Oil pulling is a method of cleansing the face using specific types of oils.

While it's often used to remove makeup, oil pulling can also help reduce breakouts, calm sensitive skin, unclog pores, and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. However, for best results, it’s important to choose an oil that suits your skin type.

Sensitive skin: Opt for gentle oils like jojoba or rosehip, and avoid heavier oils like castor, which may cause dryness or irritation.

Dry skin: Rich, hydrating oils such as coconut or avocado oil can provide deep moisture.

Oily or acne-prone skin: Argan oil may help balance sebum production, while jojoba oil can support acne reduction.

Overall, oil pulling can be an effective skincare step—as long as the oil is carefully selected to match your skin’s unique needs.

It's not the makeup itself that causes acne, but rather the ingredients within the products.

Many popular brands use alcohol-based formulas, which can dry out the skin and aggravate existing breakouts. Powder-based products such as bronzers, blushes, and pressed powders often contain talc, mica, or silica—ingredients known to cause dehydration and irritation.

Listing every pore-clogging ingredient would take up too much space, so here’s a simple tip: when shopping for makeup, always do a quick ingredient scan. Watch out for ingredients starting with “isopropyl-”, as they are often comedogenic—meaning they can clog pores and contribute to acne. Another one to avoid is Ethylhexyl Palmitate, a common thickening agent that is also known to block pores.

Treating post-acne marks can be a slow and frustrating process, but with the right products, it’s definitely manageable. If you’re dealing with post acne redness/scarring, look for creams that target blood vessels or reduce inflammation, along with gentle brightening creams to even out skin tone.

One non-negotiable: sunscreen. Areas with post-acne pigmentation are especially vulnerable to UV damage, and skipping SPF can make dark marks linger longer. For daily skincare, vitamin C serums are a great pick for fading spots and boosting radiance. Niacinamide is another example—it helps with both brightening and calming the skin. Products that boost collagen and include peptides are also worth using, as they support skin regeneration and help fade remaining marks by encouraging protein production.

With consistency and patience, the skin can gradually clear up and recover. 

Skincare products with active ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) all work toward the same goal: speeding up skin regeneration by clearing away dead skin cells. This exfoliating action not only helps reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath, but also prevents clogged pores, which is key for keeping breakouts under control.

These ingredients typically have antibacterial properties, help regulate oil production, and can even lighten hyperpigmentation over time. Glycolic acid and AHAs tend to work more on the skin’s surface, improving texture and brightness, while salicylic acid spikes deeper into the pores, making it especially effective for oily or acne-prone skin.

Across the board, these acids help tighten pores, making them appear smaller and less likely to capture oil or buildup.

After post-acne, one of the most stubborn issues to deal with is textured skin. One of the first steps in smoothing it out is chemical exfoliation. By helping to shed dead skin cells, exfoliants stimulates the skin’s turnover process, leaving it fresher and more over time.

Key ingredients to look for include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid—each known for unclogging pores and encouraging collagen production. But with exfoliation, less is more. Overdoing it can lead to irritation and sensitivity, so it’s best to stick to once or twice a week.

Another effective ingredient for texture is vitamin C. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it supports skin renewal just like exfoliants do, while also brightening and smoothing the surface.

Diet can play a significant role in the health of your skin, especially when it comes to managing acne. Foods with a high glycemic index—like white bread, pasta, sugary snacks, and sweetened drinks—can spike blood sugar levels, triggering the release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormone encourages excess oil production and inflammation, both of which contribute to breakouts. Cow’s milk in particular may worsen acne, while other dairy products like cheese and yogurt appear to have less impact. Some additional foods that might aggravate acne include alcohol, cola, eggs, and gluten.

On the flip side, a diet focused on low glycemic, whole foods can help reduce acne flare-ups. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables are good choices, as they support balanced blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Nutrients like zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as biotin, curcumin, and antioxidants, have also been linked to healthier skin. Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics not only support gut health but may also help reduce acne and improve how the body responds to certain acne medications. Skin-friendly options include leafy greens, berries, orange-colored vegetables, salmon, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and lean proteins like turkey and legumes—all of which contribute to a clearer, more balanced complexion.