x
Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people globally. Early intervention is crucial when managing acne or any other skin condition. Once damage occurs, complete recovery may be difficult, and scarring can become permanent. The best way to prevent acne and promote long-term skin health is through early detection, effective treatments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Download Brochure

The Importance of Early Acne Management: Prevention and Treatment 

What Causes Acne? 

Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Several factors contribute to this, including: 

Acne Treatment Options at Skin Renewal 

At Skin Renewal, we offer a range of treatments to manage acne effectively. Our treatments target each patient's needs, from mild to severe acne. We believe in the power of combination treatments to achieve optimal results. While individual treatments can target specific skin concerns, they often fall short of addressing the root causes and multifaceted nature of skin conditions. Our combination treatment solutions utilise a holistic approach, blending advanced therapies like laser treatments, chemical peels, and skin rejuvenation techniques to target different layers of the skin simultaneously. This method ensures a more comprehensive and effective outcome, promoting long-lasting results by treating the skin from every angle rather than relying on a single treatment modality.

Preventing and Managing Acne 

Prevention is always better than cure. While acne can be persistent, there are steps you can take to minimise its occurrence: 

Acne in Adolescents and Adults 

Acne typically affects 80-95% of adolescents due to hormonal changes during puberty. However, many adults also experience acne, especially women. Adult acne can be linked to hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Hormonal Acne in Women: Women may experience hormonal acne during their menstrual cycle or due to conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which increases androgen levels, leading to more severe acne. 

The Science Behind Acne 

Acne arises from the interaction of four main factors: 

  1. Blocked Pores: Dead skin cells block the hair follicles, leading to comedones (blackheads or whiteheads). 

  1. Excess Oil Production: Androgens increase sebum (oil) production, which clogs pores. 

  1. Bacteria Proliferation: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) thrives in blocked pores, causing inflammation. 

  1. Inflammation: The body's immune response to the bacteria leads to redness, swelling, and sometimes cysts. 

Treating Acne Scarring 

If scarring remains after acne treatment, the focus will shift to improving skin texture and reducing scarring. Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy can help reduce acne scars and restore smooth skin. 

Holistic Approach to Acne Management 

At Skin Renewal, we take a holistic, doctor-led approach to acne treatment, incorporating nutritional advice, lifestyle changes, and supplements to complement our medical treatments. We may recommend testing for conditions such as low stomach acid, which can impact skin health by reducing the absorption of essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and iron. 

Nutritional Support for Acne: 

If you're struggling with acne, book a consultation with one of our experienced aesthetic doctors today to receive a personalised treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of your acne. 

frequently asked
questions

Are acne treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
What age is acne the worst?

Acne is typically the worst during puberty, often between the ages of 12 and 24, due to hormonal changes that increase the production of sebum (skin oil). However, adult acne is becoming more common, affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s, particularly women.

Why are you suddenly getting acne?

Sudden acne breakouts can be caused by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, changes in your skincare routine, or even certain medications. If you're experiencing adult acne, it could be linked to hormonal changes, stress, or dietary triggers like dairy or high-glycaemic foods.

Why won't your acne go away?

Persistent acne can result from improper skincare, clogged pores, or underlying factors like hormonal imbalances and chronic stress. Using harsh skincare products or over-exfoliating can worsen the condition. Consider consulting a Skin Renewal doctor for a doctor-led, personalised treatment solution, especially if over-the-counter solutions are ineffective.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically appears as red, inflamed pimples or cysts, often concentrated on the forehead, chin, or jawline. It can develop due to increased cortisol levels, which cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.

How do you know if your acne is hormonal?

Hormonal acne often presents as deep, painful cysts along the chin, jawline, and lower face. Breakouts may flare up during menstruation, pregnancy, or times of high stress. If your acne appears cyclically or worsens with hormonal changes, it could be hormonal in nature.

Does acne go away on its own?

Acne may sometimes clear up independently, primarily related to puberty. However, for many, acne can persist into adulthood. If left untreated, acne can lead to scarring. It's essential to use effective treatments and skincare to manage it and prevent long-term damage.

Can drinking lots of water reduce acne?

While staying hydrated helps support healthy skin, drinking water alone won't cure acne. However, it can improve overall skin health by promoting cell turnover and flushing out toxins—pair hydration with a consistent skincare routine to manage acne effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Are acne treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
What age is acne the worst?

Acne is typically the worst during puberty, often between the ages of 12 and 24, due to hormonal changes that increase the production of sebum (skin oil). However, adult acne is becoming more common, affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s, particularly women.

Why are you suddenly getting acne?

Sudden acne breakouts can be caused by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, changes in your skincare routine, or even certain medications. If you're experiencing adult acne, it could be linked to hormonal changes, stress, or dietary triggers like dairy or high-glycaemic foods.

Why won't your acne go away?

