Understanding Different Types of Acne—and How to Treat Them

Acne 101

How to Treat Body Acne (Back, Chest, and Beyond)

Facial acne tends to get all the attention—but body acne is just as real, just as frustrating, and just as treatable. Whether you're dealing with bacne, breakouts on your chest, or spots along your shoulders or butt, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to settle. Body acne may look different than facial acne, but it's driven by many of the same factors: clogged pores, oil, sweat, friction, and sometimes the wrong products. Here’s everything you need to know to finally get your body breakouts under control.

Acne 101

What Makes Adult Acne Different?

If you thought breakouts were supposed to end after high school, you’re not alone. But here’s the reality: adult acne is more common than ever—especially for individuals assigned female at birth in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. And while it may look similar to teenage acne, adult acne is often deeper, slower to heal, and harder to manage with drugstore treatments alone. Let’s break down what makes adult acne different—and how to treat it in a way that’s both effective and supportive.

Acne 101

How to Tell If You Have Acne: Acne vs. Rosacea

Not all breakouts are acne. If your skin constantly looks flushed, your “pimples” never form heads, or your cheeks are covered in tiny bumps that don’t respond to typical acne treatments, you might be dealing with rosacea—a chronic skin condition that’s often confused with acne vulgaris. Knowing the difference between acne and rosacea is key to getting the right treatment—and avoiding ingredients that could make your skin worse.

Acne 101

How to Power Through a Purge (Without Giving Up on Your Routine)

You finally commit to a new skincare routine—one that’s designed for your acne-prone skin, filled with clinically backed actives—and then… your breakouts get worse. Sound familiar? This frustrating phenomenon is called a skin purge—and it’s more common (and temporary) than you think. If your skin seems to be “freaking out” after starting a new skincare product like a retinoid or salicylic acid, there’s a good chance it’s not a setback—it’s a process. Let’s walk through what’s happening, how to tell the difference between the purging process vs. breaking out, and how to power through a purge with your skin (and sanity) intact.

Acne 101

Cryotherapy for Acne: Does It Really Work?

Cold plunges, ice rollers, and cryotherapy facials are popular treatments right now—but can these cold therapy trends actually help with acne? The short answer: yes, in some cases—but cryotherapy isn’t a cure-all. For acne-prone skin, cold treatments can calm inflammation, shrink swollen breakouts, and support healing—when used the right way. Let’s break down what cryotherapy for acne actually is, how it works, and whether it deserves a place in your routine.

Acne 101

Skin Cycling 101: How to Manage Acne Without Letting It Take Over Your Routine

If you’ve ever layered five active ingredients on your face out of desperation, only to wake up with redness, flakiness, or even more breakouts—you’re not alone. Enter: skin cycling. This simple, dermatologist-approved routine helps you get the benefits of active ingredients—like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and acne treatments—without overwhelming your skin with a multitude of skincare products. 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

The Proper Way to Pop a Pimple (If You’re Going to Do It Anyway)

We’ve all been there: You wake up with a glaring whitehead, and despite your best efforts, your fingers are already halfway to your face. The truth is, while dermatologists generally advise against it, most of us have popped a pimple at some point. So let’s be real: If you’re going to do it, here’s how to pop a pimple safely—without turning it into a scar, a scab, or something worse. Disclaimer: Always avoid popping deep, painful, or cystic acne. These require professional care from a dermatologist or esthetician. Improper extraction can worsen inflammation, increase scarring, and introduce bacteria.

