Acne & Acne Scarring
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages, from teenagers to adults. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to various types of breakouts. While acne is not dangerous, it can be frustrating, affect confidence, and sometimes leave scarring or post-inflammatory marks.
At About Face, we believe in evidence-based solutions to help you understand your skin and treat acne in a way that works best for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of acne, what causes them, and the best skincare ingredients to help manage them.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a multifactorial condition, meaning there isn’t just one cause. Instead, a combination of factors can contribute to breakouts:
● Excess Oil (Sebum) Production – When sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it clogs pores.
● Dead Skin Cell Buildup – If skin cells don’t shed properly, they mix with oil and block hair follicles.
● Bacterial Overgrowth – The Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria thrives in clogged pores, leading to inflammation.
● Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in androgens (such as testosterone) can increase oil production, especially in teens, pregnant women, and those with conditions like PCOS.
● Diet & Lifestyle – High-glycemic foods, dairy, and stress can contribute to breakouts.
● Genetics – If acne runs in your family, you may be more prone to developing it.
Types of Acne & How to Treat Them
Comedonal Acne (Blackheads & Whiteheads)
What It Looks Like:
Comedonal acne is non-inflammatory and appears as small bumps on the skin.
● Blackheads (Open Comedones): Pores filled with oil and debris that turn dark due to oxidation.
● Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Small, flesh-colored or white bumps where the pore remains closed.
What Causes It?
● Excess oil and dead skin cells clogging the pore.
● Use of heavy or comedogenic skincare and makeup products.
● Insufficient exfoliation, leading to a buildup of debris.
Best Skincare Ingredients:
● Salicylic Acid (BHA) – Dissolves excess oil and clears pores.
● Niacinamide – Regulates oil production and soothes irritation.
● Retinol (Vitamin A) – Speeds up cell turnover and prevents clogged pores.
We recommend
Papules & Pustules (Inflammatory Acne)
What It Looks Like:
Inflammatory acne appears as red, swollen bumps, often painful to the touch.
● Papules: Small, firm, red bumps with no visible pus.
● Pustules: Similar to papules but with a white or yellow pus-filled center.
What Causes It?
● Overgrowth of C. acnes bacteria, leading to inflammation.
● Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty or menstrual cycles.
● Picking or squeezing breakouts, making inflammation worse.
Best Skincare Ingredients:
● Tea Tree Oil – A natural antibacterial agent that helps reduce inflammation and bacteria without irritating the skin.
● Niacinamide – Reduces redness and inflammation.
● Sulfur – Absorbs excess oil and calms irritation.
We recommend
Nodules & Cysts (Severe Acne)
What It Looks Like:
Nodular and cystic acne are severe, deep, and painful breakouts beneath the skin.
● Nodules: Large, firm lumps under the skin with no pus.
● Cysts: Soft, pus-filled lumps that can leave scarring if not treated properly.
What Causes It?
● Hormonal imbalances causing excessive oil production.
● Bacteria trapped deep within the skin, leading to painful inflammation.
● Genetic predisposition to severe acne.
Best Skincare Ingredients:
● Azelaic Acid – Reduces bacterial growth and inflammation.
● Retinol/Retinoids – Helps prevent clogged pores and promotes skin renewal.
● Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates skin to counteract dryness from treatments.
We recommend
Acne Scarring & Post-Inflammatory Marks
What It Looks Like:
Even after acne heals, it can leave behind marks and scars:
● Atrophic Scars: Indented scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
● Hypertrophic Scars: Raised, thickened scars from excess collagen.
● Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Brown or dark spots left after acne heals.
● Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): Red or pink marks due to inflammation.
What Causes It?
● Picking or squeezing acne, leading to tissue damage.
● Inflammation triggering excess melanin production.
● Lack of sun protection, making marks and scars worse.
Best Skincare Ingredients:
● Vitamin C – Brightens skin and fades dark marks.
● AHAs (Glycolic/Lactic Acid) – Gently resurfaces the skin to improve texture.
● SPF 50+ Sunscreen – Prevents further darkening of acne scars.
We recommend
Acne can be frustrating, but it is treatable with the right skincare and professional support. Whether you’re dealing with mild breakouts or deep cystic acne, ABOUTFACE Camden & Sydney can create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.
Shop our range of Acne products here or Book a Consultation
At ABOUTFACE Camden & Sydney, we specialize in professional acne treatments tailored to your unique skin concerns. Whether you're struggling with blackheads, whiteheads, hormonal acne, cystic breakouts, or stubborn acne scars, our expert dermal therapists use advanced clinical treatments to help restore clear, healthy skin. We offer customized facials, chemical peels, skin needling, LED therapy, mesoJect and medical-grade skincare from Bioline and Toskani—two globally recognized brands known for their scientifically backed solutions for acne-prone skin.
If you're searching for the best acne treatment in Sydney or Camden, our clinic provides personalized skincare plans using active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and retinol to target breakouts and prevent future flare-ups. Say goodbye to persistent acne and post-inflammatory marks with our evidence-based skincare solutions. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin with ABOUTFACE, your trusted acne specialists in Camden & Sydney.