Acne Hacks and Long-Term Solutions
Discover acne hacks, learn about ingredients that can nourish your skin, and explore ways to promote healthier skin in the long run.
Despite what the movies may have told us, acne isn’t limited to our teenage years. Many people of all ages struggle with breakouts that affect confidence and comfort. If you’re dealing with acne or simply trying to maintain balanced, healthy skin, you’re not alone, and there are acne hacks that can help you maintain healthy skin.
Breakouts can be frustrating, but skin health is a journey. With a combination of short-term care and long-term wellness habits, you can give your skin the tools it needs to feel supported and resilient.
What causes acne?
Acne can start when pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. This can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, or deeper spots that may feel sensitive or inflamed. However, what’s happening beneath the surface often goes deeper than skin level.
Several internal and external factors can influence whether and how acne shows up, including:
- Hormonal changes (like those that happen around menstruation or during stressful periods)
- An overproduction of sebum (the skin’s natural oil)
- Irritation from harsh skincare or environmental exposure
- Disruption in the skin barrier or microbiome
- Poor sleep quality, high stress levels, or lack of nutrients
It's not always possible to pinpoint a single root cause, which is why taking a gentle, multi-faceted approach is often the most effective path forward.
What are some acne hacks to help breakout-prone skin?
If you’re currently dealing with breakouts, a few immediate shifts can help your skin feel more supported without making it worse. The goal isn’t to strip or fight your skin — it’s to nurture and balance it.
- Stick to gentle cleansing: Cleansing twice a day is enough for most people. Overwashing can actually disrupt the skin barrier and trigger more oil production.
- Use non-comedogenic products: This term means the product won’t clog your pores. Look for lightweight moisturizers and sunscreens that support hydration without contributing to buildup.
- Moisturize: Even if you’re prone to oily skin, moisturizing is key. Dehydrated skin can actually lead to more oil. Use a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer that supports barrier repair.
- Try spot care options: Pimple patches, clay masks, or products with ingredients like salicylic acid can help calm active breakouts.
- Red light therapy: Red light therapy is becoming popular for its potential to support skin clarity and reduce the appearance of redness.* Some at-home devices offer a way to incorporate this into your wellness routine consistently.
What matters most is consistency. Gentle care, not harsh reactions, helps your skin reset.
What ingredients can support clear skin?
There are plenty of skincare ingredients that can offer real support for breakout-prone skin. These ingredients won’t treat acne as a medical condition, but they may help soothe irritation, balance oil, and support your skin barrier.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is a hemp-derived compound that interacts with the skin’s endocannabinoid system, especially CB2 receptors located in skin cells. Research suggests it may help support balanced oil production, soothe skin irritation, and support homeostasis in the skin barrier.*
Topical CBD products like creams and lotions can be used for targeted areas, while consumable CBD like CBD tinctures and gummies may support stress management and better sleep — which can influence skin wellness from within.*
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a calming, multi-tasking ingredient that helps balance sebum, support skin hydration, and minimize the look of redness. It also reinforces the skin barrier, which is essential when your skin feels reactive.*
Collagen
Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining skin’s firmness, elasticity, and structure. As we age or recover from breakouts, collagen can help support skin repair and texture.* Collagen creams or supplements may be useful tools for ongoing skin support.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps with tissue repair and immune function. It’s often included in topical or ingestible products designed for skin wellness.*
Salicylic acid (BHA)
This oil-soluble acid can gently exfoliate inside the pores and help prevent buildup. Use it sparingly, especially if your skin is already feeling dry or irritated.
Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and watch how your skin responds. A slow and steady approach reduces the risk of reactivity.
What lifestyle changes support skin wellness?
Even the best skincare routine benefits from internal support. Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside your body, especially when it comes to hydration, sleep, and stress management.
Stay hydrated and fuel your body with whole foods. Water helps skin cells function optimally and supports a healthy glow. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon may help support clearer, more balanced skin. Everyone’s triggers are different, but some people find that reducing processed sugar and dairy makes a difference.
Another key is to make sleep a priority. Sleep is when your skin regenerates and repairs. Poor sleep quality can throw off hormone levels, increase stress, and affect your skin’s resilience.
Stress can also wreak havoc on the skin, as high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) may lead to increased oil production and slower healing. Breathwork, walking, journaling, or using calming wellness supplements like CBD may support emotional balance, helping support the skin from the inside out.*
Remember to move your body, too. Along with helping with stress management, regular movement supports circulation and lymphatic flow, which helps the body process waste and stay energized.
How to protect your skin
If there’s one tip to anchor every skincare routine, it’s this: wear sunscreen. Daily broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from UV damage, which can worsen discoloration and slow recovery from breakouts.
Other simple ways to support skin protection include:
- Washing pillowcases regularly
- Avoiding touching your face throughout the day
- Cleaning your phone screen regularly
- Shielding your skin from harsh wind or pollution when possible
These small habits go a long way in reducing irritation and giving your skin space to recover.
When to seek professional support
If your skin feels painful, if you’re noticing scarring, or if you’re unsure how to manage your breakouts, reach out to a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
A professional can help you figure out what’s going on and how to move forward in a way that supports your skin and overall well-being.
The bottom line
At Sunmed, we believe in clean, science-backed wellness that meets you where you are. We understand that skin health is personal — and that acne doesn’t define you. That’s why we offer wellness products designed to support your skin from both the inside and out.
Our CBD night serum is designed with gentle botanicals and hemp extract to help calm and hydrate your skin as you rest, while our CBD-infused creams and lotions offer targeted topical support for areas that need extra comfort.
We know skin journeys aren’t always easy, but we’re here with clean, thoughtful products to help you feel your best.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Acne Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders | PMC
Stress and Skin: An Overview of Mind Body Therapies as a Treatment Strategy in Dermatology | PMC