Acne & Acne Scars
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can range from mild (blackheads, whiteheads) to severe (cystic acne) and may leave scars if not treated properly.
Signs and symptoms
Acne & Acne Scars commonly presents with the following signs. Not every patient shows all of them — an in-person examination by a dermatologist is what confirms the diagnosis.
Blackheads & Whiteheads
Open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads) comedones caused by clogged pores. Blackheads appear dark due to oxidised sebum; whiteheads remain flesh-coloured.
Affected area: face, nose, chin, forehead
Oily Skin (Seborrhoea)
Excessive sebum production giving the skin a shiny, greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone. Often associated with enlarged pores and acne.
Affected area: face (forehead, nose, chin)
Pimples (Papules & Pustules)
Small, raised bumps on the skin that may be red, inflamed, or filled with pus. They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead cells.
Affected area: face, back, chest, shoulders
Scarring
Permanent marks left on the skin after healing from acne, injuries, or surgery. Scars may be depressed (atrophic), raised (hypertrophic), or discoloured.
Affected area: face, body
Causes
Excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and hormonal changes. Stress, diet, and certain medications can worsen acne.
Treatment approach
We clear acne with tailored topical therapies (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics) and prescription oral medications when needed — WITHOUT laser treatments. Our approach emphasises treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. For scars, we use topical treatments that promote skin renewal. Most patients see significant clearing within 2-6 weeks.
Common questions
Will my acne leave scars?
Not all acne scars, but the risk rises with two things: how deep and inflamed the spots are, and how much they are squeezed or picked. Dark marks left behind after a spot heals are usually not true scars — they are post-inflammatory pigmentation and they fade over months, though sun exposure makes them last longer. True scars are pits or raised marks in the skin and are much easier to prevent by treating active acne early than to correct afterwards.
I am in my 30s — why do I still have acne?
Acne is not only a teenage condition. Adult acne is common, more so in women, and often appears along the jawline and chin rather than across the forehead. It can be driven by hormonal factors, by certain medications, or by cosmetics and hair oils that block pores. Because adult acne sometimes points to an underlying hormonal issue worth investigating, it is worth being examined rather than treated with whatever worked at nineteen.