Persistent acne can result from improper skincare, clogged pores, or underlying factors like hormonal imbalances and chronic stress. Using harsh skincare products or over-exfoliating can worsen the condition. Consider consulting a Skin Renewal doctor for a doctor-led, personalised treatment solution, especially if over-the-counter solutions are ineffective.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically appears as red, inflamed pimples or cysts, often concentrated on the forehead, chin, or jawline. It can develop due to increased cortisol levels, which cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.

How do you know if your acne is hormonal?

Hormonal acne often presents as deep, painful cysts along the chin, jawline, and lower face. Breakouts may flare up during menstruation, pregnancy, or times of high stress. If your acne appears cyclically or worsens with hormonal changes, it could be hormonal in nature.

Does acne go away on its own?

Acne may sometimes clear up independently, primarily related to puberty. However, for many, acne can persist into adulthood. If left untreated, acne can lead to scarring. It's essential to use effective treatments and skincare to manage it and prevent long-term damage.

Can drinking lots of water reduce acne?

While staying hydrated helps support healthy skin, drinking water alone won't cure acne. However, it can improve overall skin health by promoting cell turnover and flushing out toxins—pair hydration with a consistent skincare routine to manage acne effectively.

skin-renewal-monogram

I went to Skin Renewal Willowbridge 5 months ago, seeking a holistic approach to helping with my hormonal and stress-induced acne and scarring. After my first consultation with the doctor, I received a detailed treatment plan. After 5 monthly treatments, I am very happy to see positive results as my breakouts have reduced to about 20%, and I see great improvements in my scarring and skin texture.I look forward to further treatments and know my skin will only get better with time. I am very grateful to my amazing therapist, Dasha, for her quality service. She knows exactly what my skin needs and would recommend her and skin renewal to anyone suffering from any skin condition.

More
skin-renewal-monogram

I am just very thankful to have found Skin Renewal Fourways! I haven’t been to the other branches, so I’m going to talk about the Fourways branch. I was nervous at first because I had never done skin treatments at a facility before… but wow, am I glad I have started. I got to know about Skin Renewal from my GP, so that says a lot! I’m now four treatments in, and I feel good and excited for what’s to come after I’m done with my 6 treatments! I think the most important part of my journey with skin renewal is the trust I am fostering with them. From the professional way they approach things… not just dealing with your skin but also recommending herbal supplements and lifestyle habits that aid your healing journey holistically; to the gentleness of the staff and also the cleanliness of the establishment. My skin therapist doing my monthly treatments is Soné! Oh my goodness, Soné is the sweetest ever. She’s calming, proactive, reassuring and kind. She has great instincts. She advised me to stay consistent, and that has stuck with me! I also feel safe with her and I think that’s very important in the journey. Dr Shannon is my consulting doctor, and wow, is she just so sweet? For my first consultation (the only one so far), she was patient, listened to everything I shared and responded with compassion and professionalism! She never forced me to make drastic changes, and that made me feel comfortable to ease into things… now I am only using the products she prescribed, and I feel and see the difference. The products are gentle yet effective. The thoughtfulness of the Skin Renewal staff has helped with alleviating my initial anxieties, and, I believe, is also helping in how I am responding to the process…

More
skin-renewal-monogram

Surita is the BEST !! I took my 13 year old son (he's on the autism spectrum) to have blackheads removed from his ears and his back, and I was very impressed with Surita. She made him feel relaxed and he really enjoyed the treatment. He said he will definitely go back for a follow-up. Thank you Surita for making my "special boy" feel very special. You're amazing

More
skin-renewal-monogram

Friendly, professional, passionate practitioners - with whom I've experienced the best results on my acne-prone skin. Treatments are pricey but the practitioners are budget conscious and I've never felt like I'm wasting money. I'm grateful they're around!

More
skin-renewal-monogram

Great experience, great results. 5 stars! thanks to Danielle

skin-renewal-monogram

Surita is my superwoman!! Her hands and warm smile healed my face when I’d absolutely lost hope after covid masks ruined my skin. I’m on my way to recovery and we’re seeing wonderful results. The only regret I have is that I should have started the treatment sooner!

More
skin-renewal-monogram

I had such a connecting, enjoyable and professional experience by one of the best skin therapists at the Brooklyn clinic. Thank you to Bianca, and the whole team at the clinic. I always feel at home when I visit. Dr Zander, you are the best!

More
skin-renewal-monogram

Beverley knew exactly what first-time treatment to give my extremely dry, yet acne-prone skin. I also purchased some lovely Neostrata skincare products after Beverly shared her in-depth knowledge with me. I really appreciate the help that was given in choosing an at-home skincare routine. I cannot wait to go back next month.

More
skin-renewal-monogram

I left very happy. I kept on getting compliments of how radiant my skin looked. I would really recommend this treatment to any person with any skin concern

More
skin-renewal-monogram

Lovely treatment, it is a bit odd initially as you get used to the suction and cool water. It's actually a really relaxing treatment that leaves your skin feeling well hydrated, smooth and lifted. I was worried that my oily skin wouldn't like it, but I had a great post treatment "glow" and didn't notice an increase in oily sheen. Great all round treatment.

More
statcounter