Treatment
options

Studies show that the longer acne lasts, the more likely it is to affect your emotions. Without treatment, acne can also worsen. And if the acne becomes severe, scars can appear as the acne clears. Early treatment can prevent emotional distress.

The first step is a consultation with a dermatologist or skincare professional. They will examine your type of acne and scars to determine the best treatment or combination of treatments for you, which can include any of the following:

Topical treatments

Topical treatments are usually the first choice for those with mild to moderate acne. They come in the form of washes, gels, lotions and creams that are applied directly to the skin. They may be used alone or in combination with oral medication. Some are available over the counter and others are on prescription. They have various active ingredients, and some are combined to treat acne. They work at reducing inflammation and bacteria and help to unplug blocked pores. It can take up to 6-8 weeks before you notice an improvement with these topical treatments, so patience is key.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy may be prescribed in circumstances where topical treatments have not worked or are not recommended. These include oral antibiotics, and for females, the oral contraceptive pill.

Did you know?

One out of every five individuals who experience acne will be left with scarring in various forms.

Medical procedures

Thanks to modern technology, many procedures can remove or fade acne scars, making them less noticeable, and helping you to regain your self-confidence. These include:

Laser and light therapy

During treatment, a painless beam of light is used to target acne scars. Laser and light therapy are typically combined with other treatments for maximum effectiveness such as chemical peels.

Laser resurfacing

For this treatment, a laser is used to remove the scarred top layers of skin so new, healthier skin can grow in its place.

Chemical peels

During a chemical peel, your dermatologist will apply a special chemical solution to your acne scars that removes the skin's outer layer and stimulates new skin to grow. Usually, this new skin is much smoother and less scarred.

Micro needling

Micro needling treatment uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the location of acne scars and then stimulates collagen production to encourage new, smoother skin to grow.

Soft-tissue fillers

This method is often recommended for depressed or atrophic acne scars. It involves injecting a filler directly into the scar to smooth the appearance of the skin.

Microdermabrasion

This procedure involves a special machine that sprays tiny crystalline particles on the skin to remove the top layer. Similar to a chemical peel, this process reveals the typically smoother, less scarred skin underneath.