Acne - Facial Pimples: Acne Treatment & Therapy

Acne (pimples) is a chronic, polymorphic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Learn about its management and treatment.

Acne and Treatment

What is acne? Acne is one of the most common dermatological problems that leads millions of people to a dermatologist's office. Acne is a skin condition that usually appears in adolescence, but can also occur for the first time in adulthood, even after the age of 40. Acne is a disease of the skin's sebaceous glands and the pore, which is the channel through which their contents, i.e., sebum, are discharged to the skin's surface, leading to the formation of pimples.

Who is affected by acne? According to the Hellenic Dermatological and Venereological Society, 75% of the population will at some point in their lives face the problem of acne on the skin, face or body, usually in adolescence or later, even at the age of 40+, and especially in women. Women more frequently experience acne during specific periods such as: During menstrual cycles, where an acne flare-up often occurs about a week before. During pregnancy, usually in the first trimester. In cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, where one of the symptoms is acne.

Areas where acne appears Acne mainly appears on the face but also: On the back On the chest On the shoulders These are the areas of the body where there are more sebaceous glands.

Acne: Images

Types of acne The most common types of acne are: Comedonal acne This type of acne presents with increased oiliness, dilated pores, pimples, and blackheads. Papulopustular acne This type of acne is characterized by papules or pustules. Papulonodular acne This type of acne combines more papules and nodules over a larger area. Cystic acne This type of acne is characterized by deeper lesions (cysts).

How does acne manifest? Acne manifests on the skin as: Blackheads (open comedones). Whiteheads (closed comedones). Red bumps (papules). Pustules (papules with pus at their tip). Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules). Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions).

Causes of acne Acne is associated with increased sebum production, which clogs the skin's pores. Hormones are often behind such a condition, as is heredity. Other factors that may be responsible for acne include: Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes during pregnancy. Starting or stopping birth control pills. Taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids and barbiturates. Diet can play its own role. Acne can also be aggravated by: Inappropriate makeup and skin care products. Inappropriate hair care products. Consumption of certain foods.

Mild, moderate & severe acne Acne that occurs in adolescents and adults can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild with blackheads and whiteheads, perhaps with some papules or pustules. Moderate , with more blackheads and whiteheads, as well as papules and pustules. Severe with painful papules, pustules, cysts or nodules. In the case of severe acne, there may also be marks - scars.

Types of acne Neonatal acne Acne can begin from infancy and from the first weeks of life. Neonatal acne is a type of acne that occurs in infants. It is not considered alarming and usually resolves on its own. Of course, assessment by a specialist doctor is essential and under no circumstances should any product be used without their recommendation. Adult acne Acne is not solely a "privilege" of teenagers. It can also appear in adult life. In fact, it is often possible for it to appear for the first time at the age of 30, 40, or even 50. Doctors call this type of acne, which mainly affects women going through menopause, "adult acne." The reasons that may be responsible for this type of acne include hormonal imbalances, family history, hair and skin care products, and even stress. Hormonal acne Hormonal acne is observed in adults and adolescents. Hormonal (hormone-dependent) acne is affected by hormone fluctuations, which usually occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Women experience more hormonal fluctuations and therefore are more affected by hormonal acne. Typically, it appears in adolescents in the “T” zone (forehead-nose-chin) and in adults in facial areas such as the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. Cystic acne Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of common acne. It is inflammatory acne that creates painful cysts deeper in the skin. Nodular acne is similar to cystic acne, with the difference that in the former case, the cysts contain fluid, while the nodules do not. The treatment of cystic acne is not easy and may require a considerable amount of time to address.

Rosacea Facial redness and breakouts may or may not indicate acne. Rosacea, or more correctly, rosacea disease, is actually a skin condition that can cause acne-like symptoms.

