Acne is one of the most common skin concerns we see at Panacea Skin Clinics. We regularly provide acne treatment to a wide range of patients, including teenagers, adults, and those who are experiencing acne for the first time.
But acne isn’t just a surface problem.
Understanding what’s happening under the skin on a biological level is the key to treating it effectively, improving long term skin health as well as preventing scarring and its reoccurrence.
Understanding the different types of acne
Acne can appear in several forms depending on how inflamed each pore becomes. Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) occur when pores are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. When inflammation develops, this can progress to papules (small red, tender bumps) and pustules (inflamed spots containing visible pus). More severe acne may include nodules or cysts, which are deeper, painful lesions under the skin and carry a higher risk of scarring. Identifying the type of acne is important, as different forms respond best to different treatment approaches.
The Spot Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
What you see on the surface – a whitehead, blackhead or inflamed pimple actually began weeks earlier.
Acne develops when:
- Oil production increases
- Dead skin cells block the pore
- Bacteria multiply inside the follicle
- The immune system triggers an inflammatory response
By the time a pimple appears, the inflammatory process is already well underway.
This is why quick fixes such as facials or harsh scrubs rarely give lasting results – acne needs a treatment approach that targets the underlying causes, not just the visible spot you see on the surface!
Teen Acne vs Adult Acne:
Same Condition, Different Triggers
During puberty, the body increases production of several hormones that trigger physical changes – and these same hormones also affect the skin. Hormone levels usually stabilise as we approach our twenties, which is why acne often settles. However, in some people – androgen hormones remain sensitive, leading to persistent adult hormonal acne. Conditions such as PCOS, insulin resistance and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia can increase adult acne risk.
Here’s a simple breakdown of each:
Teen acne
- Driven mainly by puberty hormones
- Often appears on the forehead, nose and cheeks (T-section where oil production is higher)
- Commonly includes blackheads and redness/congestion
Can usually be effectively managed by incorporating a few simple medical grade home products as well as mild in clinic acne treatment.
Adult acne
- Often hormonal or stress-related
- Typically affects the jawline, chin and neck
- Can be deeper, more inflamed and slower to heal
Adult acne is especially common in women in their 20s to 40s – and often requires a more targeted, medical approach.
The End of a Pimple’s Life:
Think before you pick!
Once a pimple forms, the body begins its own clean-up process.
Over days to weeks:
- Immune cells called macrophages move into the area, breaking down bacteria and damaged tissue
- Inflammation gradually settles
- The skin begins to repair itself
This healing phase explains why pimples eventually disappear – but it also explains why picking or squeezing can delay the process and increase the risk of:
- Post-acne pigmentation
- Prolonged redness
- Permanent scarring
The most effective way to speed recovery is to keep pores clear, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier, rather than trying to extract lesions at home.
Early Acne Treatment = Less Scarring
Inflammation is the main driver of acne scarring and long-term texture changes.
Medical grade acne treatment and products help to:
- Calm active breakouts faster
- Reduce post-acne marks
- Prevent deeper inflammation
- Protect long-term skin quality
This is especially important for teenagers, where early intervention can prevent scarring which can greatly impact confidence and self-esteem long term.
Professional Treatments That Target Acne at the Source
At Panacea Skin Clinics, we create personalised treatment plans based on your acne type, severity and skin sensitivity. For some of our patients this may involve one of the treatments below, or a combination approach, depending on your individual skin needs! m
Medical-Grade Chemical Peels (SkinCeuticals)
These clinical acne treatments help to:
- Unclog pores and reduce congestion
- Control oil production
- Increase cellular turnover using clinic only percentages of actives which remove build up of dead skin cells and bacteria
- Calm inflammation
- Fade post-acne pigmentation
Performed under clinical supervision, they deliver more controlled, faster and more effective results than over-the-counter exfoliants.
LED Light Therapy (Dermalux)
Dermalux LED uses specific wavelengths of light which are medically proven to:
- Destroy acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) (blue light 415NM)
- Reduce inflammation and redness as well as create new, healthy collagen (red light 632NM)
- Accelerate healing (Near infra-red 830NM)
It’s gentle, non-invasive and ideal for both teens and adults.
Medical Microneedling
Once active acne is under control, medical microneedling helps to:
- Stimulate collagen for healing and glowy youthful skin
- Improve and reduce acne scarring
- Smooth uneven texture
- Reduce enlarged pores
A series of treatments is usually recommended for best results – this will be guided based on your individual needs
The Foundation: Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional acne treatment works best when supported by the right home routine.
Medical-grade skincare such as SkinCeuticals which is backed by evidence based clinical trials helps to:
- Keep pores clear
- Regulate oil production
- Reduce inflammation
- Support skin barrier repair
- Prevent the signs of ageing
A simple, consistent routine is far more effective than multiple trending products.
But what about my diet?
Many people were told growing up that chocolate or greasy foods cause breakouts. The science is more nuanced.
Current research shows:
- High glycaemic diets (sugary drinks, white bread, processed cereals, refined carbohydrates) are associated with increased acne
- Some studies suggest a link between dairy consumption and acne in certain individuals
- These studies show association, not direct cause and effect
What we do know:
Diets high in processed, high-sugar foods can increase inflammation in the body – and acne is an inflammatory condition.
A skin-supportive approach includes:
- Whole foods (fresh produce, raw nuts, legumes, eggs, unprocessed dairy, and fresh fish)
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein and healthy fats
- Minimising highly processed, high-sugar foods
Everyday Habits That Help (or Harm)
Many patients unknowingly aggravate their acne before seeking professional help. Below are some simple habits that can support clearer skin – as well as common habits that may be making breakouts worse.
Helpful
- Non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen
- Gentle cleansing (not over-washing)
- Daily SPF50+ to prevent pigmentation and premature aging
- Stress management and good sleep
Harmful
- Picking or squeezing pimples (we know it’s hard to resist!) – this increases inflammation and the risk of scarring. Try using hydrocolloid pimple patches instead.
- Over washing or using harsh physical scrubs, strong chemical exfoliants or alcohol-based products
- Frequently changing skincare products, which can irritate the skin and disrupt its balance
- Following social media trends or using products with limited clinical evidence, which may contain pore-clogging or irritating ingredients
- Overloading the skin with too many active ingredients at once
These habits can damage the skin barrier, leading to delayed healing, increased redness, irritation or dermatitis. A compromised barrier also allows more bacteria and irritants to penetrate the skin – which can worsen acne and prolong breakouts.
What Now? Let’s Get Your Skin Back on Track
Whether you’re a teenager experiencing breakouts for the first time, or an adult dealing with persistent hormonal acne, the right acne treatment plan can make a significant difference, whereas the wrong advice could be detrimental to your skin!
At Panacea Skin Clinics, our experienced Registered Nurses provide personalised acne assessments and evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your skin.
Want to learn more? See our skin concern page dedicated to acne
https://panaceaskinclinics.com.au/skin-concerns/acne/
or Book a complimentary consultation to:
- Assess your individual acne type and triggers
- Build a personalised treatment plan
- Support clear skin and long-term skin health
