Skin - Acne/Pimples/Acne Scars
What are acne and pimples?
Acne: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, leading to lesions such as pimples.
Pimples: Small, inflamed bumps on the skin that are a symptom of acne. They form when bacteria, oil, and debris clog pores.
Causes of acne and pimples:
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Excess Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, clogging pores.
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Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells and oil combine, blocking the skin's pores.
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Bacteria Growth: Cutibacterium acnes bacteria grow in clogged pores, causing inflammation.
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Hormonal Fluctuations: Increased androgen hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles, or pregnancy stimulate oil production.
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Diet: High-glycemic foods and dairy may worsen acne in some individuals.
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Stress: Triggers hormonal changes that may exacerbate acne.
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Medications: Drugs like corticosteroids or lithium can contribute to acne.
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Environmental Factors: Pollution, humidity, and comedogenic skincare products.
Types of pimples:
Non-inflammatory Lesions:
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Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores.​
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Blackheads: Open clogged pores with oxidized sebum.
Inflammatory Lesions:
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Papules: Small red bumps caused by inflamed follicles.​
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Pustules: Red bumps with white pus at the center.
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Nodules: Large, painful, deep lumps under the skin.
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Cysts: Severe, pus-filled, deep lesions prone to scarring.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are permanent textural changes or indentations in the skin that result from severe acne. Causes of acne scarring:
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Inflammation: Severe inflammation damages surrounding skin tissue, leading to scarring.
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Delayed Treatment: Untreated or improperly treated acne increases the risk of scarring.
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Picking or Squeezing Pimples: Disturbs the healing process and worsens scarring.
Types of acne scars:
Atrophic Scars:
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Ice Pick Scars: Narrow, deep pits.
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Boxcar Scars: Broad, rectangular depressions.
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Rolling Scars: Wavy indentations with sloping edges.
Hypertrophic Scars:
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Raised scars caused by excess collagen production.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:​
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Dark or red spots left after acne heals (not a true scar but a common aftermath).
Acne and Acne Scars Treatment Options:
Option 1: Chemical Peels (BioRePeel) is a bi-phasic medical grade medium depth peel that penetrates the top five layers of the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis. It exfoliates the outer layers of the skin, unclogging pores and promoting skin cell turnover. It stimulates collagen production, which improves acne scars. It reduces oil production and inflammation. It contains 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), amino acids and vitamins. Unlike other chemical peels that work from the outside in, BioRePeel works from the inside out, addressing the origin of skin conditions.
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Benefits:
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Target active acne, hyperpigmentation and atrophic scars.
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Leaves the skin smoother and more even-toned.
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Ideal for mild-to-moderate acne and superficial scars.
Option 2: Microneedling (Dermapen 4) is 100% Australian made, the world's first fully digitalised, automated and fastest device of its type, with up to 1920 puncture channels per second with 33G needles, giving comfortable patient experience and safety with its Anti-Contamination Management system. Dermapen 4 uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing process and collagen production. It reduces the appearance of acne scars by remodeling scar tissue. It unclogs pores and improves active acne by increasing skin renewal.
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Benefits:
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Effective for all types of atrophic scars.
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Improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
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Ideal for acne scars, mild acne and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
After 1 treatment
After 1 treatment
After 6 treatments
After 5 treatments
After 2 treatments
After 5 treatments
Option 3: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood is applied and injected into the skin using Dermapen 4 microneedling device. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, promoting skin repair and regeneration.
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Benefits:
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Reduces inflammation and promotes healing for active acne.
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Smoothens acne scars and improves skin texture.
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Enhances overall skin health.
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Ideal for persistent acne scars and skin rejuvenation
Option 3: Home care topical system is essential to maintain the optimum results after treating pigmentation. Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System is a prescription-strength skincare system with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. It penetrates deeply into pores to clear active acne and prevent new breakouts.
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Benefits:
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Reduces sebum production and kills acne-causing bacteria.
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Minimizes clogged pores and inflammation.
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Improves overall skin clarity.
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Ideal for active acne and prevention of future breakouts.
After 4 weeks CLENZIderm M.D. System
After 11 weeks CLENZIderm M.D. System
Choosing Right Treatments for Acne and Acne Scars:
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Mild Acne: Chemical Peels or Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System
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Moderate to Severe Acne: Combine Chemical Peels or Microneedling with Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System
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Acne Scars: Dermapen 4 microneedling and PRP are highly effective for scar remodeling.
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Combination Approach: Combining treatments often yields the best results. Book a free consultation with our medical director Tim to create a personalized treatment plan.