Nicole LaCroix Skin Care

Plot twist: I ate all the cheese in Paris—and my acne did not freak out. 🇫🇷🧀

Not all dairy is the same when it comes to acne…and the whole dairy conversation is way more interesting than “dairy is bad for your skin.”

The strongest connection we see is actually with milk, especially skim milk…not aged cheese. Milk increases signals in the body that stimulate oil production and make hormonal acne more likely to flare.

But aged cheese? That goes through a very different process!

Much of the liquid whey is removed…and then fermentation and aging continue changing the lactose and milk proteins. So basically, the giant wheel of Brie and the milk in your latte may be in the same dairy family, but they have very different personalities. 🤤

Dairy production can also look so different in Europe…from how the milk is sourced to the ingredients used, the processing and how long the cheese is allowed to age.

Does that mean all European cheese is magically acne-safe? Hmmm… 🤔 And I’m definitely not suggesting an entire wheel of Brie to everyone with hormonal acne.

But we don’t have to put every form of dairy into one giant category. The type of dairy, how it was made, how your body responds (and everything else that changes when you travel) can make a difference.

Our skin is affected by so much more than what we put on it. Food, hormones, climate, travel and environment are all part of the story.

Is there something you can completely indulge in while traveling, but your skin seems to have a completely different opinion about it at home?

Paris, I miss you. I hope to see you soon! 🇫🇷🤍

SWIPE →
I’ve spent over a decade working with acne, and somewhere along the way I realized I was rarely looking at ‘just’ acne.

I was looking at skin.

Breakouts, dehydration, sensitivity, eczema, an impaired skin barrier — and all the things happening around a person that can influence what shows up on their skin.

Yes, products matter. A lot.

But so can stress. Hormonal changes. Sleep. Climate. Water. Travel. Sweat. Sun exposure. Routines. And sometimes simply, “what changed?”.

That’s the conversation I want to have more of here.

I’m still your acne girl. We’re still going to talk ingredients, routines and really good products. 🤍

But after over a decade of doing this, I want to zoom out.

Because your skin doesn’t exist separately from the rest of your life.

That idea is at the heart of Skin Care Beyond Borders™ — exploring skin beyond products, beyond one condition, and beyond the bathroom counter.

I’ve been building some really great educational resources around all of this, and there are ways to connect with me one-on-one. You can find this information through the link in my bio.

But mostly, I’m excited to be here talking about skin with you again.

So tell me: what seems to change your skin the fastest?

xoxo
Nicole

2026 is going to look a little different than 2025… and that’s the goal, right? 😍

As I head into 2026, I’m making a few intentional shifts in how I offer skincare support.

In-person availability will be limited, so I encourage existing clients to book ahead as my schedule will be adjusted periodically. My focus is on continuing thoughtful, effective care while also growing other areas of my life and business 💛

If you ever feel unsure about where to start, everything lives at the link in my bio — booking, virtual check-ins, acne-safe products, free guides, education, and email perks 🏅

I’ll continue growing ClearSkinStore.com as a long-term home for acne support, education, and community.
Don’t miss the perks pop-up when you visit — points add up to real savings over time ✨

What are your big dreams for the year ahead? 💫

I’m deeply grateful for the journey and excited about what the future holds 🤍

12.21 🤍 Happy Heavenly Birthday, sweet Shiloh.
I think of you every single day.
You’ve expanded my heart, my mind, and my soul in ways I never imagined.

Some days are lighter than others. On the harder ones, I remind myself that God still calls me to joy…that happiness can be a choice. And that you are safe, whole, and held in heaven. My true home is there too… and I’ll see you again one day. ✝️🙏

I imagine the big birthday adventures I would’ve planned for you this year. Instead, we’re beginning a tradition that feels just as meaningful — honoring you by loving others. Once again, I had the honor of coordinating gift boxes with the baby hospice nurse at Dell Ascension for mamas and babies.

