Acne is not cleared in one procedure. You work through stages to settle it down: calm the angry inflammation first, manage sebum and pores so it does not return, then repair the scars left behind. Skip a stage and you only end up with more scarring.
Step 1: calm the angry inflammation first
When red, throbbing pustular acne flares up, stop squeezing or irritating it. Clinics use injections to quickly bring down swollen lesions or pair that with medication to stabilize the oil glands. Aggressively exfoliating at home during this phase spreads inflammation, so keep cleansing and moisturizing gentle.
Step 2: manage sebum and pores
Once the inflammation eases, move on to care that prevents recurrence. For skin that overproduces oil, a sebum-regulating laser or chemical peel clears clogged pores.
- Chemical peel: dissolves old dead skin and sebum debris to clear the pore opening
- Sebum-control laser: heats overactive oil glands to lower output
- Extraction: hygienically removes settled comedones
If you are unsure what to choose at this stage, a breakdown of laser types helps.
Step 3: repair the remaining scars
Inflammation often leaves red marks or pitted scars. Pigment marks may fade with time, but pitted scars do not fill in on their own and need a separate procedure. The approach varies by scar type, so check the guide on acne scar types to find the right method.
Home care is half the work
It does not end with clinic procedures. Putting off your nighttime cleanse or layering oily products undoes the effort. Over-drying your skin by blotting away every trace of oil actually triggers more sebum, so balance it with a mild cleanser and light hydration. UV light deepens pigment marks, so apply sun protection consistently.
Be realistic about the timeline
Acne improves along your skin's cycle, so it will not wrap up in a few weeks. It usually runs over several months across multiple sessions, with costs ranging from the tens of thousands to the mid hundreds of thousands of won per visit depending on method and scope. Giving your skin time to recover is safer than rushing strong procedures back to back.
Frequently Asked Questions
My acne is severe; can I go straight to scar treatment?
Treating scars while active inflammation is present can spread it through irritation. The right order is to calm the inflammation first, then move to the scar stage once things have settled.
Will medication alone help?
Mild cases can improve with medication, but once pores are clogging and scars are forming, pairing procedures gives better results. Your medical team sets the combination based on your condition.
Can I just cover it with makeup?
Light makeup is fine, but heavy coverage clogs pores and worsens things. A thorough cleanse before bed matters more than makeup.
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional before any procedure; prices, results, and side effects vary by individual skin condition and clinic.