What is acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It ranges from a few blackheads and whiteheads to painful, deep nodules and cysts. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and it is not something you simply have to wait out.
What causes acne?
Four things work together: extra oil, blocked pores, acne bacteria and inflammation. Common triggers include:
- Hormones: puberty, the menstrual cycle and conditions such as PCOS.
- Heavy or oily cosmetics and hair products.
- Some medicines, including steroid creams.
- Picking or squeezing spots, friction from helmets or masks, and stress.
Why see a dermatologist for acne?
Over-the-counter products help mild acne. If spots are painful, leave marks or keep coming back, a dermatologist can grade the acne and treat its cause. In brown skin, even small spots can leave dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that last months, so early treatment saves time later.
How we treat acne at Skinology
Your plan depends on the type and severity of your acne:
- A simple skincare routine that suits acne-prone skin.
- Prescription creams and gels that unblock pores and calm inflammation.
- Tablets for moderate or severe acne, including hormonal treatment for some women, prescribed and monitored by Dr. Wahida.
- In-clinic treatments: chemical peels, carbon facial and medical cleanup.
- Scar treatment later, such as PRP with microneedling, once acne is under control.
What results to expect
Most treatments take 6 to 12 weeks to show clear improvement, and acne can look slightly worse in the first few weeks. Sticking with the plan matters more than any single product.
What to avoid
Don't squeeze or pick spots, use steroid creams on acne, scrub hard or put toothpaste on pimples. These make inflammation, scarring and dark marks worse.