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

Simple Ways to Regulate Your Hormones Naturally (and Support Clearer Skin)

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most common triggers for acne—especially for individuals assigned female at birth in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. These changes in hormone levels can disrupt the skin’s balance and signal deeper shifts in hormonal health or hormonal imbalance. If your breakouts tend to show up like clockwork around your period or cluster around your chin and jawline, it’s a strong sign that hormones and acne are connected. But not everyone wants to jump straight to oral medications like birth control or spironolactone. And while those options can be effective (more on that here), there are also natural, accessible ways to support hormone balance through small daily changes—no prescription required. 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

Oral Acne Medications: How They Work and When to Consider Them

When breakouts run deep—literally—it’s not always enough to rely on topical products alone. If you're dealing with cystic acne, hormonal breakouts, or persistent inflammation that hasn’t responded to typical topical medications, oral acne medications may be the next step. These prescription treatments work from the inside out, targeting internal triggers like excess hormone levels, overactive sebaceous glands, and bacterial imbalances. But not all pills are the same and choosing the right one depends on your acne type, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle. Let’s break it all down:  Important Disclaimer: Oral acne medications are prescription drugs that should always be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist. The information below is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Safe For Acne-Prone Skin: Our Clinical Testing Protocol

How We're Setting a New Standard for Acne-Safe Skincare If you’ve ever scanned a skincare label looking for that magic phrase “non-comedogenic” only to break out anyway, I’ve been there. When I was struggling with chronic acne, I assumed the products I was using were safe. They were labeled “for sensitive skin” and “dermatologist recommended.” Some were even “non-comedogenic.” But my breakouts kept getting worse, and for years, I couldn’t figure out why. Eventually, I realized the hard truth: there’s no real industry standard for what makes a product “acne-safe.” There’s a Standard for Eczema, Rosacea, and Psoriasis. Why Not Acne? If you’ve seen the Eczema Seal of Acceptance or the Rosacea Seal of Approval, you might assume there’s something similar for acne. A way to know—clinically and objectively—that a product won’t trigger breakouts. There isn’t. Organizations like the National Eczema Association and the American Academy of Dermatology have defined protocols for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. But for acne, this just doesn't exist. Instead, most brands rely on the term “non-comedogenic,” which simply means a product is unlikely to clog pores. The problem? That label doesn’t mean much—especially if you have breakout-prone skin. The Current Testing Standard Wasn’t Designed for Us Non-comedogenic testing is typically done on the back, not the face. Products are applied under occlusive patches for 28 days, and then the test site is analyzed for clogged pores. But back skin is not facial skin. The face has more oil glands, thinner skin, and behaves differently altogether. So, a product that passes a back test might still cause breakouts on the face. To make matters more confusing, there’s no universally accepted list of pore-clogging ingredients. An ingredient that seems harmless on its own might become problematic when paired with something else or used at a higher concentration. For those of us with acne-prone skin, this can be anxiety-inducing. You’re left guessing: will this product break me out? Is it worth the risk? I wanted banu to take that stress out of the equation. So We Built Our Own Standard We don’t rely on vague claims or outdated tests. At banu, we created our own formulation and clinical testing protocol. It’s approved by board-certified dermatologists and designed specifically for people with acne-prone skin. Here’s what we do: We leave out anything that might clog pores. Even if the risk is low, it’s not worth it to us. We avoid ingredients that can trigger fungal acne (technically called Malassezia folliculitis). We clinically test every formula on real people with acne-prone skin—on their faces, not their backs. Our third-party, independent testing partner tracks comedones, papules, and pustules on day one and again after 28 days of use. If there’s no increase, the product passes. That means every formula is both non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. It won’t clog your pores, and it won’t trigger breakouts. Inclusivity Matters—and We Made It a Requirement The beauty industry doesn’t require testing on diverse skin tones. But we do. Every banu product is tested across all six Fitzpatrick skin types. We also conduct additional safety testing to ensure our formulas don’t cause irritation or sensitivity on melanin-rich skin. If it’s not safe for all skin tones, it’s not safe enough. Why This Matters As someone who spent years trying to figure out what my skin could handle, I know how exhausting it feels to try product after product—never knowing what might set you back. I started banu because I wanted real answers. I didn’t want to guess anymore, and I don’t want you to have to either. That’s why we formulate the way we do. That’s why we test the way we do. And that’s why acne-prone skin will always be our priority. You deserve skincare that works with your skin, not against it. With banu, you can stop second-guessing—and start feeling confident in what you’re putting on your face.

