Acne: how it is treated and how long it takes

What causes acne

The skin makes too much oil

Clogged pores

Bacteria multiply

Inflammation around the pore

Illustration, left to right

Acne forms in hair follicles (pores), and 4 things happen at the same time.

4 things that cause acne

• The skin makes too much oil
• Pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells
• Bacteria in the pore multiply
• The skin around the pore becomes inflamed

Acne usually appears on the face, neck and upper body, where there are many oil glands. Things that make acne more likely come from inside, such as hormones and genetics, and from outside, such as some medicines, cosmetics and pollution.

Hormones play a big part, so acne is common in teenagers, and some women break out with their monthly cycle. If your parents had a lot of acne, you are more likely to have it too.

Types of acne

Clogged pores

Inflamed acne

Deep acne lumps

Illustration, left to right

Put simply, there are 3 types. One person may have more than one type at the same time.

Names people often use, and which group they belong to

• Tiny rash-like bumps (pseudo-acne) Small bumps that come up and go down quickly, usually better within 1–2 weeks with regular skin care.
• Open and closed comedones Small raised bumps, in the clogged-pore group.
• Red raised bumps Firm bumps that hurt when pressed. The doctor may treat some of them with an injection.
• Nodular or cystic acne Large, red, painful bumps. If not treated soon, they may leave marks or scars.
• Milia Hard white heads. Do not squeeze or pick them yourself.

This page is a general explanation. The doctor is the one who tells which type of acne you have.

When to see a doctor

The doctor first checks which type of acne you have, then chooses a method that suits your skin.

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Many people can manage mild acne on their own, but if any of the points below apply to you, have a doctor take a look.

Check yourself: is it time to see a doctor?

• A lot of acne, or deep, painful lumps
• Marks or scars start to appear after spots go down
• You have cared for it yourself for 4–6 weeks without improvement
• Acne makes you stressed or less confident

The sooner inflamed acne is treated, the lower the chance of acne scars.

Acne treatments at the clinic

The doctor chooses based on the type and severity of your acne. Not everyone needs every option.

Topical and oral medicine

Topical and oral medicine, prescribed by the doctor with follow-up visits

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This is the main treatment for almost every type of acne. The doctor prescribes it and schedules follow-ups. This page talks about groups of medicines and does not name any drug or brand.

• Apply topical medicine over the whole area where you tend to break out, not just on the spots you can see, because it also helps prevent new spots.
• In the first 2–4 weeks, your skin may be dry, red or peeling. If the irritation is bad, stop and tell the doctor.
• Some medicine groups make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so you must use sunscreen as well.
• For some groups of oral medicine, the doctor prescribes a set course, not longer than needed.
• Some groups of acne medicine must not be used if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Acne extraction

Extraction

Acne injection

Light therapy

Illustration, left to right

Used for clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads that have not come out with medicine.

• At the clinic, extraction is done by our staff. It must be done with sterile tools, so do not do it yourself at home.
• Skin looks better quickly, but the effect is temporary, so medicine is needed alongside to prevent new spots.
• Extraction itself can leave marks, so only spots that should be extracted are done.

Acne injection

Used for large inflamed spots that are swollen, red and painful. The doctor injects an anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the spot.

• Most lumps go down within 2–4 days and hurt less.
• Used spot by spot for very painful ones. It is not a way to treat acne over the whole face.
• The skin where you were injected may dip or become thinner, and its color may become lighter or darker. For some people this lasts a long time, so the injection and dose must be done by the doctor.
• Not injected where the skin is infected.

Acne treatments

The clinic has 3 acne treatments. The doctor will recommend one when it suits your skin.

See prices on the prices and promotions page.

Light therapy

Visible light is shone on the skin. It suits red inflamed spots, but does not work well on clogged pores or deep acne lumps.

• It is an add-on. Few people clear their acne with light therapy alone, and results differ from person to person.
• It needs several sessions in a row. The doctor will tell you how many after examining your skin.
• You must wear eye covers during the session. Afterward the skin may be a little red, which usually goes away the same day.
• Tell the doctor first if you take medicine that makes your skin sensitive to light.

IPL program

IPL is high-intensity light given in short pulses. It may help mild to moderate acne, but study results do not agree, so it is used as an add-on, not as the main treatment.

• During treatment it feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin. Afterward the skin may be red and sting like sunburn.
• IPL is usually done as a set of 4–6 sessions, 3–6 weeks apart. The doctor will tell you your number of sessions after the exam.
• Less common effects are blistering, or patches of darker or lighter skin. Darker skin and recently tanned skin carry more risk.
• You must avoid the sun both before and after treatment.
• Not suitable if you are pregnant, have recently had strong sun exposure, or take medicine that makes your skin sensitive to light, including some groups of oral acne medicine.

Results vary from person to person.

Which acne usually gets which treatment

This table is only a rough guide. The doctor must always see your actual skin first.

How long treatment takes

First 2–4 weeks

About 6–8 weeks

About 2–4 months

Illustration, left to right

Acne can be treated, but no method shows results in a few days. You need to use your medicine regularly and give it time.

Rough timeline

1. 1
   First 2–4 weeksYour skin may be dry or irritated from the topical medicine, and you may not see fewer spots yet. Do not stop the medicine on your own.
2. 2
   About 6–8 weeksYou start to see fewer new spots.
3. 3
   About 2–4 monthsMost medicines reach their full effect.

After the spots go down, most people still need to keep using medicine to stop acne coming back. The doctor will tell you how to continue and when the medicine can be reduced.

Results vary from person to person.

What to tell the doctor before treatment

This information helps the doctor choose medicines and procedures that suit you.

• You are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.
• Medicines and supplements you take regularly, including acne medicines you have used before.
• You have had a drug allergy, or irritation from acne creams.
• You have recently had strong sun exposure, or plan a beach trip soon.

For patients under 18, the doctor decides case by case, and a parent or guardian joins in hearing the treatment plan.

Skin care at home

Wash your face with a gentle product. You do not need many products.

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Do this alongside your treatment. You do not need many products.

• Wash your face with a gentle product, no more than twice a day.
• Do not scrub or rub your face hard.
• Do not squeeze, pick or scratch your acne, because it makes inflammation worse, can get infected and leaves marks or scars.
• Choose cosmetics and creams labeled as non-comedogenic (not clogging pores).
• Use sunscreen every day. Sunlight makes dark acne marks darker.

If you already have acne marks or scars

Red marks, dark marks and acne scars are each cared for differently, and care should start after your acne has calmed down. Read more on the acne scars and marks page.

Costs

Costs depend on the medicines used, the procedures done and the number of sessions for each person. See acne treatment prices on the prices and promotions page.

Ask about exam fees and rough costs on LINE @sandeeclinic or call 087-491-6969 before coming to the clinic. You can pay by cash, bank transfer or card.

Frequently asked questions