This month, CL esthetician Catherine Tomala shares her approach to calming acne and occasional breakouts, including the barrier-first philosophy, ingredients, and treatment room favorites she recommends for healthier, clearer skin.
Whether you're managing persistent acne or dealing with the occasional breakout, one of the biggest mistakes I see is doing too much.
It's easy to reach for every exfoliant, spot treatment, and active ingredient in your cabinet, hoping to clear your skin as quickly as possible. But more often than not, this only creates additional irritation, increases inflammation, and compromises the skin barrier—making breakouts even harder to calm.
When skin is actively flaring, my first recommendation is to simplify. Focus on a gentle cleanser and a nourishing moisturizer to help restore the skin barrier and bring the skin back to a healthier, more balanced state. That's it.
Once your skin has settled, slowly introduce targeted actives. One of my favorites is Sofie Pavitt's Mandelic Clearing Serum, a gentle exfoliant that helps keep pores clear, smooth texture, and reduce congestion without overwhelming the skin.
As your skin improves, consistency becomes more important than adding more products. I recommend maintaining a simple routine and using targeted treatments only when needed. Ingredients like sulfur and mānuka honey are wonderful for calming individual blemishes, while the Revival Mask is one of my favorite ways to address congestion before it turns into a full breakout.
I also encourage clients to think beyond skincare. Breakouts can be influenced by stress, hormones, diet, supplements, and other internal factors. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can be incredibly supportive, and if appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare provider about whether zinc supplementation may be beneficial for its role in supporting healthy skin.
Finally, remember that consistency always wins. A thoughtful home routine paired with regular professional treatments can help keep congestion under control, strengthen the skin barrier, and support healthier skin over time.