Forever celebrating you.
One year closer.
I love you always, baby boy. 🤍👼🏻

✨ My Favorite Holiday Gift Ideas ✨
A little mix of skincare, healing, and cozy comfort — these are some of my go-to favorites for acne-safe living. You can shop everything on my online store… link in bio!

💛 “Healing In Progress” Sweatshirt
For anyone who’s working on themselves. Cozy, meaningful, and a sweet reminder that healing isn’t linear.
🫧 Barrier Balance Cleanser
If your skin feels dry, tight, irritated, or over-exfoliated — THIS is the reset. A creamy, barrier-repairing wash that keeps winter skin calm, hydrated, and breakout-friendly.
💜 ClearDerma Moisturizer
Your skin’s winter bestie. Lightweight enough for acne-prone skin, but soothing enough to calm redness, reduce irritation, and keep your glow without clogging pores.
🌤️ PowerMineral SPF 50 (NEW!)
A daily essential — especially in winter. This 100% mineral SPF soothes, strengthens the barrier, and prevents dark marks from getting darker. Zero cast, zero heaviness, totally acne-safe.
✨ InvisiClear Spot Patches
Because no one has time for angry breakouts during the holidays. These help calm inflammation, protect the skin, and flatten pimples overnight.
📘 My Free Acne eBook
“5 Acne Mistakes You’re Probably Making.” If you’re overwhelmed with your routine or not sure where to start — this guide gives you clarity fast. And yes… it’s totally free.
🎀 Plush Headband
Cute, cozy, and keeps your hair (and hair oils) off your face so your products can actually do their job.
🌱 Bamboo Wipes
The acne-safe way to remove makeup or pat-dry your skin. Gentle, non-irritating, and won’t trap bacteria like terry cloth towels.
🧊 Ice Roller
The quickest way to calm cystic breakouts, reduce redness, shrink swelling, and help products pe*****te better. A true inflammation lifesaver.

More holiday treats coming soon 🤍✨

Shop everything at Clear Skin Store — link in bio.

Buy now or cry later… my biggest Black Friday sale ever is live 🖤

Watch my stories for all the details… coupon code… and the shopping link. 👏🏻

26% off everything
new products
acne kits
apparel
and more…

Some items have limited inventory, so stock up before things sell out.😍

Scary skincare news for the day…
Not all Vitamin A’s are acne-safe 💊

Many prescription formulas contain pore-clogging ingredients like Isopropyl Myristate or Ethylhexyl Palmitate. 🤯

Pro-tip: If it’s too harsh, it can actually break down your skin’s elasticity and damage your barrier 👀

💡 Talk to your acne specialist about which Vitamin A is right for your skin — and if it’s time to add one in.

This is acne — simplified.

Not your fault. Not too complicated. Just a pore that needs support.

On the left: oil, dead skin, and inflammation (often triggered by stress, diet, or hormones).

On the right: what happens when we support the skin and the body — with the right products, lifestyle tweaks, and expert guidance.

🧠 Hormones like testosterone, cortisol (stress), and even blood sugar spikes can increase oil and inflammation.

I don’t treat hormones directly — but I do help you understand what’s triggering your breakouts and how to support your skin from the inside out.

💛 My virtual consults are now more accessible — but they no longer include free follow-ups.

If you need continued support, I offer paid check-ins, and a monthly membership is on the way for a more affordable long-term option.

Book your virtual consult at the link in my bio. 💛 Knowledge is power.

Off-duty… but acne doesn’t sleep 😴

First things first — thank you to 🥹❤️🙏 for the cutest mask (and everything else you sent 🥇). Every detail was so personal and intentional.

This is your gentle reminder that rest is skin care — especially if you’re acne-prone.

Swipe for 5 reasons your skin needs solid sleep... and don’t forget to check your routine too.

✨ Virtual consults + acne-safe essentials
💛 Link in bio.

Follow along for acne tips & tricks.
Book with me — or find an acne specialist who will guide your journey.

—

besties 🫶
when your Houston girl and your Austin girl link up…
and think to send you a selfie 🥹💛

here’s to connections outside of the treatment room 🥂