The Beauty Report

April 5, 2025

What’s Actually Causing Your Breakouts? (And the Treatments That Really Work)

Woman with blemished skin embracing her clear skin journey at Skin Studio Bali

What’s Actually Causing Your Breakouts? (And the Treatments That Really Work)

Breakouts can feel frustrating, unpredictable, and sometimes even unfair—especially when you’re doing “all the right things” for your skin. At Skin Studio, we know that blemishes are more than just a surface issue. They can affect confidence, disrupt routines, and leave you feeling like you're chasing solutions that never quite work.

The truth? Clear skin isn’t about being perfect—it’s about understanding your skin’s unique needs and supporting it with the right care. Here’s what might really be behind your breakouts—and the tried-and-tested treatments we trust to help.

Common Causes of Breakouts

Breakouts happen when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria—but the why behind that can vary from person to person. Some of the most common triggers we see include:

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones—especially around your period, during pregnancy, or coming off birth control—can increase oil production and trigger breakouts, often along the jawline and chin.

Stress

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood; it raises cortisol levels, which can cause inflammation and lead to more breakouts, particularly under the skin.

Barrier Damage

Over-exfoliating, using harsh skincare, or frequent travel can weaken your skin’s protective barrier. When the barrier is compromised, the skin becomes more prone to congestion, irritation, and breakouts.

Diet and Gut Health

While there’s no single “acne-causing” food, imbalances in diet—especially excess sugar, dairy, or inflammatory foods—can influence skin health for some people.

Congested Skincare or Makeup

Even the best skincare routines can backfire if they include pore-clogging ingredients. Makeup, sunscreens, or heavy moisturisers that aren’t non-comedogenic can contribute to congestion over time.

Environmental Factors

Living in Bali’s heat and humidity can increase oil production and clog pores more easily, especially when combined with pollution or sunscreen build-up.

Tried and Tested Treatments for Breakout-Prone Skin

Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t come from a single facial. True skin health is about consistency, the right treatments, and supporting your skin’s long-term function.


At Skin Studio, here’s what we often recommend for breakout-prone skin:

1. DiamondGlow Facial

Our DiamondGlow facial combines exfoliation, extraction, and targeted serum infusion, making it ideal for clearing congestion without damaging the skin. It helps detoxify pores, smooth texture, and boost hydration—without harsh stripping.

  • Best for: Active breakouts, blackheads, uneven texture

2. Chemical Peels

Professional peels can target stubborn pigmentation left from old breakouts, unclog pores, and improve skin renewal. Peels are customised depending on your skin’s sensitivity and goals.

  • Best for: Post-inflammatory marks, active acne, rough texture

3. LED Light Therapy

Blue light therapy helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, while red light calms inflammation and speeds healing. When combined with facials, LED can significantly support clearer, calmer skin over time.

  • Best for: Inflammation, active pimples, sensitivity alongside breakouts

4. Microneedling

Microneedling stimulates collagen and improves overall skin texture and resilience. It's particularly helpful for acne scarring and uneven skin tone once active breakouts are under control.

  • Best for: Post-acne scarring, texture irregularities

5. Targeted Home Care Plans

Skincare doesn't stop at the clinic. We help our clients design simple, effective routines that strengthen the skin barrier, control breakouts, and maintain long-term clarity—without overwhelming the skin.

  • Best for: Ongoing prevention and barrier repair

Clear Skin Isn’t About Perfection

Everyone’s skin is different—and every journey to clear skin is personal. Some people clear quickly with minor changes, while others need a longer-term plan that addresses internal health, stress, and skin function. Both are completely normal.

At Skin Studio, we approach breakout-prone skin with patience, expertise, and zero judgement. Our goal is not perfection. It’s skin that feels strong, healthy, and calm—whatever that looks like for you.

Ready to support your skin’s journey to clarity?
Book a free consultation with Skin Studio Bali and let’s create a treatment plan that’s personalised to you.