✨ Let’s clear this up — acne is NOT because you’re dirty, and it’s not that slice of pizza you ate last night. Acne forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria mix together and clog your pores. One of the biggest culprits? Retention hyperkeratosis — meaning your skin sheds 5x more than the average person, but those dead cells don’t fall off. Instead, they stick, trap oil, and create plugs that turn into whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts. So how do we fight back? 👊 With gentle exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and enzymes (hello, mandelic acid ✨ my fave!) help loosen those trapped cells and keep pores clear — without burning your skin barrier. Your breakouts aren’t random. There’s a root cause, and there’s a solution. 💚 👉 Want to learn how to choose the RIGHT exfoliant for your skin? Drop a “CLEAR” in the comments or DM me, and I’ll send you my top recommendations! #charlotteesthetician #thecltaesthetician #cltesthetician