Acne treatments

Both men and women produce naturally occurring hormones which in turn stimulates the oil glands in the skin to produce a substance called sebum. Keratin, produced by the skin, in combination with sebum results in proliferation of the bacteria which in turn results in inflammation. There are many factors, which can aggravate acne, including hormonal imbalances; environmental factors (heat and humidity), stress, diet and incorrect skin care products.  Treatments are aimed at addressing the cause of acne.

There are many treatments available to treat acne depending on the severity and the cause of acne.

Treatments are aimed at addressing the factors which cause acne- that is decreasing sebum production, reducing the amount of keratin shedding, and decreasing both inflammation and the bacteria in the sebaceous glands. Daily skin care is very important in the treatment of acne – your dermatologist will best advise you on the correct products to use and will individualize a treatment plan to suit you. After your acne treatments are complete, we offer advice on how to best care for your skin in the future- ensuring that you achieve the best possible cure. Acne scar revision can then be addressed once acne is in remission.

Skin care - cleansers and moisturisers. With acne prone skin it is important to use the correct products. Cleansers, moisturisers and make up should be non- comedogenic in their description. In sensitive skin types a gentle cleanser should be used, whilst in oily skin types and oil free moisturiser is ideal.

Topical treatment - creams and lotions

Topical retinoids are derivatives of naturally occurring Vitamin A.  Retinoids target abnormal keratinization of the skin, decreasing skin turnover and essential unclog pores at the molecular level. They remain as the cornerstone of acne management and treat one of the most important causes of acne- abnormal keratin formation (clogged pores.)  The retinoids we use are medically prescribed preparations.

Benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. Both BPO and antibiotics applied topically, aim at reducing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria associated with acne. In mild to moderate acne, they can be very effective. We generally recommend combining antibiotics with a topical retinoid for increased efficacy.

Chemical peels

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Chemical peels are designed to exfoliate the skin surface, reduce keratin formation, decrease bacteria counts and reduce inflammation.  They are an excellent way of treating comedomal acne (white heads and black heads).

We customise a concentration suited for your skin type and sensitivity.  Your treating dermatologist will recommend if you are more suited towards a fruit acid peel with glycolic acid or a beta acid peel of salicylic acid.  Peels are typically conducted as a series of treatments spaced two weeks apart.

More on chemical peels

More on the Clearskin Program for acne prone skin

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates the top surface layers of the skin, removing dead skin cells. This is classed as a very superficial treatment, however can be a useful method of treating blackhead acne. It can also improve skin texture, however for consistent results, microdermabrasion will need to be repeated at frequent intervals.

We do NOT perform this procedure at Westside Dermatology Group- we feel that chemical peels coupled with prescription creams is a more effective method of treatment for comedomal acne. Chemical peels are more cost effective, more effective and are quicker to perform than micodermabrasion.

More on microdermabrasion

LED treatments/ Blue light acne treatments / Red light acne treatments

LED is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial – it works by destroying the bacteria that causes acne and at the same time decreases inflammation in the skin. Red light also promotes collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin, thereby reducing the effects of scarring. The end result – clearer skin, with less redness and scarring.

We often combine LED treatment with a series of AHA Glycolic acid peels as part of our Clear Skin Program.

Note: Dermatologist do NOT usually recommend LED Light treatment as a sole treatment for acne as it does not address the underlying cause of this disease. We use this treatment as an adjunctive treatment in our patients. NO center should ethically perform Blue/ Red or Laser Light to treat scarring acne as sole treatment.

Hormonal treatments

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Hormonal treatments are aimed at targeting androgens which can increase oil and sebum production. For females we recommend the oral contraceptive pill which contain anti androgenic properties such as Diane 35, Estelle, Yaz or Yasmin. Consult your general practitioner in regards to the use of the oral contraceptive pill.

Hormonal treatments often take 3 months to be effective. They can be effective in the treatment of adult female jaw line acne. Additionally if there is worsening of acne with the period cycle, then the pill maybe an effective way of reducing your acne flares.

More information on Roaccutane.

Vitamin A tablets- Roaccutane/ Oratane

In severe cases of acne such as cystic acne, vitamin A creams are not effective in controlling the condition. Dermatologists have the option of prescribing Isotretinoin by tablet form. This form of Vitamin A is also known as Roaccutane or Oratane/ Accutane. 

More information on Roaccutane.

Acne laser treatment

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The use of laser to treat active acne is NOT recommended by our dermatologist. Laser treatment can be an excellent treatment for scarring associated with acne.

IPLor Vascular laser can also help reduce the redness associated with acne rosacea or reduce the redness associated with scars.

More information on Acne laser scar treatments

For more information on acne treatments visit Acne can be cured

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Once acne has been successfully treated and is in remission, we can then address scarring. A number of acne scar treatments can be used.

For mild cases of acne scarring, we recommend that patients enter the Clear Skin Program. This program consists of a series of AHA Glycolic peels alternating with Acne Light treatments. Chemical peels are designed to exfoliate the skin, and stimulate collagen, whilst Acne Light treatments can also penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to additionally stimulate collagen production, thereby assisting in scar remodelling.

For moderate to severe cases of acne scarring, laser treatment is recommended.Fractionated laser is now considered the forefront of scar revision.   

Laser acne scar revision with Fraxel/Fractionated lasers can reduce visible scarring by up to 60-70% after 3-4 treatments.

More on Acne scar revision 

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Though diet is not the sole cause of acne, in some patients dietary factors may flare up their condition. Eating a healthy and well balanced diet may reduce the flare up of acne. Download the Dermatologist Endorsed Acne Diet Guide.

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At the Brisbane Specialist Acne Clinic, all patients are treated by specialist Dermatologists. Dermatologists are doctors who undergo additional 5 years training specializing in skin disorders including acne. At Westside Dermatology Specialist Centre, we use a variety of treatments to address acne, including prescription medications, chemical peels and LED technology.

Your dermatologist will clear the confusion of products and skin care and place you on a regime best suited for your skin type and acne severity.

The aim is to treat acne, prevent scarring and treat any acne scars.

As we are a specialist group of doctors, a referral from your GP is advised for Medicare claims. Call us directly on (07) 3871 3437 to make a booking or enquire about the referral process.

For consultations on general skin disorders, out wait time averages 3 weeks, however for cases of Acne, the Brisbane Specialist Acne Clinic can be accessed by patients within a week of booking.

moreDr. Davin S. Lim

Dr Davin Lim, Consultant Dermatologist

The management of acne can be bewildering for many patients with an array of acne treatments and programs. The use of a simple, cost effective and non-irritating facial cleanser and moisturiser forms the base of acne treatments, with the addition of creams, chemical peels or other therapies depending on the type of acne.

Addressing the causes of acne is first and foremost, there after patients are placed on a treatment program.

Once acne is under control, a maintenance program is then given. Scars, if present, can always be improved, but only after acne has been treated.

"After years of frustration my acne is cured. I can’t believe how clear my skin is. I should have seen Dr Lim years ago… " Jess R.

"Acne free skin without the marketing hype, treatments andproducts that just work! Never had such good skin with such simple skin care…" Andrea S.

"My skin care regime can’t be simpler and cheaper. I’ ve saved heaps and my skin looks a million times better. Well worth the consultation with a dermatologist… " Georgia M