Acne Treatment

At The Skin Doctor we treat acne as a medical skin condition, not a cosmetic flaw. Breakouts can affect confidence, comfort and quality of life at any age. Our approach is doctor-led, evidence-based and personalised — aiming to calm active acne, protect the skin barrier and reduce the risk of long-term scarring where possible.

We don’t believe in harsh routines or quick fixes. Instead, we build a plan around your skin, your lifestyle and your goals — with realistic timelines and ongoing support.

Looking for the underlying science and full treatment-options breakdown? Start with our Acne: causes and treatment options condition page. Prefer “natural-aligned” care with minimal oral medication? See Natural ways to treat acne.

Your acne consultation

Every acne journey begins with a thorough medical consultation. During your appointment, your doctor or dermal clinician may:

• Take a detailed medical, medication and hormonal history
• Ask about diet, stress, sleep, skincare and make-up use
• Examine the type and distribution of acne (comedonal, inflammatory, cystic, hormonal patterns)
• Assess for early or established scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Review previous treatments and why they did or didn’t help
• Develop a staged plan combining home care and in-clinic options

You will receive clear information about expected timelines, cost structure and next steps. Acne typically improves over months, not days — our role is to guide you safely through that process.

What causes acne?

Acne is usually driven by a combination of:

• Increased oil (sebum) production
• Blocked pores from excess dead skin cells
• Bacterial overgrowth in follicles contributing to inflammation
• Hormonal influences (especially androgens)
• Genetic predisposition
• External factors such as comedogenic products, friction or occlusion

Because the drivers differ between individuals, the most effective plans are multifactorial and tailored. For a full clinical breakdown and self-care guidance, see Acne: causes and treatment options.

Our approach — four pillars

1. Medical-grade skincare and daily routine

We keep routines simple and sustainable while targeting the key drivers:

• Gentle, non-stripping cleansing
• Acne-appropriate exfoliation (e.g. salicylic-based options where appropriate)
• Topical retinoids (vitamin A) to reduce congestion and support turnover
• Non-comedogenic moisturisers to protect the barrier
• Daily SPF that won’t worsen congestion

If you prefer “natural-aligned” foundations such as azelaic acid or bio-identical vitamin A options, see Natural ways to treat acne.

2. In-clinic treatments

Depending on acne type and severity, we may recommend:

• Chemical peels (often salicylic or blended peels)
• LED light therapy as an adjunct
• Laser therapy for acne (selected cases)
• Photodynamic acne therapy (selected cases)
• Careful extractions / decongestion where appropriate

Learn more:

• Laser & light therapies for acne
• Photodynamic acne treatment

3. Prescription and medical therapies

For moderate to severe acne, skincare alone is often not enough. Your doctor may discuss:

• Prescription topical therapies
• Time-limited oral antibiotics in selected cases
• Hormonal options for suitable female patients
• Consideration of oral isotretinoin in severe or scarring acne

Medications are used responsibly with clear monitoring, aiming for long-term control rather than short bursts of clearing followed by relapse.

4. Lifestyle and skin health education

While acne is not caused by “bad habits,” certain factors can influence severity. We may discuss:

• Stress and sleep
• Diet patterns in a practical, non-extreme way
• Product selection and make-up choices
• Sun protection to reduce dark marks after acne

If dark red, brown or purple post-acne marks are a major concern, see Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Treating acne to reduce scarring

Yes — early, appropriate acne treatment can reduce the risk of scarring, especially when:

• Inflammation is controlled
• Picking and manipulation are avoided
• The barrier is supported, not stripped

If scarring is already present, we often use a staged plan: control active acne first, then treat scars with evidence-based options (energy-based devices, microneedling, subcision and selected adjuncts). See Acne scarring treatments for the full pathway.

What to expect from acne treatment

• Improvement is gradual over weeks to months
• Some treatments (especially retinoids) can cause an initial adjustment phase of dryness or sensitivity
• Review appointments refine the plan and introduce in-clinic treatments at the right time
• Our goal is stable, long-term control — not a brief “good patch”

Book a consultation

If you are dealing with ongoing breakouts, adult-onset acne, or concerns about scarring, our team can help you understand what is driving your acne and what can realistically be improved. We focus on calming inflammation, protecting the skin barrier, and reducing long-term scarring risk where possible.