Series · For right now

Breakout basics

What helps, what backfires, how long it takes. Short, practical and free to read, in any order.

Read all 5 for the Breakouts stampFree to read here, in any order, and the stamp lives in your Skin Passport in the Nubia app

5 parts, any order

  1. Part 1 · 7 min readWhat causes pimples, and why you’re breaking out nowOil, a plugged pore, bacteria and inflammation: how every pimple forms, what really sets off a breakout, and why dirt isn’t on the list.
  2. Part 2 · 7 min readShould you pop a pimple? What squeezing does, and what helpsSqueezing usually backfires. What it does under the skin, a better plan for tonight, how pimple patches really work, and aftercare if it’s too late.
  3. Part 3 · 7 min readSalicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide: which one for your acne?One unclogs pores, the other goes after red, sore spots. How to choose, which strength to start with, how to use both, and what the FDA’s benzene tests found.
  4. Part 4 · 6 min readHow long does acne treatment take to work? A week-by-week look6 to 8 weeks for fewer breakouts, 3 to 4 months to clear. Why acne treatment is slow, how long each option takes, and how to know it’s working.
  5. Part 5 · 7 min readWhen to see a dermatologist for acne, and what happens thereYou don’t need severe acne to see a dermatologist. The signs it’s time, what happens at the appointment, the prescription options, and what to bring.