Understanding Breakouts: What’s Really Happening Beneath the Skin

Understanding Breakouts: What’s Really Happening Beneath the Skin

Breakouts are one of the most common skin concerns, affecting individuals at all ages and stages of life. Whether occasional or persistent, understanding the mechanisms behind breakouts can help us make more informed decisions about how to care for the skin and reduce future flare-ups.

What Causes a Breakout?

At the root of every breakout is a clogged follicle – when dead skin cells mix with excess sebum (oil) and become trapped within the follicle, a perfect environment is created for bacteria to thrive. As this bacteria multiplies, it triggers the immune system to respond by sending white blood cells to the area, resulting in inflammation, redness, and swelling.

In more advanced stages, the follicle wall can rupture, and the inflamed material may seep into surrounding tissue, leading to the formation of a pustule – the classic yellow-topped spot most commonly associated with acne.

The Different Types of Breakouts

Breakouts can vary in appearance and severity:

• Papules – small, red, inflamed bumps beneath the surface of the skin.
• Pustules – spots with a visible white or yellow head.
• Open comedones (blackheads) – blocked pores where the sebum has oxidised on the surface.

Breakouts often occur on the forehead, chin, and jawline, though they can appear anywhere on the face. They may feel bumpy or sore to the touch and can fluctuate due to hormonal changes, stress, diet, or other systemic imbalances in the body.

What Not to Do

The temptation to squeeze or pick at breakouts can be hard to resist, but it’s one of the quickest ways to spread bacteria and cause further inflammation or even long-term scarring. Likewise, using harsh or overly drying products may strip the skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and flaking, which can exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.

A Balanced Approach to Managing Breakouts

The most effective way to manage breakout-prone skin is a consistent, balanced routine focused on thorough cleansing, gentle exfoliation, calming inflammation, and supporting the skin’s natural healing process.

Here are some key principles to follow:

1. Deeply Cleanse Without Stripping

A gentle, clarifying cleanser helps to lift away impurities and control excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. Formulas that include antiseptic and purifying ingredients are especially helpful in keeping the follicle environment clean.

Try: Eve Taylor Clarifying Skin Wash – a foaming formula that deeply cleanses while respecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

2. Exfoliate to Prevent Blockages

Regular exfoliation encourages the removal of dead skin cells that might otherwise contribute to clogged follicles. The key is to use an exfoliant that is effective yet non-abrasive to avoid aggravating inflamed skin.

Try: Eve Taylor Resurfacing Cream Exfoliant – an advanced blend of fruit and hydroxy acids to smooth the skin and clear congestion.

Buy here Resurfacing Cream Exfoliant

3. Soothe and Purify Targeted Areas

Topical spot treatments and aromatic serums can help soothe redness, calm inflammation, and purify the skin – helping the breakout resolve without causing damage to surrounding tissue.

Try: Eve Taylor Clearing Aromatic Serum – expertly blended essential oils to purify and soothe, or Purifying Spot Gel for direct application to active blemishes.

Buy here Clearing Aromatic Serum No.3

4. Support Ongoing Balance

Using products specifically designed for combination and breakout-prone skin can help regulate oil production and keep skin clearer over time, while also helping to prevent post-breakout scarring.

Try: Eve Taylor Purifying Range – a complete system formulated to support congested skin and maintain clarity without stripping or irritating.

Buy here Purifying Range

Final Thoughts

Breakouts may be a normal part of life, but with the right approach, they can be effectively managed. The key lies in understanding the skin’s natural processes and supporting it with soothing, clarifying, and restorative care. A routine that avoids harsh stripping and instead focuses on cleansing, calming, and purifying will not only reduce inflammation but also help prevent future breakouts and keep skin looking its best.

Explore the Eve Taylor professional range on our website or visit your local Eve Taylor therapist to find the right solutions for your skin and experience the difference that expertly formulated aromatherapy-based skincare can make.