The Full Story
Understanding Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages. It develops when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. Early treatment can help control breakouts, reduce inflammation and minimise the risk of permanent acne scarring.
What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit, which consists of the hair follicle and sebaceous (oil) gland. It most commonly affects the face, chest, shoulders and back and can range from occasional mild breakouts to severe inflammatory acne.
Acne develops due to a combination of increased oil production, blocked pores, bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. While it is most common during adolescence, acne can affect adults at any stage of life.
Types of Acne
Acne can present in several different forms, and many people experience a combination of lesion types.
Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms of acne include:
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Blackheads
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Whiteheads
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Inflamed red spots
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Pus-filled spots
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Painful nodules or cysts
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Oily skin
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Enlarged pores
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Acne scarring
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Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Acne severity can fluctuate and may worsen during periods of hormonal change or stress.
Common Causes & Triggers
Acne develops due to several contributing factors, including:
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Hormonal changes
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Increased oil production
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Blocked pores
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Cutibacterium acnes bacteria
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Genetics
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Certain medications
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Friction from helmets or face coverings
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Stress
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Some cosmetic products
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High glycaemic diets in susceptible individuals
How is Acne Diagnosed?
Acne is diagnosed through a clinical assessment of the skin. During your consultation, your clinician will assess the severity and type of acne, identify any signs of scarring or pigmentation and discuss potential contributing factors, including hormonal influences, medications and skincare.
An OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis may also be recommended to assess skin health, congestion, inflammation and pigmentation, helping guide an individualised treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the severity and type of acne and may include:
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Prescription topical medications
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Oral medications where clinically appropriate
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Sciton ProFractional™ laser for acne scarring
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Personalised skincare programmes
Many patients benefit from combining treatments to control active acne while improving the appearance of existing scars.
Why Sciton BBL HERO® is Effective for Acne
Sciton BBL HERO® Forever Clear uses advanced BroadBand Light technology to target the multiple factors involved in acne. Different wavelengths help reduce acne-causing bacteria, calm inflammation and support the skin's natural healing response.
Treatment may help:
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Reduce inflammatory acne
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Calm redness
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Improve healing
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Reduce future breakouts
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Improve overall skin clarity
A course of treatments is typically recommended for optimal results.
Medical Skincare
Medical-grade skincare plays an important role in acne management by supporting the skin barrier, reducing excess oil, improving skin renewal and helping prevent future breakouts.
At CUC, personalised skincare recommendations may include professional products designed to complement in-clinic treatments and support long-term skin health.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if you experience:
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Persistent acne despite over-the-counter treatments
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Painful nodules or cysts
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Acne scarring
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Sudden severe acne
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Acne affecting your confidence or quality of life
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Acne associated with hormonal symptoms
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Frequent or worsening breakouts
Early treatment can reduce inflammation and significantly lower the risk of permanent scarring.
Related Treatments
Related Conditions
Book a Consultation
If you are struggling with acne or acne scarring, book a consultation with our doctor-led team. Following a comprehensive skin assessment, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin type, concerns and long-term goals.