Acne 101

Post-Acne Marks Explained: Hyperpigmentation, Redness, and Scarring

Your skin tells a story—long after a breakout has healed. A dark spot that lingers, a red patch that won’t fade, or an indent that sticks around longer than expected ... these marks can be just as frustrating as acne itself. But not all post-acne marks are created equal. Whether you’re trying to fade brown marks, red marks, or improve your skin’s texture, knowing your skin type and the type of scar you’re dealing with matters just as much as the products you choose.  Here’s a breakdown of the three most common types of post-acne marks—hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), and acne scars—plus guidance on telling the difference and supporting your skin through each one.

Acne 101

Pore-Clogging Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin breaks out even when you’re “doing everything right,” one sneaky culprit might still be flying under your radar: pore-clogging ingredients in your skincare products, makeup products, or even personal care products like shampoo or conditioner. Even products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “for sensitive skin” can contain an acne-causing ingredient that contributes to breakouts and keeps your skin from calming down. That’s why checking labels isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Let’s break down why ingredient awareness matters so much, how to spot pore-cloggers, and what you can do to make smarter, skin-supportive choices.

Diet & Lifestyle

Acne-Friendly Food Swaps to Support Clearer Skin

There’s no such thing as a perfect diet—and food alone doesn’t cause or cure acne. But if you feel like your breakouts might be tied to what you eat, you’re not imagining things. Certain foods can contribute to inflammation, hormonal shifts, and excess sebum production, all of which may impact acne-prone skin or worsen acne vulgaris.  The good news? A complete dietary overhaul isn’t necessary to make progress. Even small changes to your diet can support hormonal balance and reduce the risk of triggering acne breakouts—without feeling restrictive or overwhelming. Here are simple, acne-friendly kitchen swaps that can help you nourish your skin while still enjoying your meals.

Post-Acne

Laser Treatments for Acne Scars: Different Types of Lasers and When to Start

You’ve made progress managing your breakouts—but what about the marks they left behind? Acne scars—especially the pitted or textured kind—can linger long after active acne clears. While skincare and topical treatments can help with pigment or tone, treating deeper scarring often requires a more targeted approach. That’s where laser acne scar treatment can come in. But here’s the thing: if you feel like every time one breakout heals, another one shows up—you’re not alone. And it might not be the right time to invest in lasers just yet.

Acne 101

Accutane 101: Who It’s For, What to Expect

For some, breakouts are an occasional inconvenience. For others, they’re a daily struggle—painful, persistent, and resistant to everything they’ve tried. If you’re in the second group, you may have heard about Accutane and wondered if it’s your next step. Let’s break down the basics of Accutane: what it is, who it’s for, and what to expect if you’re considering it as a treatment option.

Acne 101

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist If You’re Struggling With Acne

Dealing with persistent acne symptoms can be frustrating—especially when over-the-counter products just aren’t cutting it. If your acne feels like it's not getting better (or getting worse), it's a good time to consult a medical professional. A dermatologist can help you get to the root of your acne, guide you through your treatment options, and tailor a skincare plan that works for your skin type. To make the most of your appointment, it helps to come prepared. Lean on your dermatologist’s expertise: Here are eight questions to ask that can lead to real, lasting progress.

Acne 101

How and When to Use Tretinoin If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

You’ve seen the before-and-after photos, watched the testimonials, and maybe even added it to your "must-try" list. Tretinoin is one of the most talked-about prescription acne treatment options—and for good reason. But here’s what doesn’t always get discussed: Not all Tretinoin products are acne-safe. And for those with acne-prone skin, choosing the right formulation is just as important as using the right strength. Let’s break down what Tretinoin is, how it works, and how to use it without triggering more breakouts.

Acne 101

What Is Sulfur—and Why It Belongs in Your Skincare Routine

When you think of acne-fighting skincare, ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide might come to mind. But there’s another tried-and-true option worth paying attention to: sulfur. While this natural ingredient might not sound glamorous—especially with its distinctive smell—sulfur is one of the most underrated tools in skincare. From calming inflammation to unclogging pores, it’s a gentle multitasker with serious skin-clearing potential. Here’s why sulfur belongs in your skincare routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin.

