08/26/2026
ACNE: CAUSES, INGREDIENTS & WHAT I RECOMMEND
Acne is not simply a matter of “dirty skin,” and it isn’t caused by just one thing.
It can be as simple as an occasional breakout, maybe during your cycle, to full blown cystic acne. I am here to help.
Acne can involve excess oil production, clogged pores, dead skin cell buildup, inflammation, bacteria, and hormonal influences.
That is why treating acne requires more than simply trying to “dry up” the breakout. Getting to the cause is the key.
Here are some of the ingredients I look at when working with acne-prone skin—and what they can do:
• BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, making it useful for active inflammatory acne.
However, I do not recommend relying on benzoyl peroxide long-term. It can be drying and irritating to the skin.
My Daily Skin Solutions recommendation:
Acne Wash + Aloe
This cleanser helps address the bacterial contributor to acne without requiring benzoyl peroxide to remain on the skin. The addition of aloe helps soothe and calm the skin while cleansing.
• SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is oil-soluble, which allows it to work within the pore.
It helps loosen and remove excess oil and dead skin cells, making it especially helpful for clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads.
My Daily Skin Solutions recommendation:
Combination Skin Pads
These combine salicylic acid + glycolic acid with a low pH of 3.5 to enhance dead-cell removal and pe*******on.
They help:
• Unclog and refine the appearance of pores
• Smooth skin texture
• Improve the appearance of photoaging
• Remove residual impurities
• Provide both chemical and gentle mechanical exfoliation through the textured pad
• Reveal fresher, more radiant-looking skin
They are also alcohol-free and gentle enough for daily use, when appropriate for the individual skin.
• GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin and helps remove accumulated dead skin cells.
This can help with rough texture, clogged pores and the discoloration that can remain after acne.
However, more exfoliation isn't always better. It needs to be used appropriately, especially when the skin is already inflamed or sensitive.
• GREEN TEA POLYPHENOLS
Green tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
They can help calm inflammation and oxidative stress, making green tea an excellent supporting ingredient for acne-prone and inflamed skin.
My Daily Skin Solutions recommendation:
Calming Serum
It helps:
• Guard against environmental damage
• Minimize the appearance and severity of acne and help reduce sebum production
• Reduce facial redness and calm sensitivity
• Brighten discoloration associated with PIH/PIE and other skin discolorations
• Help control oil and reduce the appearance of pore size
HERE'S WHAT I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND:
ACNE IS NOT JUST ABOUT WHAT YOU PUT ON THE PIMPLE.
You need to understand WHY the acne is occurring and address the contributors—including oil production, follicular congestion, inflammation, bacteria, skin barrier health and, when appropriate, hormonal influences.
I have been working with skin for over 40 years. My approach has always been:
Physiology + Science + Guidance = Healthy Skin
When I developed my Daily Skin Solutions pharmaceutical-grade formulations, I took all of these factors into consideration.
My recommended starting acne protocol is designed to address multiple contributors to acne while also incorporating calming and soothing support for the skin.
Because too many acne products focus on one thing:
“Dry up the acne.”
But if you continually strip and irritate the skin, you can end up with a dry, compromised, inflamed skin barrier—which is not what healthy acne correction should be about.
I don't just know acne products. I understand acne and the physiology behind the skin.
The goal isn't to attack your skin.
The goal is to correct the cause while keeping the skin healthy.
Reach out for your free clnical skin analysis consultation.
Text or call (leave a message if you call), 5610785-4012 or email me at [email protected]
— JoAnn Francis
Clinical Esthetician • Esthetician Educator • Skin Coach
Daily Skin Solutions by JoAnn Francis
