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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.
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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.

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Angie is extremely gentle and very attentive, always suggesting other ways to help improve the condition of my skin. The treatments are incredibly effective and my skin has improved considerably.

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I am happy with the service. I have been consulting with Larushka and Dr for 9 months now. Thus far I can see positive results and they always call after treatment and check if everything is ok. The front line staff are also welcoming and I enjoy coming here for my treatment. The products Dr recommended are working fine and there are no complaints.

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Excellent! The Best facial I have ever had, Bianca is an incredible therapist. Her over all ability, nature and professionalism is to be commended. The front office staff are always helpful and accommodating at Skin Renewal Morningside.

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The Body Renewal Diet programme for myself and Acne treatment for my daughter offered by the very friendly and competent team at Skin Renewal Somerset West is showing real results, judging by the comments we receive from friends and family - we are definitely in capable hands and I have recommended the salon to my friends!

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Tammy het my dadelik laat welkom voel. Ek waardeer die professionele en vriendelike wyse waarop sy ons sessies hanteer. Elke behandeling is persoonlik en spreek my unieke behoeftes aan en Tammy doen baie moeite om 'n ontspanne en rustige atmorsfeer te skep. Ek sien uit na my volgende behandelings.

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Great experience whilst treating my acne treatments. Although the peels can be dreadful a lot of the time, overall I look forward to my appointments at Skin Renewal Parkhurst!

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Acne and pigmentation in the 40's is a trail. Thankfully I found Skin Renewal through 'Google'. I have been very pleased with the treatment at the Fourways branch. Beverley, my therapist, is an Angel except when the stuff she puts on my face burns like I am in Hades. But she is wonderfully reassuring and gentle and I am seeing the results. Very happy with my care treatment

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The therapists are so professional and friendly. They inform me step-by- step about every aspect of my treatment. I was given specially tailored advice. The environment is relaxed and comfortable. The progress my skin has made has been more than I expected. I am so grateful that my skin is healing and my confidence is returning. Larushka has been an absolute pleasure. I look forward to my treatments every time.

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I have been suffering from acne for almost 20 years now. I have been on Roaccutane which worked for 2 years and then the acne came back. Skin Renewal has offered me a solution which has produced amazing results. Including safe laser treatment for black skin. Doctor Burt listens to your feedback honestly and adjusts treatment where necessary. My therapist has been amazing. Overall world class service and results.

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Coming into Skin Renewal is such a wonderful and relaxing experience. Not only is the environment itself beautiful, but the treatments and products are of the highest quality. Liza is an incredible therapist and knows exactly what will work on your skin for your desired results.

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