You’re cleansing twice daily. You’ve eliminated dairy. You’ve tried benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and maybe even a round of antibiotics. So why is your acne still a problem?
Acne can feel deeply personal, and it's also often misunderstood. The variants of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne types make it difficult to treat. As well, new 2025 data shows statistically that cases of acne are increasing across the United States, affecting a larger portion of the population across ages and circumstances.
In a market full of acne treatments, Roccoco Botanicals products stand out because they are developed with a focus on holistic healing and an understanding of the root causes of acne, especially of those persistent, recurrent breakouts. Our products offer vital restoration and healing treatments to not only treat stubborn acne but also to prevent future breakouts by targeting the underlying conditions. The need for holistic acne care is more important as the condition becomes more chronic, more widespread, and more emotionally taxing.
In figuring out the best treatment, the specific conditions and causes of acne are often missed or misdiagnosed. And some treatments that seem good in theory may be creating more problems. Some unexpected causes of stubborn acne may be hiding in plain sight:
- Acne biofilm
- Inflammation
- Issues with natural products
- Sunblock
- The wrong cleanser
- Treatment doesn’t match acne type
- Treating a symptom not the cause
Unexpected Causes of Stubborn Acne
1. Biofilm: The Invisible Saboteur
Some types of acne bacteria produce a protective biofilm. This microscopic matrix forms inside the pores and hair follicles, creating a shield around the bacteria. Many topical treatments can’t penetrate the biofilm, and even the body’s own immune system becomes ineffective. Inside its protective shield, the bacteria thrive, which makes it difficult to eradicate and contributes to recurring breakouts.
Roccoco’s Mandelic + Fusion and Eruption Emulsion are specifically designed to dissolve this biofilm. Used together, they help break down the biofilm and rebalance the skin’s healthy microbiome.
2. Inflammation First, Bacteria Second
Inflammation can precede bacterial activity. The natural skin barrier could be compromised by harsh products, sun exposure, or other environmental factors, and the inflammation is a signal of this damage. With the protective barrier down, the bacteria that cause acne can easily take root and spark another flare up.
Roccoco’s formulations for essential barrier repair include Ruby Crystal Cleanser or Clarifying C Serum. If you are experiencing inflammation, head off a potential breakout by healing your skin and strengthening that natural skin barrier.
3. Natural Ingredients May Not Be Acne Safe
Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it is safe for the treatment of acne. Many natural ingredients cause more breakouts because they are “comedogenic,” tending to block or clog pores. This traps oils, dead skin, and bacteria under the skin’s surface, leading to another outbreak. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, and essential oils can wreak havoc on acne-prone skin.
The entire line of Roccoco Botanicals is rigorously formulated to be acne safe, which means our products won’t clog pores or exacerbate inflammation, even when they're packed with botanicals.
4. Sunblock Can Clog Pores
Sunblocks are often some of the worst comedogenic products. This isn’t an uncommon problem, and a simple change to one of our non–pore-clogging sunblocks, like Kinfield or Tizo, can be a game changer for your clear skin.
5. The Wrong Cleanser Can Cause Damage
A good cleanser softens the excess sebum without drying or dehydrating the skin, flushing away the excess oils that could build up in pores while also supporting essential hydration. A harsh or stripping cleanser can create a cycle of dehydration and rebound oiliness, creating more pore congestion. It can also damage the skin barrier, which leaves the skin vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation. Using the wrong cleanser could inadvertently be causing more acne flare-ups.
Roccoco’s Pore Cleansing Oil uses linoleic acid to soften sebum and support barrier repair, gently clearing blackheads and congested pores without compromising hydration. Cleanse your skin without drying it out.
6. Treating Your Acne Type
Closed comedones? Cystic nodules? Fungal acne? There are a number of different types of acne, each with specific symptoms, such as clogged pores or inflammatory bumps. Treatments for each type may vary, and if your outbreaks seem to be different or change over time, you may need to consult with a dermatologist for a clear diagnosis in order to know how to treat or prevent it from recurring.
Once you know your type, Roccoco Botanicals is prepared to support your needs with a focus on holistic health and wellness. The Roccoco products support care for variants of both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. For instance, Clarifying C Serum is ideal for closed comedones, while Mandelic + Fusion targets deeper, cystic acne by addressing DHT and biofilms.
Reach out to discuss the specific needs of your acne type or with any questions you may have about our various products.
7. Treating a Symptom Not the Cause
For stubborn, recurring acne, there may be multiple factors to consider. Hormone fluctuations, food sensitivities, situational stress, or an impaired microbiome might be at play. It’s possible that simply treating acne on the surface of your skin is inadequate for what’s causing the outbreak.
Roccoco’s holistic formulations, such as Plant Harmonising Serum or Skin Nectar, don’t simply treat the surface. Endowed with antioxidant or antibacterial properties, our products such as these work with your skin’s biology to recalibrate its natural functions.
Ready to Get Clear for Good?
If you’ve been stuck in the acne cycle, maybe it’s time to stop treating your skin like a battlefield and start treating it like an ecosystem. Let us help you decode your acne story and recover the long-term health of your skin.
At Sacred Skin and Wellness, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our acne protocols are clinically proven to reduce breakouts, fade pigmentation, and heal your skin holistically.
Book a skin consultation or explore our acne solutions online today. Contact Sacred Skin and Wellness through our online form or call 513-218-4951 to schedule your consultation.