The Ultimate Acne Treatment Guide: An AIIMS Specialist's View

Acne is not just a cosmetic issue; it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting hair follicles and oil glands. As an AIIMS New Delhi graduate, I have seen hundreds of patients who worsened their acne by relying on salon facials, home remedies, or over-the-counter steroid creams. The key to clear skin is understanding the root cause.

Active breakouts are driven by four main factors: excess sebum (oil) production, blocked pores due to dead skin buildup, bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes), and active inflammation. A scientific treatment plan targets all four areas simultaneously.

Medical treatments range from topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide for mild acne, to oral antibiotics and oral isotretinoin for severe cystic acne. A customized medical approach is essential because what works for one skin type may trigger a severe breakout in another.

Additionally, clinic procedures like gentle salicylic acid peels, comedone extraction, and blue light therapy can speed up healing. If you are struggling with breakouts, avoid squeezing them, use a non-comedogenic sunscreen, and consult a qualified dermatologist.