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face and eyes, but can also spread to other parts of the body. It typically appears in individuals aged 30 to 50, with fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Rosacea can also coexist on the skin with common acne. Rosacea typically appears after the age of 30, but it is not uncommon for it to occur earlier. Rosacea: Symptoms Rosacea presents with symptoms such as: Redness Flushing Visible blood vessels Edema Acne-like breakouts Uneven skin texture Rosacea: Causes The exact causes of rosacea are not known. However, scientists studying rosacea have identified indications such as: Heredity Immunological factors Microbial factors Rosacea: Treatment In recent years, treatment options for rosacea have increased, allowing for a better individualized approach. The management and treatment for rosacea, whether topical, oral medication, or procedures such as laser, does not constitute a cure. However, it can reduce or eliminate skin marks, prevent the worsening of the condition, and successfully control the situation. At the same time, the patient must be educated on daily routines that can trigger rosacea flare-ups, such as skin care, avoiding factors that can irritate the skin, such as cold air or spicy foods, and sun protection.

Acne Diagnosis A clinical examination is sufficient for the dermatologist to diagnose acne. The evaluation of any type of irritation or rash by the dermatologist is essential, as acne often resembles other medical conditions that require specific treatment.

Acne Treatment A visit to the dermatologist is crucial for the acne treatment you will follow. The dermatologist will assess your skin condition by evaluating: Your age. The type of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, etc.). The area where symptoms manifest. Previous treatments you may have undergone. The general condition of your skin. Finally, they will propose a personalized treatment plan for your specific case. Generally, mild acne is treated with topical therapy including gels, creams, lotions, or solutions primarily based on retinoids or antimicrobial products. In more severe cases of moderate or localized acne, systemic therapy with oral medications – antibiotics, hormonal treatments – may be necessary. Also, sometimes topical and systemic treatments are applied in combination. Isotretinoin, a powerful oral medication, is recommended for severe cases of inflammatory cystic acne. Isotretinoin reduces the size of sebaceous glands that produce skin oiliness. It also increases skin cell shedding and affects hair follicles. Facial Cleansing & HydraFacial In-office treatments also contribute to acne management, such as classic facial cleansing , which unclogs pores, helping the skin breathe, and HydraFacial treatment , which combines the benefits of hydradermabrasion, acidic peeling, sebum extraction, hydration, and antioxidant therapy. Acne Scars & Marks Acne treatment helps control acne and also addresses scars and marks on the skin. It is worth noting that the sooner acne treatment begins, the more the chances of developing acne scars and marks are reduced. Among the options for treating acne scars and marks, fractional laser holds a significant place due to its powerful regenerative action, as does chemical peeling , which significantly improves skin texture.

6 tips for acne

Bibliography https://www.edae.gr/home/ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/acne https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080563/ Cost

Written by Facemed Clinic Scientific Team on Feb 12, 2020 - Reviewed by Dr. Christoforos Loizidis updated Sep 5, 2025 Clinical Dermatology Fractional Laser: Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peel Facial Cleansing VIEW ALL Symptoms Pimples

How can acne clear up quickly?

Through collaboration with your doctor, adherence to treatment, patience, and perseverance. Acne treatment does not yield immediate results.

If I'm not a teenager, why am I experiencing acne?

The truth is that acne primarily affects adolescents, but it also affects older individuals, although it has been observed to occur to a greater extent in women due to hormonal imbalances.

I have mild acne. Should I visit a dermatologist?

Acne is a medical condition. Even if you have a mild form of acne, a dermatologist can best guide you on how to manage it and what treatment is suitable for your specific needs.

How does rosacea clear up?

The therapeutic approach for rosacea includes a range of options such as topical treatments, oral medication, and procedures like laser therapy.

How are acne scars and marks removed?

Scars are treated with procedures performed in the doctor's office, such as chemical peels, lasers, fillers, and minor dermatological invasive procedures.

Does the sun negatively or positively affect common acne?

This depends on the type of acne. Some types, such as papulopustular and cystic acne, improve with sun exposure, while others, such as comedonal acne, worsen. However, regardless of the type of acne, it is imperative to use sunscreen that is marked "oil free." That is, it should not be greasy.

Can deep facial cleansing improve the condition?

A deep facial cleansing is a very good ally in skin care, as it removes sebum and cleanses clogged pores, thus addressing the factors that promote lesion development. Cleansing is recommended to be repeated 1 to 3 times a year, depending on the skin type (oily-dry).