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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Latest Blog Posts
“Eventually, I realized the hard truth: there’s no real industry standard for what makes a product acne-safe”
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read moreDiet & 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.
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read moreAcne 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.
-
read moreAcne 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.
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read moreAcne 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.
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ReadAcne 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.
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read moreAcne 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.
