What Causes Acne, How To Prevent & Cure It

Let’s be clear from the start: acne is not a hygiene problem. It’s not because you didn’t wash your face enough. And no, it’s not just a “teenage thing.”

Acne is a skin condition, and it can hit anyone - teenagers, adults, men, women, even people in their 30s and 40s. If you want acne gone, you first need to understand it properly. Guesswork is why most people stay stuck in the acne cycle.

In this blog, we’ll break down what acne is, what causes it, and how you can actually get rid of it without ruining your skin.

What is acne?

Acne happens when your pores get clogged. Each pore on your skin has:

• Oil (sebum)
• Dead skin cells
• Hair follicles

When oil + dead skin cells block the pore, bacteria grow inside it. That’s when you see pimples.

Face acne can show up as:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Red bumps
• Painful pus-filled pimples
• Deep cysts under the skin

What causes acne?

Acne is rarely caused by one thing. It’s usually a mix.

     1. Excess oil production

Some people naturally produce more oil. More oil = higher chance of clogged pores. If your skin feels greasy by noon, this matters.

     2. Hormones (biggest trigger)

Hormones increase oil production. That’s why acne flares:

• During puberty
• Before periods
• During pregnancy
• With PCOS
• Under high stress

If your acne sits mostly on the jawline and chin, hormones are likely involved.

     3. Clogged pores

Dead skin cells don’t always shed properly. When they mix with oil, pores clog. That’s the start of acne. Over-exfoliating makes this worse, not better.

     4. Bacteria

Blocked pores trap bacteria inside. This causes:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain

Popping pimples pushes bacteria deeper. That’s how scars happen.

     5. Wrong skincare & makeup

Heavy creams. Comedogenic makeup. Skipping cleanser. Overusing activities. All of these can trigger acne.

More products ≠ better skin.

     6. Diet & lifestyle (Not the main villain, but still relevant)

Food alone won’t cause acne. But it can trigger flare-ups. Common triggers:

• Excess sugar
• Too much dairy
• Poor sleep
• Chronic stress

Fixing skincare without fixing lifestyle gives half results.

How to get rid of acne (the right way)

There is no overnight cure. Anyone promising that is lying.

     Step 1: Cleanse properly (not aggressively)

Wash your face twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser like Honey Fix Face Wash:

• No strong fragrance
• No nasty ingredients
• Made with 8% pure honey

     Step 2: Treat acne, don’t attack it

You need targeted ingredients, not random hacks. Look for facecare products for acne:

• Tea Tree Water Facial Toner (for clogged pores)
• Charcoal Face Mask (for oil control & redness)
• Aloe Vera Gel (for acne + marks)

"I wanted an aloe vera gel that I’d confidently use on my own skin every day - safe, gentle, and honest. That’s exactly what we created."

- Krutika Kumaran, Founder of Vilvah.

     Step 3: Moisturise (yes, even oily skin)

Skipping moisturiser makes acne worse. When skin is dry:

• It produces more oil
• Pores clog faster

Use a:

• Lightweight
• Non-comedogenic
• Hydrated skin heals faster.

     Step 4: Sunscreen is non-negotiable

If you’re treating acne without sunscreen, you’re wasting effort. Sun exposure:

• Darkens acne marks
• Slows healing
• Increases irritation

Use a light, acne-safe sunscreen daily, even indoors.

     Step 5: Stop these acne mistakes

Be honest. If you do these, acne won’t leave.

• Popping pimples
• Changing products every week
• Over-exfoliating
• Using home remedies like lemon, toothpaste, and baking soda
• Copying someone else’s routine

Your skin is not a DIY experiment.

How long does acne take to clear?

Acne doesn’t clear overnight, and anyone who says it does is lying. Real skin change takes time.

• Most people start seeing early improvement in 1-2 weeks once they follow the right routine consistently.
• Active breakouts begin to reduce in 3-4 weeks, when inflammation, oil production, and clogged pores finally calm down.
• Acne marks take longer. Expect 1-2 months for dark spots and post-acne marks to fade, depending on your skin type and sun exposure.

Jumping between products or copying random routines only delays results and worsens acne. Stick to what works.

Consistency is the real acne solution

Acne isn’t random. It doesn’t show up for no reason. Once you understand this, acne feels less confusing and more manageable. There’s no instant fix. But there is a right way - using the anti-acne range made for your skin. And stop copying random routines that were never meant for you.

If you’re looking for a simple routine, the Vilvah Anti-Acne Combo supports acne control by gently cleansing pores, calming active breakouts, and managing excess oil, making it easier to stay consistent without stressing or stripping your skin.

Healthy skin is built, not rushed. Stick to the basics, be patient, and your skin will catch up.

FAQs

1. What are the different types of acne?

Acne is not the same for everyone. Common types include whiteheads and blackheads (non-inflammatory), papules and pustules (red, painful pimples), and nodules or cystic acne, which are deeper and can leave scars. Knowing your acne type matters because using the wrong treatment can make breakouts worse instead of better.

2. Does niacinamide help with acne?

Yes, niacinamide helps with acne by reducing excess oil, calming redness, and strengthening the skin barrier. It also helps fade acne marks over time. The best part is that niacinamide is gentle, making it suitable even for sensitive or acne-prone skin when used regularly.

3. How can I reduce acne redness quickly?

To reduce acne redness, keep your skin clean, calm, and hydrated. Avoid touching or squeezing pimples, use soothing ingredients like niacinamide or aloe vera, and never skip sunscreen. Redness often fades faster when the skin feels protected and not irritated.

4. Can dandruff cause acne on the face?

Yes, dandruff can trigger acne, especially on the forehead, hairline, and sides of the face. Flakes, excess oil, and scalp fungus can clog pores when they come in contact with facial skin. Treating dandruff properly can also help reduce recurring acne in these areas.

5. What is the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

The best skincare routine for acne-prone skin is simple and consistent. Cleanse gently, use a lightweight moisturizer, apply non-comedogenic sunscreen, and avoid harsh scrubs. Overloading your skin with products can damage its barrier and cause more breakouts instead of healing them.