salicylic acid. Technically, it’s a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) — aka an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that goes deep into pores to clear out dead skin cells and excess oil. Translation? It’s a total MVP for unclogging skin and calming breakouts before they blow up.

Acne 101

PCOS and Acne: Here’s What’s Actually Going On

If your breakouts feel deeper, more painful, and always seem to land around your jawline or chin, there’s a chance it’s more than just your products. For a lot of people, acne is one of the first signs that something internal is off. And one of the biggest culprits? PCOS, aka polycystic ovary syndrome. Let’s break it down.

Acne 101

Non-Comedogenic Isn’t Just a Buzzword — Let’s Break It All Down

If your skin breaks out easily, you’ve probably heard the term non-comedogenic. You’ve also probably Googled “pore-clogging ingredients” at midnight while trying to decode why your skincare might be backfiring. Same tbh. Here’s the deal: if you have acne-prone skin, switching to non-comedogenic products is one of the easiest ways to support your skin — without scrapping your entire routine or falling down a Reddit rabbit hole.

Acne 101

So...Is It a Skin Purge or a Breakout?

You try a new product. A few days later, your face flips out. But before you toss it, pause: is this a breakout, or just a skin purge? And yes, there is a difference. They look similar, but they mean totally different things. One is part of the process. The other? A sign your skincare products might not be it. Let’s make sense of it all so you can move forward with clarity.

Acne 101

Still Breaking Out as an Adult? Here’s Why (and What to Do About It)

Adult acne is SUPER common, and triggers shift with age, stress, hormones, and even the products you use. What worked during your teen years? Probably not cutting it anymore. Let’s break down why you’re still getting acne as an adult — and what you can actually do about it.

Acne 101

Why Am I Suddenly Getting Cystic Acne?

You’re breaking out, and not in the usual way. These spots feel deeper, they hurt, and they stick around way longer than you think they will. Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of cystic acne — frustrating, yes, but manageable with the right approach. Let’s break down why cystic acne shows up and what to do about it (without wrecking your skin in the process).

Acne 101

How to Treat a Pimple Fast (Without Going Overboard)

You’ve got something big coming up...and boom. A pimple. Truly never a good time for them to pop up, unless of course you're dying to get some use out of a new pack of pimple patches. Whether it’s a whitehead, something deeper, or full-on severe acne, breakouts happen. It’s a common skin condition — and yes, there are ways to manage it fast without going overboard. Let’s break it down: why pimples pop up, how to treat them quickly, and what to skip so you don’t make it worse.

Acne 101

Red Light Therapy: Does It Help with Acne?

You’ve tried the spot treatments. You’ve nailed your skincare lineup. Maybe you’ve even cut back on dairy. And now your FYP is full of futuristic red light therapy devices that look like something straight out of a rave promising clearer skin.  But can this non-invasive acne treatment really help with one of the most common skin conditions out there? The short answer: Yes, it can. But like most treatments, it’s not a miracle fix — it’s a tool. Here’s what to know about red light therapy (RLT) and how to integrate it into your acne-care routine.