If You Have Acne, You Should Consider Yourself Lucky

Updated 05/09/23. If you currently experience a lot of breakouts or you used to in your younger years, you should consider yourself lucky (yes, you read that right!). I wholeheartedly believe this to be true, and there’s even a scientific study to back it up. Keep reading to learn all about the unexpected benefits of acne!

The Upside of Acne

I’ve been an esthetician working hands-on with clients for over 30 years now, and one thing I have found to be true is this—those who make their skin a priority and take care of it day in and day out are the ones who often have the best-looking skin in their adult years. In my experience, those who excel at this are often the ones who had a history of breakouts in their younger years.

Why is this? Well, if you’re someone who has struggled with your skin, you’re most likely super diligent about taking care of it, since ignoring it will only make breakouts worse. Sleeping with makeup on? Nope. That surely doesn’t happen for someone who is prone to breakouts. How about using any low-quality skincare product? Nope. That certainly won’t work either.

People who experience regular breakouts are also most likely to put their skin in the hands of an expert, consulting an esthetician or dermatologist early on. This is invaluable (regardless of whether or not you have breakouts)—especially if you follow their advice and stick to a consistent routine.

Good Habits Last a Lifetime

In the process of dealing with your skin concerns, you surely picked up some really good habits. Maybe you pay attention to skincare ingredients and only use high-quality products formulated specifically for your skin type. You might be super diligent about sticking to your morning and nighttime routine. You possibly go in for regular facials.

Knowing this, it makes sense that many people who become estheticians used to struggle with breakouts in their youth. They developed a passion for skincare and wanted to help others address the problems they personally encountered (I know so many estheticians like this).

On the flip side, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who never had any breakouts and therefore barely took care of their skin (or, at the very least, weren’t very consistent about it). This lack of care often begins to show once they get into their 40s when they see dull skin and premature lines and wrinkles form.

So, while it may be frustrating that you’re dealing with acne now, know that breakouts will come and go (as will the discolored marks left behind), but adopting good skincare habits will last a lifetime. Trust me, the rewards will pay off in the long run.

What Studies Have Shown About Acne

According to this study, people who have previously suffered from acne tend to have longer telomeres in their white blood cells compared to those with perfect skin. These telomeres―sometimes referred to as protective caps―help keep chromosomes from deteriorating. As a result, these cells may be better insulated against aging. Pretty cool, right?

So there you have it, two solid reasons why acne may just end up working in your favor!

What to Do If You’re Currently Dealing With Breakouts

If you’re someone who is in the midst of dealing with breakouts, I completely understand how real the struggle is. When you’re in the middle of it, sometimes it feels like the road to clear skin is completely obscured. The first thing I always tell people is that acne is a disease for which there is no known cure. I don’t say this to discourage anyone, just to help people understand what’s realistic and how they should set their expectations.

However, just because acne can’t always be eradicated doesn’t mean it can’t be successfully managed. I’ve helped more clients with acne than with any other skin condition, and it’s so gratifying to put them on the right path and watch all their hard work pay off. I’ve published a lot of advice for managing breakouts throughout the years, including the science behind breakouts and how to prevent adult hormonal breakouts.

I also highly recommend scheduling a consultation with someone who will personalize your skincare routine or, if your breakouts are severe, seeing a dermatologist. Severe breakouts can lead to indented scarring that lasts a lifetime, and a dermatologist will be able to start you on a prescription retinoid to help prevent this.

Next, make sure you’re not falling for these 35 skincare myths and mistakes.

Renée Rouleau

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”