Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This can result in inflammation, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules. Acne primarily affects the face, but it can also occur on the back, chest, shoulders, and neck.
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Causes of Acne
Acne develops due to a combination of several factors, including:
Excess Oil Production
Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum (skin oil), which can mix with dead skin cells and clog hair follicles, creating a favourable environment for bacteria to grow.
Clogged Pores
When dead skin cells don’t shed properly, they can combine with excess oil to block pores, causing blackheads or whiteheads.
Bacteria
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) naturally live on the skin and can contribute to inflammation when trapped in clogged pores, causing pimples and cysts.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and sometimes due to certain medications (like birth control or steroids), can increase oil production, leading to acne outbreaks.
Inflammation
Inflammatory acne forms when the clogged pores become infected or irritated, causing red, swollen, and painful pimples or cysts to develop.
Genetics
Family history plays a role in acne. If your parents had acne, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
Diet and Lifestyle
While the link between diet and acne isn’t fully clear, some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods (like sugar and processed foods) and dairy may contribute to acne. Stress can also exacerbate acne due to hormone fluctuations.
Types of Acne
Non Inflammatory Acne and Inflammatory Acne
Blackheads are open pores that are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads are closed pores with trapped oil and dead skin cells.
Inflammatory Acne​
Pimples (Papules): Red, raised bumps that occur when a clogged pore becomes inflamed.
Pustules: Pimples with pus in the centre, often yellow or white, caused by a bacterial infection.
Nodules: Large, painful, solid lumps that form deep under the skin due to severe inflammation.
Cysts: Painful, fluid-filled lumps that can scar the skin, resulting from severe, deep inflammation.


Signature Hydrafacial
Book in for a Signature Hydrafacial for just $150 saving $75
Get the Best Skin of your Life
The Hydrafacial is a non-invasive, multi-step treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin and target concerns like acne. Using a combination of gentle exfoliation, deep cleansing, and hydrating serums, HydraFacial addresses the key factors that contribute to clogged pores.
For those concerned with acne, this treatment is highly effective due to its ability to deeply exfoliate and clean pores. The process begins with exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, followed by a gentle suction that unclogs pores and eliminates impurities. Regular Hydrafacial treatments help to improve the overall clarity, texture and tone of the skin, and prevent further acne breakouts. ​
Recommended Treatments
Acne Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of acne but often includes a combination of topical and oral medications (prescribed by your Doctor or dermatologist).​​
Acne Scarring
While acne itself doesn’t always leave permanent marks, scarring can occur, especially with severe acne. Acne scars can take the form of:
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Atrophic scars: Depressed or pitted scars.
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Hypertrophic scars: Raised, bumpy scars caused by excess collagen production.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark spots left behind after acne heals, usually temporary.
Preventing Acne
While acne can’t always be completely prevented, a good skincare routine can help minimise breakouts.
Keep your skin clean - Wash your face twice a day with a good quality cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt.
Avoid touching your face - This can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your skin.
Use non-comedogenic products - Look for skincare and makeup products labelled as “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores.
Manage stress - Since stress can trigger hormone imbalances that worsen acne, try to incorporate stress-relieving activities into your routine, such as exercise or meditation.
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Recommendations
UltraMD & Ultraceauticals Skincare
(Professional Chemical Peels)
Ultraceuticals is a well-regarded skincare brand that offers a range of professional-grade products designed to target various skin concerns, including acne. Their products often combine high-quality ingredients and advanced formulations to help address the root causes of acne, such as excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation, while also promoting clearer, smoother skin. Here are some of the best Ultraceuticals products for acne:
Ultra Clear Treatment Lotion
Active acne, oil control, and breakout prevention Utilises a blend of Mandelic Acid and Salicylic Acid as powerful exfoliators to target congestion, clear blemishes and soothing ingredients to help comfort the skin. Paraben free. Benzoyl Peroxide free. Synthetic Fragrance-Free. Non-drying. Non-bleaching.
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Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum
Acne scars and skin texture improvement.