Acne 101

Face Mapping: What the Location of Your Acne Is Telling You

Do your breakouts always show up in the same place—like your chin, cheeks, or forehead? You’re not imagining it. Persistent acne doesn’t happen randomly. The location of your breakouts could be your skin’s way of signaling that something deeper is going on. Enter: face mapping—aka Chinese face mapping—an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda that links the location of the acne to possible internal causes. In this guide, you’ll learn what each area of your face may be trying to tell you and how to use this insight to support your skin from the inside out.

Acne 101

How to Tell If You Have Fungal Acne—and What to Do About It

If your most recent breakout consists of itchy bumps that are small or rash-like, it might not be a typical breakout at all. You could be dealing with fungal acne. Often mistaken for common acne, fungal folliculitis (also called pityrosporum—a type of folliculitis caused by yeast) is caused by a different triggers and requires a different approach. This guide breaks down how to identify it, what causes it, and the treatment options available.

Acne 101

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

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get rid of a pimple fast,” chances are you’ve come across salicylic acid. It’s one of the most well-known and well-studied ingredients for acne-prone skin, but what exactly is it, and why is it so widely recommended? To find out, let’s break it down—no overpromises—just the science behind this go-to ingredient and the best way to work it into your routine. 

Acne 101

PCOS and Acne: What’s the Connection?

If your breakouts feel more hormonal than usual—especially deep, painful ones around your chin or jawline—it might be time to look beyond your skincare routine. For many people assigned female at birth, persistent cystic acne is one of the more visible signs of an internal imbalance: PCOS. Here’s what you need to know about polycystic ovary syndrome, how it contributes to hormonal acne, and what steps you can take to care for your skin and your body.

Acne 101

What Does Non-Comedogenic Really Mean?

Trying to manage breakouts? Learn what non-comedogenic skincare means, why it matters for acne-prone skin, and how to build a routine that won’t clog pores or cause flare-ups. When you’re dealing with breakouts, it can be tempting to toss your whole routine and start from scratch. But instead of overhauling everything, there’s one smart place to begin: your ingredient list. Specifically, it’s worth paying attention to whether the products you use are non-comedogenic—meaning they’re less likely to clog your pores or contribute to acne. Let’s break down what that really means and how to use this label to your advantage when choosing acne-safe skincare.

Acne 101

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts: How to Tell the Difference

Started a new product and now breaking out? Learn how to tell the difference between skin purging and a breakout, and how to confidently manage your skin. You’re excited about your new skincare product—until you experience a skin reaction. But is it actually a breakout … or could it be a skin purge? Before you panic or ditch your products, it’s worth learning the difference between these two very normal skin responses. In this guide, we’ll help you decode what’s happening, how to tell the difference between a purge and a breakout and what to do about it.

Acne 101

Will My Adult Acne Go Away? Causes, Triggers, and What to Do

If you thought breakouts were just a teenage thing, you’re not alone. One of the more surprising realities of adulthood? Realizing that adult acne is not only real—it’s a common condition, especially for adults assigned female at birth. And while it may look familiar on the surface, adult acne is often different from teenage acne. The causes are more complex. The triggers shift with age, stress, hormones, and even the products you use. And 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?

Are you experiencing sudden, painful breakouts that feel deeper than usual? You might be dealing with cystic acne—a form of severe acne that often appears without warning and tends to linger longer than a standard whitehead or pimple. The experience can feel confusing and frustrating, especially if you’ve never had acne like this before. But you’re not alone—and your skin isn’t turning on you. Let’s unpack what cystic acne really is, why it shows up, and how to take care of your skin when it does.

Acne 101

How to Treat a Pimple — Fast

We’ve all been there: You’re looking forward to something big—then suddenly, you notice a pimple starting to form. Breakouts happen, and they always seem to show up when it’s least convenient. So what can you do when you need that spot gone yesterday? Let’s break down what’s really happening under the surface, and how to treat different types of acne—fast.

Acne 101

Does Red Light Therapy 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 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.