Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages—not just teenagers. It occurs when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and, in some cases, deeper inflamed lesions. Acne can vary from mild and occasional breakouts to more persistent or severe forms that may impact both the skin and self-confidence.

There is no single cause of acne. Hormones, genetics, stress, certain medications, lifestyle factors, and inappropriate skincare can all contribute to its development. Because everyone's skin is different, effective acne management begins with understanding the underlying factors contributing to each individual's condition.

At Melbourne Skin, helping clients manage acne is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to have been recognised as Acne Clinic of the Year in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based skin care and personalised treatment plans. Our experienced Dermal Clinicians take the time to understand your skin, educate you throughout your journey, and develop a tailored treatment and home-care program designed to support healthier skin over time.

Acne can present in many different forms, and understanding the type of acne you have is essential in creating the most effective treatment plan. At Melbourne Skin, every acne journey begins with a thorough skin consultation to identify the type and severity of your acne before recommending a personalised approach.

Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Blackheads occur when a pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The surface remains open, causing the material inside to oxidise and appear black. They are non-inflammatory but can contribute to congestion.

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Whiteheads form when a blocked pore remains closed beneath the skin. They appear as small, flesh-coloured or white bumps and are a common sign of congested skin.

Papules
Papules are small, red, inflamed bumps that develop when blocked pores become irritated. They are often tender to touch and do not contain visible pus.

Pustules
Pustules are inflamed pimples that contain pus. They typically appear as red bumps with a white or yellow centre and are one of the most recognised forms of acne.

Nodules
Nodules are large, firm, painful lumps that develop deep beneath the skin. They are a more severe form of acne and should not be squeezed, as they carry a higher risk of scarring.

Cysts
Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. These deep, inflamed lesions are often painful and have a greater likelihood of causing permanent acne scarring if not appropriately managed.

Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne commonly develops around the lower face, jawline, and chin and may fluctuate with hormonal changes. It can affect both teenagers and adults and often requires a personalised treatment approach.

No matter the type of acne, early assessment and appropriate management are important to help minimise ongoing breakouts and reduce the risk of acne scarring. Our experienced Dermal Clinicians will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual skin concerns and goals.

Acne develops when hair follicles (pores) become blocked with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. While this process is common, there is rarely a single cause of acne. In most cases, several factors contribute to the condition.

Some of the most common causes and contributing factors include:

• Hormonal changes – Fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, menopause, or conditions such as PCOS can increase oil production and trigger breakouts.
• Genetics – If acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
• Excess oil production – Oily skin is more prone to blocked pores and congestion.
• Bacteria – An overgrowth of naturally occurring acne-causing bacteria within the pores can contribute to inflammation and breakouts.
• Dead skin cell build-up – When dead skin cells are not shed effectively, they can clog pores and lead to acne.
• Stress – While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can worsen existing breakouts by influencing hormone levels and inflammation.
• Certain medications – Some medications may contribute to acne as a side effect.
• Lifestyle factors – Diet, sleep, exercise, skincare habits, and environmental factors may all play a role for some individuals.

At Melbourne Skin, we understand that every person's acne is different. During your consultation, our experienced Dermal Clinicians will identify the underlying factors contributing to your acne and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin, lifestyle, and goals. Understanding the cause is the first step towards achieving healthier, clearer skin.

No. While congestion and acne are often confused, they are different skin concerns.

Congested skin occurs when pores become blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris. It typically appears as blackheads, whiteheads, small bumps, or rough, uneven skin texture. Congestion is generally non-inflammatory, meaning the skin is not red, swollen, or painful.

Acne develops when these blocked pores become inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by acne-causing bacteria and other factors, resulting in red pimples, pustules, nodules, or cysts.

Think of congestion as the early stage of the acne process. If left untreated, congested pores can progress into inflammatory acne. However, not everyone with congestion will develop acne.

During your consultation at Melbourne Skin, our Dermal Clinicians will determine whether your skin is experiencing congestion, acne, or a combination of both, allowing us to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin's needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating acne. At Melbourne Skin, every acne journey begins with a comprehensive skin consultation, where our experienced Dermal Clinicians assess your skin, identify the underlying causes of your acne, and develop a personalised treatment plan.

For many clients, professional chemical peels form the foundation of their treatment program. Carefully selected peels help exfoliate the skin, reduce congestion, support healthy skin renewal, and create an environment that is less favourable for acne-causing bacteria.

However, not all acne should be treated aggressively from the outset. If your skin is highly inflamed, sensitive, or your skin barrier is compromised, we may first recommend calming and anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin before introducing more corrective treatments such as chemical peels.

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your skin's condition and may include a combination of in-clinic treatments, evidence-based home care, and ongoing reviews to support healthier, clearer skin over time.

The best way to reduce the risk of acne scarring is to treat acne early and effectively. The longer acne remains inflamed, the greater the chance of damage occurring to the deeper layers of the skin, which can lead to permanent scarring.

It's also important to avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples, as this can increase inflammation, introduce bacteria, delay healing, and significantly increase the risk of both scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine using products recommended by your Dermal Clinician can help keep breakouts under control and support a healthy skin barrier. Daily use of SPF sunscreen is also essential, as UV exposure can worsen post-acne pigmentation and slow the skin's healing process.

At Melbourne Skin, we focus on treating acne before scarring develops. Through early intervention, personalised treatment plans, professional in-clinic treatments, and tailored home care, we aim to help minimise inflammation, support healthy healing, and reduce the likelihood of long-term acne scarring.