Bella Thorne has said she lived with cystic acne, deep painful lumps that form under the skin, for years after it started as dermatitis. She says she tried basically everything without success before changing her routine and getting esthetician help. Her story matters for readers weighing harsh procedures, prescription drugs, or DIY fixes. The sections below lay out what she tried, what she says helped, and where caution is needed.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- How did her breakouts start?
- Which strong treatments failed her?
- What routine shifts did she credit?
- Why did her DIY scrub draw warnings?
How did her breakouts start?
Elite Daily reported in June 2019 that Thorne had dealt with cystic acne for years starting as dermatitis and felt little had worked, in Elite Daily's account of her skin struggles. She framed it as a long struggle rather than an occasional breakout. That history explains why she later tried extreme measures.
She told BeautyCrew in February 2020 that terrible cystic acne led her to do her own makeup because she trusted only herself. She also recalled being judged as unclean or as a drug addict because of her skin. That stigma shaped her public comments about beauty standards.
Which strong treatments failed her?
She told The Zoe Report in May 2016 that she took Accutane for nearly two years and called it her worst decision, in The Zoe Report's account of her Accutane experience. She said she scarred worse while on it and still wakes up with pimples. The drug did not end breakouts for her.
She told Cosmopolitan Middle East in September 2021 that she had tried tearing or burning treatments, vampire facials, microneedling, and every laser with no benefit, detailed in Cosmopolitan Middle East's rundown of aggressive treatments she tried. Her list included: She said literally nothing worked. The pattern points to trial without lasting clearance, not to one failed appointment.
- skin-tearing or burning procedures
- vampire facials
- microneedling
- multiple lasers
What routine shifts did she credit?
She told Popsugar UK in June 2019, describing her Vogue Beauty Secrets routine, that she stopped washing her face in the morning. Overwashing had stripped her skin, and washing less helped her breakouts. The change was simple after years of harsh steps.
She told Dazed in August 2019 that she met an esthetician named Jennifer who changed her skin with all-natural products. Jennifer was also helping design her Thorne Dynasty skincare line. Thorne presented steady, gentler care as more useful than attacks on the skin.
Why did her DIY scrub draw warnings?
Capital FM described her DIY scrub of lemon, olive oil, and sugar for scars. Dermatologists and fans criticized it as potentially irritating and scarring. Lemon juice plus sugar creates chemical plus physical stress on inflamed skin.
These are personal stories, not proof a method works for others. CafeMom noted in August 2024 that dermatologists warn lemon scrubs and no-wash routines may harm some people, covered in CafeMom's summary of dermatologist cautions. Bring your breakout history, products, and scar concerns to a dermatologist before copying her routine.