It’s common for acne to initially worsen when starting a new treatment, a phenomenon often referred to as the “purging phase.” This occurs as treatments accelerate skin cell turnover, causing the skin to expel sebaceous secretions and inflammatory products. This phase is temporary and should improve as the treatment continues to clear the pores.

To effectively use an acne spot treatment, start by cleansing your skin thoroughly to remove any impurities. Apply a small amount of the spot treatment directly onto the blemish with clean washed hands. It’s important to follow the specific product instructions regarding frequency of application—typically once or twice a day. Be patient, as it might take a few days to see improvement. Avoid applying too much product, which can lead to skin irritation.

The best acne treatment varies widely among individuals and depends on factors like age, gender, acne type and severity, skin tone, and the presence of scars or previously unsuccessful treatments. A thorough initial evaluation by a skilled physician is crucial to tailor a treatment plan that addresses specific needs and conditions effectively.

Treating acne scars can be more challenging than treating acne itself. Depending on your skin type, it might not be possible to completely eliminate scars as if they were never there. Effective management often requires multiple treatments and a combination of modalities like laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling to improve the appearance of scars. Consulting with an aesthetic medicine physician or a dermatologist is essential to determine the best approach tailored to your specific skin needs and to achieve the optimal results.

Back acne (also called Backne) in females can be caused by various factors including hormonal fluctuations, especially related to menstrual cycles or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other contributors include excessive sweating, tight clothing that traps sweat and dirt, and the use of certain skin or hair care products that can clog pores. Genetics can also play a role in predisposing individuals to acne. Managing back acne effectively often involves maintaining good hygiene, using non-comedogenic products, and, in some cases, medical treatments like lasers and chemical peels. Peels like Vi Peel and BioRePeel have been promising in treating backne.

Bacterial acne, typically caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (formerly called Corynebacterium acne), often appears as inflamed, red bumps on the skin, which may develop into pustules or cysts filled with pus. These lesions can be painful or tender to the touch and are usually more pronounced than non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads or whiteheads. Bacterial acne can lead to scarring if not properly treated early.

Determining whether your acne is bacterial or hormonal involves noting specific characteristics and triggers. Bacterial acne is often marked by widespread, inflamed pimples that are red and can contain pus, commonly caused by certain bacteria infecting clogged oil producing glands. These bacteria thrive in oily skin. Hormonal acne typically appears in areas like the jawline, chin, cheeks, chest and back and is linked to hormonal fluctuations, often worsening during menstrual cycles or due to hormonal imbalances with preponderance of androgenic hormones. It may present as deep, painful cysts. Placing one on birth control pills, spironolactone or metformin can improve hormonal acne. Consulting a physician experienced in treating acne is recommended to accurately diagnose and treat the type of acne you’re experiencing.