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09.17.2025 What Causes Acne? And How Silver Mirror’s Acne-Fighting Facial Helps

Kristen Marchisotto
By Kristen Marchisotto

Kristen is a Lead Esthetician at the Flatiron, New York City location of Silver Mirror Facial Bar. Along with a formal education in aesthetics, her years of experience as a licensed esthetician helping those achieve healthy skin has given her a deep grasp of diverse skin types and treatments.

Acne can affect everyone, from young teens to adults and can occur for a wide range of different reasons. It can be frustrating, persistent and usually resistant to drugstore solutions. So many over-the-counter treatments claim they will help, but the solution to improving acne often requires a deeper understanding and a more professional approach.

Acne doesn’t just occur because of “dirty” skin. Instead, it develops from a combination of internal and external factors that interact with our skin’s natural processes. That’s why understanding what causes acne is the first step toward achieving clear, healthy skin.

At Silver Mirror, our Acne-Fighting Facial was designed with this understanding in mind. This facial specifically targets the root causes of acne rather than just focusing on surface-level solutions. In this blog, we’ll break down the causes of acne and explain how Silver Mirror’s facial can help you finally gain control over it.

What Causes Acne and Why It’s So Common?

Acne is a skin condition that can arise from multiple causes, often happening at the same time. It’s not simply about washing your face more often, it’s about how your body, environment, and habits impact your skin.

1. Excess Oil Production

Your skin’s natural oil (sebum), plays an important role in keeping skin moisturized. However, your oil glands can sometimes overproduce, which can quickly clog your pores. Hormonal shifts during puberty, menstrual cycles, or pregnancy can also increase the production of oil. Genetics and stress can also contribute, making oily skin one of the main causes for experiencing breakouts.

2. Clogged Pores

When dead skin cells don’t shed as they naturally should, they stick to excess oil and as a result, block your pores. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and eventually inflamed pimples. Due to this, it’s important to exfoliate your skin regularly to prevent this type of buildup, but keep in mind to avoid harsh scrubs which can make the condition worse.

3. Bacteria and Inflammation

Once a pore is clogged, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive (Cutibacterium acnes). This bacteria then triggers the body’s immune response which leads to increased redness, swelling, pus, and discomfort. Inflammation causes more texture to the skin and makes it more difficult to heal without causing scars.

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers

  • Even beyond genetics and biology, modern life can add more acne triggers:
  • Changes in hormones from puberty, menstrual cycles, or pregnancy
  • Chronic stress that raises cortisol, which in turn spikes oil production
  • Diets high in sugar, processed foods, or dairy
  • Poor sleep habits that disrupt the ability for the skin to repair properly
  • Heavy, pore-clogging (comedogenic) makeup products
  • Humid climates and pollution that increase oil and sweat buildup
  • Skipping post-workout cleansing, which traps bacteria and sweat

By understanding what can cause acne, it’s clear that it’s not just one factor and it’s important to approach treating acne with holistic and consistent methods.

Introducing Silver Mirror’s Acne Fighting Facial

At Silver Mirror, our Acne-Fighting Facial is designed specifically to target these root causes of breakouts. This professional facial combines advanced techniques and technology to deliver visible, lasting results, which at-home products often can’t achieve. Each step is tailored to your skin type and the severity of your acne, making it a completely personalized treatment.

Here’s what you can expect:

Deep Cleansing

The facial begins with a double cleanse to gently remove oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin’s surface.

Double Exfoliation

To remove dead skin cells and buildup, we use a PCA exfoliation treatment. By combining physical and/or chemical exfoliants, dead skin cells are sloughed away. This prevents pore blockages, boosts cell turnover, and reveals a smoother, brighter complexion.

Targeted Extractions

One of the most important parts of an acne facial is professional extractions. Our trained estheticians safely and hygienically remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pore congestion, something that’s difficult (and risky) to do at home without causing irritation or scarring.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Treatments

In order to calm redness and support healing, we apply soothing masks and antibacterial serums. These reduce inflammation and help keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.

LED Light Therapy

Our facials often incorporate blue LED light therapy, which penetrates the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria without harming healthy skin. This step promotes clearer skin with minimal irritation, making it an effective tool for long-term acne management.

When and How Often to Get Acne Facials

How Often?

  • Moderate to severe acne: Every 2–4 weeks to maintain progress and prevent new breakouts.
  • Mild or occasional acne: Once a month for maintenance and prevention.

Consistency is key. Skincare is less about quick fixes and more about steady progress over time.

When to Start

  • At the first signs of recurring breakouts
  • Before big events or periods of high stress
  • When hormones are fluctuating (puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles)
  • When over-the-counter solutions aren’t delivering results

Benefits of Routine Facials for Acne

Regular acne facials do more than just treat current breakouts—they also help prevent future ones. With ongoing treatments, you’ll notice:

  • Cleaner, clearer pores that stop acne before it starts
  • Reduced inflammation and redness over time
  • Improved skin texture with fewer acne scars
  • Professional monitoring and adjustments from experienced estheticians

This proactive approach helps break the cycle of acne and sets the foundation for healthier, clearer skin.

Experience the Best Facial for Acne at Silver Mirror

Acne doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. By understanding what causes acne and treating it with a targeted, professional solution, you can finally take control of your skin health.

Silver Mirror’s Acne Fighting Facial goes beyond traditional treatments, combining deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, calming serums, and LED light therapy to address acne at every stage. Whether you’re battling stubborn breakouts or just want to maintain a clear complexion, our facial is designed to be the best facial for acne and a safe, effective path toward long-term skin health.

Ready to take the first step? Book your Acne-Fighting Facial with Silver Mirror today and start your journey to clearer, more confident skin.

By Kristen Marchisotto