What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and the sebaceous glands under the skin become blocked, oil production increases and an inflammatory process develops in these areas. Medically known as acne vulgaris, it can be seen at any age, although it is more common during adolescence.
Acne is not only an aesthetic concern. If left untreated, it may lead to acne marks, post-acne pigmentation and permanent scar appearance on the skin. For this reason, early dermatological evaluation is important for people with acne concerns.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, acne treatment is planned individually by evaluating the patient’s age, skin type, acne severity, lesion type and risk of scarring.
What Causes Acne?
Acne does not develop due to a single cause. Genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, overactivity of the sebaceous glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, stress, environmental factors and unsuitable skin care products may all play a role in acne formation.
The main factors that may increase acne formation include:
- Excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands
- Blockage of hair follicles
- Hormonal changes
- Genetic predisposition
- Stress and irregular sleep patterns
- Use of unsuitable cosmetic products
- Excessive drying or irritation of the skin
- Some medications and environmental factors
Since the cause of acne may vary from person to person, the skin should be evaluated in detail before acne treatment.
Which Areas Can Acne Affect?
Acne most commonly appears in areas where sebaceous glands are concentrated. The face, back, chest, décolleté and shoulders are among the areas where acne is frequently seen.
Facial acne usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and jawline. Back acne and body acne may be more widespread, painful or more prone to leaving scars.
The area affected by acne is important for treatment planning. Facial acne, back acne, hormonal acne and inflamed acne may require different approaches.
What Are the Symptoms of Acne?
Acne may appear with different types of lesions. In mild acne, blackheads and whiteheads are more prominent, while moderate and severe acne may involve red bumps, inflamed pimples, nodules or cysts.
Acne symptoms may include:
- Open comedones, also known as blackheads
- Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads
- Red papules
- Inflamed pustules
- Painful nodules
- Cystic acne lesions
- Post-acne spots and scar formation
Acne lesions should not be squeezed or irritated. Incorrect interventions may increase the risk of acne scars and pigmentation.
How Is Acne Treatment Planned?
Acne treatment should be planned according to the severity of acne and the individual’s skin structure. In mild acne, topical cream, gel or lotion treatments may be sufficient. In moderate and severe acne cases, systemic treatments may be required.
Methods that may be considered in acne treatment include:
- Topical acne treatments
- Systemic medication treatments
- Medical skin care for acne-prone skin
- Chemical peeling applications
- Laser and device-assisted treatments
- Fractional radiofrequency or Scarlet X applications for acne scars
- A personalized skin care routine
The aim of acne treatment is not only to reduce existing pimples. The goal is also to control new acne formation, reduce the risk of acne marks and acne scarring, support the skin barrier and help achieve a more balanced skin appearance.
How Do Acne Scars Form?
Acne scars may develop especially after inflamed, deep or long-lasting acne lesions. As the skin tries to repair the inflamed area, it produces collagen. This healing process may sometimes leave scars in the form of depressed, raised or irregular skin texture.
Acne scars may commonly appear as atrophic, or depressed, scars or hypertrophic, or raised, scars. To reduce the formation of acne scars, it is important to control active acne at an early stage.
Is Acne Scar Treatment Possible?
The aim of acne scar treatment is to reduce the appearance of scars, support skin texture and help achieve a smoother-looking skin surface. Complete disappearance of scars cannot be guaranteed; results may vary depending on the type and depth of the scars, skin structure and treatment protocol.
In acne scar treatment, chemical peeling, fractional radiofrequency, Scarlet X, laser applications, mesotherapy, PRP or different skin rejuvenation methods may be evaluated individually.
How Long Does Acne Scar Treatment Take?
The duration of acne scar treatment may vary depending on the depth and extent of the scars and the treatment method selected. A single session is usually not sufficient; a treatment plan consisting of several sessions may be required.
Session intervals and the total treatment duration should be determined after a doctor’s evaluation. If active acne is still present, the priority is to bring acne under control first.
Which Devices Are Used in Acne Scar Treatment?
The devices and methods used in acne scar treatment are determined according to the type of scar. Fractional radiofrequency, gold needle radiofrequency, laser applications and skin rejuvenation technologies may be planned to support the improvement of acne scar appearance.
The choice of device should be made according to the person’s skin tone, scar structure, active acne status and skin sensitivity. Therefore, dermatological examination before acne scar treatment is important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
Can acne go away on its own?
Some acne lesions may become milder over time. However, if acne persists, spreads, becomes inflamed or carries a risk of scarring, dermatological treatment is required.
Does acne leave scars?
Inflamed, deep, cystic and squeezed acne lesions in particular may leave scars. Acne treatment planned at an early stage may help reduce the risk of acne scarring.
How long does acne treatment take?
The duration of acne treatment varies depending on the person’s skin structure, acne severity and response to treatment. Regular follow-up and the correct skin care routine are important parts of the process.
Which treatment is more suitable for acne?
The most suitable acne treatment should be determined by a dermatology specialist according to the person’s skin type, acne severity, lesion type and risk of scarring.
Acne Treatment in Göktürk, Istanbul
Acne is a skin condition that requires personalized evaluation. Not every type of acne responds to the same treatment. Therefore, in acne treatment, skin type, acne severity, distribution of lesions and risk of acne scarring should be evaluated together.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, a personalized treatment plan is created for acne, acne scars and post-acne pigmentation concerns.
For concerns related to acne, acne scars or post-acne pigmentation, you can contact Dr. Seher Arı Clinic and receive information about suitable treatment options for your skin.