Acne Treatment in Ankara

Acne—commonly referred to as spots or pimples—is an inflammatory skin condition affecting the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It most often develops on the face, back, chest and shoulders. Although acne commonly begins during adolescence, it may continue into adulthood or appear for the first time later in life.

Acne is not simply a temporary cosmetic concern. If it persists, it may cause post-acne marks, permanent scarring and a negative impact on self-confidence and quality of life. An effective treatment plan should therefore consider not only the visible spots but also the type, severity, extent and duration of the acne, the risk of scarring and the individual’s general health.

What Causes Acne?

Several factors contribute to the development of acne. These include increased sebum production, blockage of the hair follicles by dead skin cells, changes in the skin’s microorganisms and inflammation.

This process can lead to different types of acne lesions, including:

• Open and closed comedones, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads

• Red, raised bumps

• Inflamed pimples

• Deep, painful nodules

• Cystic lesions

The appearance and severity of acne vary from person to person. Some people develop mainly blackheads and whiteheads, while others experience deep, painful lesions with a greater risk of scarring.

Genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, certain medications, unsuitable cosmetic products, stress and skincare habits may also affect the course of acne.

How Is Acne Diagnosed?

Acne is usually diagnosed through a dermatological examination. The dermatologist assesses the type, location, extent and severity of the lesions, as well as any post-acne marks or scarring.

In some cases, acne must be distinguished from similar-looking conditions such as rosacea, perioral dermatitis, folliculitis or reactions to cosmetic and skincare products. Not every pimple-like lesion is acne, so an accurate diagnosis is essential when selecting the appropriate treatment.

Further assessment or laboratory testing may be recommended if there are signs of a possible hormonal disorder. However, routine hormone testing is not necessary for every person with acne.

How Is Acne Treatment Planned?

Acne treatment is personalised. The following factors are considered when selecting the most appropriate approach:

• The type and severity of the acne

• The location and extent of the lesions

• How long the acne has been present

• The risk of post-acne marks or scarring

• Age, skin type and skin sensitivity

• Previous treatments and their results

• Current medications and other medical conditions

• Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy

• Treatment expectations and the ability to follow the recommended plan

Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve topical products, oral medication or a combination of both. The same treatment is not suitable for every patient.

Topical Treatments for Acne

Products applied directly to the skin are often the main treatment for mild to moderate acne. Depending on the type of acne, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and other medications may be prescribed either alone or in combination.

Dryness, redness, burning or peeling may occur, particularly during the early stages of treatment. The frequency and amount of application may therefore need to be adjusted according to the individual’s skin sensitivity.

When topical antibiotics are required, they should generally be used alongside other suitable acne treatments. Uncontrolled or unnecessarily prolonged use should be avoided because of the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Oral Medications for Acne

Oral medication may be considered for moderate to severe acne or when topical treatments have not provided an adequate response.

If an oral antibiotic is required, it is usually prescribed for a limited period and combined with appropriate topical treatment. Antibiotics should not be continued longer than necessary.

Hormonal treatment may be considered for selected female patients. The decision depends on factors such as general health, accompanying symptoms, existing medical conditions, current medications and individual risk factors.

Isotretinoin may be considered for severe or nodulocystic acne, acne associated with a high risk of scarring, or cases that have not responded sufficiently to other treatments. Before treatment begins, the patient’s medical history must be assessed, and appropriate clinical and laboratory monitoring should be carried out throughout treatment.

Isotretinoin must not be used during pregnancy. Patients who could become pregnant must strictly follow the required pregnancy-prevention and monitoring programme.

Acne and Hormonal Factors in Adult Women

In adult women, acne may be more noticeable on the lower face, jawline and neck. Flare-ups may also occur around the menstrual cycle. However, the location of acne alone is not enough to diagnose a hormonal disorder.

Further assessment may be required when acne is accompanied by symptoms such as irregular periods, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair loss, significant weight changes or other signs associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

When planning treatment for adult female acne, skincare and cosmetic products, previous treatments, current medications and pregnancy plans should also be taken into account.

Post-Acne Marks and Acne Scars

Red or brown marks may remain after acne lesions heal. These colour changes are not necessarily permanent scars. Post-inflammatory redness and pigmentation may gradually fade, although they can persist for longer in some individuals.

True acne scars involve permanent structural changes in the skin. Atrophic scars may be classified as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars. Less commonly, raised hypertrophic scars or keloids may develop.

Treatment should be selected according to the type, depth and distribution of the scars. For suitable patients, one or more of the following methods may be considered:

• Subcision

• TCA CROSS

• Fractional laser treatments

• Microneedling

• RF microneedling

• Chemical peels

• Dermal fillers or surgical techniques for selected scars

Not every acne scar can be treated with the same method. Some patients may require a staged treatment plan combining several techniques. In most cases, active inflammatory acne should be adequately controlled before scar treatment begins.

Daily Skincare During Acne Treatment

Appropriate skincare is an important part of acne treatment. Excessively drying the skin or frequently using harsh exfoliants does not make acne clear more quickly. Instead, it may damage the skin barrier and increase redness, dryness and sensitivity.

General skincare recommendations for acne-prone skin include:

• Washing the skin with a gentle cleanser

• Using a moisturiser suitable for the skin type

• Choosing non-comedogenic products that are less likely to block pores

• Applying appropriate sunscreen regularly

• Avoiding squeezing or picking acne lesions

• Not using several irritating products at the same time

• Following the treatment recommended by the dermatologist consistently

Skincare products should be selected according to the individual’s skin type, sensitivity and current acne treatment.

How Long Does Acne Treatment Take?

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the acne, the methods used and the individual’s response. Improvement is not usually immediate. Dryness, sensitivity or temporary flare-ups may occur during the first few weeks of treatment.

Once acne has been brought under control, maintenance treatment or regular follow-up may be recommended to reduce the formation of new lesions. Because acne can recur, treatment should not be stopped prematurely without consulting the dermatologist.

The degree of improvement and the duration of treatment vary between individuals. Complete clearance or the prevention of future recurrence cannot be guaranteed.

Acne Treatment in Çankaya, Ankara

At the dermatology practice of Dr. Armin Müştak, acne treatment begins with a dermatological assessment of the patient’s skin type, acne severity, risk of scarring, previous treatments, medical history and individual risk factors.

Following the examination, a personalised treatment plan may be created for active acne, adult acne, post-acne marks or acne scars.

The practice is located near Turan Güneş Boulevard in Çankaya, Ankara. Appointments are available for the assessment and treatment planning of acne and acne scars.