Acne is a common skin condition caused by clogged and inflamed hair follicles and oil glands. Treating it early matters, because it lowers the risk of lasting marks; and where scars have already formed, acne scar treatment can help soften them. Acne may show up as blackheads and whiteheads, red bumps, pus-filled pimples or deep, painful lumps. It appears most often on the face, back, chest and shoulders. It is graded as mild, moderate or severe; deep, painful pimples are more likely to scar.

Several factors usually work together:

• Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty and the menstrual cycle stimulate the oil glands.
• Oil and clogged pores: Excess oil and dead cells block the pore and create conditions for bacteria to grow.
• Genetics: Acne can be more frequent and more severe in people with a family history.
• Stress: Breakouts often increase during stressful periods.
• Unsuitable cosmetics: Pore-clogging, irritating or unsuitable products can make acne worse.
• Diet: In some people, sugary and processed foods may worsen symptoms.

Acne is not limited to the teenage years; it can also appear in adulthood.

Acne is a medical condition, and acne treatment starts with an examination by a doctor. The type and severity of the breakouts, your skin type, your hormonal status and the products you use are all assessed. Moderate and severe acne may need creams or oral medicines, which are planned and monitored by the doctor. Signs that suggest a hormonal problem, such as irregular periods or increased hair growth, may call for blood tests and a specialist’s assessment.

At our clinic, supportive treatments are chosen to suit each person:

• Device-based facials: Pores are deep-cleansed with HydraFacial. In the same session, mesotherapy injections may be given to calm the skin and support oil balance.
• Peels: A chemical peel helps reduce clogged pores and oiliness and fade the dark marks left after pimples.
• Lifestyle support: The right skincare products, a balanced diet and, when needed, supplements are added to the plan.

The protocol varies from person to person.

Once pimples heal, two kinds of marks may remain. Red or brown marks are usually superficial and may fade with time. Pitted scars come from collagen loss and do not resolve on their own. They can be narrow and deep (ice pick), wide with sharp edges (boxcar) or soft and wavy (rolling). Because each type responds to a different method, several methods are often combined on the same face.

Acne scar treatment aims to stimulate collagen so the skin’s surface looks smoother. Depending on the scars, these methods may be used alone or together:

• Golden needle: Microneedles deliver radiofrequency energy into the deeper layer to support collagen renewal. See golden needle treatment.
• Fractional and thulium laser: These resurface the skin and help reduce the look of scars and marks. See Baby Face Thulium Laser.
• Peels and mesotherapy: These help even out skin tone in superficial scars and marks.
• Filler: For some wide, soft-edged pitted scars, filler may be used to give support from beneath.

The right method is decided at your consultation. Scar treatment usually doesn’t start until active breakouts are under control. If brown acne marks are the main concern, the plan may be combined with dark spot treatments.

The right home care supports clinic treatments and helps reduce new breakouts. A basic routine for oily, acne-prone skin looks like this:

1. Wash your face morning and evening with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry the skin.
2. Apply a thin layer of the anti-acne serum or cream your doctor recommends.
3. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
4. In the morning, apply an oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Applying products without cleansing first, squeezing pimples and frequently using harsh scrubs can make things worse.

For men, shaving irritation can trigger breakouts, so using a clean, sharp razor and alcohol-free aftershave products helps. Changing your pillowcase often and keeping your phone screen clean also help.

The number of sessions depends on your scars and how your skin responds. For pitted scars, golden needle or laser treatments are usually planned as several sessions, four to six weeks apart. Superficial marks may need fewer sessions.

Collagen renewal is slow, so results become visible gradually over weeks. For deep scars, the goal is not to erase them completely but to soften their appearance noticeably. Sun protection during treatment is important to prevent new dark marks.

After golden needle or laser, a few days of redness and light crusting may occur. Your doctor will advise on makeup and sun exposure during this time.