There are very few things that remain a constant in the skin care profession. Every day brings new products, high-quality ingredients, advanced technologies, and equipment. Yet, a few things do remain the same: the desire for youthful, hefty skin, the on-going battle to turn back the hands of time, and the effortless attempt to combat acne breakouts.

When it comes to improving acneic skin and preventing breakouts, there are five things that a professional must know. First, you must be acutely aware of the four etiological factors of acne because they never change. These factors include the presence of bacteria (particularly P.acnes), increased sebum production, excess keratinization, and hormonal triggers. When you are well schooled on these factors and the wide variety of things that influence them, you are well on your way to acne management.

Second, you must absolutely have a solid understanding of your clients’ lifestyle and habits. Critical daily activities and interactions have a substantial impact on the physiological workings of the human body, as well as the triggers of acne’s etiological factors. Sleep habits, stress levels, exercise routine, and eating habits are key to understand. Next is illness, medications, product use, and daily skin care routine. In so many situations, the little things that get overlooked have the greatest impact on the function of the skin.

Combatting acneic skin is a challenge. Taking a holistic approach and applying that information to the acne’s underlying factors will put you ahead of the game every time.