This serum is a potent retinol formulation that targets acne-related skin concerns like clogged pores, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars and preventing future breakouts.​
Ultra Clear Purifying Mask
Active breakouts and oily skin
This non-drying clay mask helps to remove excess oil. Leaves complexion looking refreshed, clarified and shine-free. Benzoyl Peroxide free.
Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser
Acne-prone and oily skin
​A lightweight, foaming cleanser featuring a powerful formula to help clear excess sebum. Works to remove dirt, debris, makeup and excess surface sebum to help keep pores clear and leave skin feeling refreshed. Paraben free. Benzoyl Peroxide free.
Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum
Hydration for acne-prone skin.
Acne treatments can sometimes cause dryness, but this hydrating serum is designed to replenish moisture without clogging pores. It contains vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, which help to restore the skin’s natural hydration barrier.
​Additional Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
Sun Protection: Acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily to prevent UV damage and pigmentation.
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Skin Needling for Acne
Also known as microneedling, is a popular cosmetic procedure used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars. It involves the use of tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing process and encourages the production of collagen and elastin. This makes it a highly effective treatment for improving the texture of the skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars, along with other skin imperfections.
How Skin Needling Works for Acne
Microneeding is used to create tiny, superficial punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries are small enough not to cause significant damage but are deep enough to trigger the body’s healing response and aeration of acne.
Enhanced Penetration: The micro-channels created by the needles also allow for better absorption of topical products.
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Dermalux Tri-Wave MD LED Phototherapy
LED treatment for acne works because it uses specific wavelengths of light that target the bacteria, oil production, and inflammation associated with acne.
Here's how it works for different types of acne:
Blue LED Light has antimicrobial properties, specifically targeting *Propionibacterium acnes*, the bacteria that contribute to acne. When the blue light is absorbed by the skin, it kills the bacteria and helps reduce acne outbreaks.
Red LED Light penetrates deeper into the skin and reduces inflammation. It helps to calm the skin, promotes healing, and stimulates the production of collagen, which can improve skin texture and reduce scarring.
These treatments are non-invasive and can be used as a part of an acne care regimen, typically showing visible improvements after several sessions. It works best in combination with other acne treatments (such as topical medications or a good skincare routine).
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Combining Skin Needling with Mandelic Acid Peel
When microneedling and a mandelic acid peel are used together, the results can be significantly enhanced because they complement each other’s effects. Here's why this combination is effective:
Enhanced Penetration of Active Ingredients
The microchannels created during microneedling allow mandelic acid (and other active ingredients) to penetrate deeper into the skin. This makes the peel more effective in targeting the deeper layers of skin where acne scars and discoloration are present.
Increased Collagen Production
Both microneedling and mandelic acid promote collagen synthesis. While microneedling directly stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, mandelic acid helps improve the skin’s surface texture, leading to smoother skin over time.
Improved Acne Scar Appearance
Microneedling helps break down scar tissue and stimulate new skin growth, while mandelic acid exfoliates the outer layer and promotes an even skin tone. Together, they can improve the appearance of ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars, leaving the skin looking smoother and more even.
Reduced Inflammation
Both treatments have anti-inflammatory properties, so when used together, they can calm irritated or inflamed skin, helping with active breakouts and acne-related redness.​
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IPL Acne Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a noninvasive treatment that can improve acne by using light energy to target the underlying causes of acne.
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Treatment Plan Considerations
We strongly encourage adding the Dermalux Tri-Wave MD LED Phototherapy treatment and also incorporating a series of Ultraceautical Mandelic Peels with your IPL Acne Correction Treatment.
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IPL Acne Treatment should be performed twice per week for the first 2-4 weeks​
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Maintenance is recommended monthly then tri-annually or as required
How To Contact Us
Address
6a, 335 Honour Ave,
Graceville QLD 4075
Contact
07 3 137 1643
Opening Hours
Mon - Tue, Fri
9.00 am - 2.00 pm
Wed - Thur
9.00 am - Late
Saturday
By Appointment Only
​Sunday
Closed