How to Treat Acne from the Inside Out: Causes, Skincare, and Pro Tips

🧼 June is Acne Awareness Month — so let’s clear some things up.

If you’ve ever stared at a breakout in the mirror and wondered why is this happening again? — you’re not alone.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, but the good news? It’s also very treatable. And no, you don’t have to “just grow out of it.”

At Highland Medical Aesthetics, we treat acne from the inside out — and from every angle.

So let’s break it down: what causes acne, what you can do about it, and how our ZO Skin Health acne products and in-office treatments can help.

🧪 First: What Exactly Is Acne?

Here’s the simple version:

Your skin makes oil — called sebum — to stay healthy. But when there’s too much oil, too many dead skin cells, and a little bacteria called P. acnes in the mix, your pores can get clogged. That leads to:

• Open comedones (aka blackheads)

• Closed comedones (aka whiteheads)

• Papules, pustules, and deeper cystic acne

These aren’t just “surface problems.” They all start below the skin with inflammation and imbalance.

🔍 What Causes Acne?

We talk a lot about hormones and food — and for good reason. But acne has multiple root causes, and they often overlap. Here's what could be contributing to yours:

1. Systemic Inflammation

Your immune system is always working — and when it’s on high alert, inflammation can spike oil production and irritate your skin.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones like androgens increase oil production and can make skin cells “stickier,” so they clog pores more easily. This is why teens, people on their period, and those with PCOS often see breakouts.

3. Dietary Intolerances

Dairy, sugar, gluten, and highly processed foods can cause inflammatory responses or hormone changes in some people. Think: inside-out acne triggers.

4. Poor Skincare Habits

Using the wrong products (too harsh, too heavy, or too oily) can disrupt your skin barrier and lead to breakouts. Skipping exfoliation or cleansing can leave behind buildup, too.

5. Comedogenic Products or Haircare

Ingredients in makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, or even hair gels and oils can clog pores — especially along the hairline, cheeks, and jawline. This is called acne cosmetica.

6. Sweat, Friction, and Dirty Surfaces

Helmets, masks, phones, hats, sweaty gym clothes — all can trap bacteria and oil against your skin. Welcome to the world of mechanical acne (aka maskne, gym acne, etc.).

7. Genetics

Sometimes, acne simply runs in your family. You may be genetically predisposed to make more oil or experience more inflammation.

🧴 Let’s Talk Solutions — Starting with ZO® Skin Health

ZO Skin Health offers powerful, medical-grade products that work at the root of acne — not just the surface. At Highland, we’ve curated bundles and regimens that target oil production, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.

🔹 Complexion Clearing Kit

A starter system for oily or acne-prone skin. Includes:

• Exfoliating Cleanser: clears oil and debris without overdrying

• Dual Action Scrub: gently polishes skin to prevent pore blockage

• Complexion Renewal Pads: salicylic acid pads that exfoliate and reduce shine

• Complexion Clearing Masque: clay and sulfur mask that draws out impurities

🔹 Complexion Clarifying Serum

Lightweight, calming, and oil-free. This serum helps fade post-acne redness and regulate sebum long-term.

🔹 Acne Retinol

A powerful retinol blended with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to reduce breakouts and improve texture. This one speeds up skin cell turnover and targets P. acnes bacteria at the root.

💉 Add-On Treatments for Acne + Scarring

Sometimes you need more than a serum. That’s where our in-office treatments come in.

✴️ SkinPen® Microneedling

Creates tiny micro-channels to stimulate collagen and repair acne scars. It also helps skincare products absorb deeper and work harder.

✴️ Morpheus8 (RF Microneedling)

Combines microneedling with radiofrequency to target deeper skin layers — reducing oil production, smoothing texture, and helping with both active acne and scars.

✴️ Chemical Peels

We offer custom chemical peels that exfoliate, clear congested pores, and brighten post-acne pigment. Options include:

• Salicylic acid (for active breakouts)

• Glycolic acid (for dullness and texture)

• TCA or combination peels (for scarring and stubborn pigment)

✨ Why Choose Highland?

We don’t just hand you a product and hope for the best. We:

• Build a full acne game plan based on your skin and lifestyle

• Educate you on how and when to use your skincare

• Pair in-office treatments with at-home care to get real results

• Offer monthly memberships and acne bundles for savings and consistency

📍 Start Your Clear Skin Journey With Us

June is the perfect time to get serious about acne — and we’re here to help. Whether it’s clearing active breakouts, preventing new ones, or fading scars, we’ve got the tools and expertise.

📍 Highland Medical Aesthetics
📞 601-439-2436
📫 152 Daughdrill Station, Flowood, MS 39232