Acne
Acne is a common skin condition where pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It most commonly appears on the face, chest, and back.
It can range from mild (a few spots) to severe (deep, painful cysts that can leave scars). It affects people of all ages but is most common during the teenage years due to hormonal changes.
Overview
What are the causes of Acne?
Our skin has tiny pores which are connected to special glands called sebaceous glands. When too much oil is produced or dead skin cells aren’t shed properly, these pores are blocked. Bacteria love these environments causing redness, swelling and pus leading to the classic pimples.
01
Acne Vulgaris
The most common type. What most people mean when they say “acne.” Caused by a mix of excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria (C. acnes), and inflammation. Shows up as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts — mostly on face, chest, and back. Starts commonly in teenage years but can persist into adulthood.
02
Hormonal Acne
Driven by hormonal fluctuations – androgens stimulate oil glands to produce excess sebum. Typical pattern:Deep, cystic breakouts on the lower face, jawline, and chin,Flares around periods, PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause,Often persists or starts in adult women even after teenage years,Responds well to hormonal therapies (OCPs, spironolactone)
03
Mechanical Acne
(Acne Mechanica)
Caused by friction, pressure, heat, or rubbing on the skin. Common triggers:Tight clothing, helmet straps, mask edges (→ “Maskne”),Chin straps, shirt collars, bra straps,Resting face on hands repeatedly,Appears exactly where the friction/pressure occurs. Removing the trigger helps it resolve.
04
Drug-Induced Acne
(Acneiform Eruption)
Caused by certain medications – looks like acne but isn’t true acne. Key features:Appears suddenly after starting a drug,Often uniform (same stage lesions, no blackheads).Common culprits: steroids (most common), lithium, antiepileptics, antitubercular drugs (INH, rifampicin), B vitamins (B6, B12 in high doses), EGFR inhibitors
05
Cosmetic Acne
(Acne Cosmetica)
Triggered by comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients in skincare or makeup. Features:Small, persistent bumps mostly on cheeks and forehead,Common in people who use heavy foundations, oily moisturizers, or hair products that touch the face,Resolves when the offending product is stopped.
06
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
Not true acne – a bacterial complication that develops after long-term antibiotic use for acne. The normal bacteria get replaced by gram-negative bacteria (like Klebsiella, Proteus). Presents as a sudden flare of pustules that stops responding to usual antibiotics. Needs isotretinoin or targeted antibiotic therapy.
07
Fungal Acne
(Malassezia Folliculitis)
Technically not acne at all. It is caused by yeast overgrowth in hair follicles. Key distinguishing features:Uniform, small, itchy bumps.Commonly on forehead, chest, upper back,Worsens with antibiotics, humid weather, sweating.Does not respond to acne treatments – needs antifungals
08
Neonatal & Infantile Acne
Neonatal acne – appears in first 4 weeks of life; caused by maternal hormones; resolves on its own
Infantile acne – appears at 3–6 months; can be more persistent; rarely may signal an underlying hormonal issue
09
Occupational Acne
Triggered by workplace exposure to oils, chemicals, or industrial substances. Examples:Chloracne – caused by exposure to chlorinated compounds (dioxins); very persistent,Oil folliculitis – in mechanics, engineers exposed to cutting oils
Now based on the primary lesion seen, Acne can be divided into different grade with Grade I starting from comedone predominant variant to Grade IV which is Nodulocystic acne.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Treatment Active Acne:
Medications & Topicals
Treatment is personalized based on the acne grade and other clinical factors. It includes topicals such as creams, gels, or lotions and oral medications. This may involve antibiotics to reduce inflammation, retinoids to clear pores, or hormonal therapy when indicated
Chemical peel
Here a medical grade chemical agent is used to produce controlled exfoliation of the superficial layers of the skin. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and reduces active breakouts. At the same time, it evens out skin tone and fades the marks.Hence helpful for controlling acne and reducing post acne pigmentation.For active acne, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Biorepeel can be used.
Carbon LASER peel
A thin layer of medical grade carbon is applied to skin and then activated with a pico laser. It leaves the skin looking instantly brighter and feeling softer. With repeated sessions, it reduces pore skin, controls sebum production and improves uneven texture. Sometimes called Hollywood Laser, it is painless, brightening and with no downtime
FAQS
Common Questions
How long does acne treatment take to show results?
Topical treatments typically take 6–8 weeks to show initial improvement, while oral medications like antibiotics or isotretinoin may take 3–6 months for significant clearance. Patience and consistency is important for results as inconsistency and premature discontinuation are responsible for treatment failure
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Acne scars cannot be completely removed, but they can be significantly improved with treatments like lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, and fillers. The degree of improvement depends on scar type, depth, and skin tone. Realistic expectation and combination of treatment is important for best results
Is acne only a teenage problem?
No. Acne affects people of all ages, with adult acne (especially hormonal acne in women) being increasingly common well into the 30s, 40s, and beyond. Triggers like hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and comedogenic products can cause or perpetuate acne at any life stage.
Will I need to take oral medication?
Not necessarily. Many cases of mild to moderate acne respond well to topical treatments alone. Oral medications (antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin) are typically reserved for moderate-to-severe, widespread, or treatment-resistant acne.
Can diet affect acne?
Yes. High glycemic index foods, dairy (especially skim milk), and whey protein have the strongest evidence linking them to acne flares. However, dietary triggers vary individually, so identifying and moderating personal triggers works better than blanket elimination.
Explore Your Options
If you’d like to understand whether this treatment may be right for you, we’re here to help – without pressure or obligation.