In short
- Most people see clearer skin within 6 to 8 weeks of steady treatment.
- Brown and red marks fade with treatment and sun care. Pitted scars need procedures.
- Acne usually needs a simple maintenance routine once it is under control.
What is causing my acne?
The type and grade of acne decide the treatment: blackheads and whiteheads, red bumps and pus spots, or deep painful nodules that scar.
- Hormones. Irregular periods, excess facial hair or acne along the jawline can point to PCOS. Blood tests are done only when these signs are present.
- Products. Heavy creams, hair oils and some cosmetics block pores.
- Steroid creams. "Fairness" or mixed creams with steroids cause stubborn acne-like bumps.
- Medicines and habits. Some tablets, supplements and picking at spots make acne worse.
How is active acne treated?
- Prescription creams and gels such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics, used in the right combination.
- Tablets for moderate to severe acne: a limited antibiotic course, hormonal treatment for some women, or isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne, with blood test monitoring.
- In-clinic treatment: salicylic acid peels, comedone extraction and LED light, alongside the medicines.
Read more in which chemical peel suits which type of acne.
Marks or scars?
Brown or red marks left after a pimple are not scars. They fade over months, faster with treatment and strict sun protection. Scars are changes in skin texture: narrow deep pits, wider box-shaped dents, or rolling uneven areas.
How are acne scars treated?
- Microneedling and MNRF to rebuild collagen under shallow scars and large pores.
- Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for deeper and box-shaped scars.
- Minor surgical methods for scars that lasers alone cannot lift.
- Peels for marks and mild texture.
Scar treatment is done in a series of sessions spaced weeks apart. Laser and peel settings are chosen for Indian skin, which darkens easily if treated too aggressively.
How long does treatment take to work?
- The first few weeks of a retinoid can bring dryness and a mild flare. This settles.
- Clearer skin by 6 to 8 weeks for most people.
- Scars improve gradually over several months. Most improve clearly, but complete removal is uncommon.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on how severe the problem is and which treatments suit you. After the consultation you are told the likely number of sessions and the cost before anything is booked.
Further reading
- Chemical peels for acne on Indian skin
- The four-product routine that beats a twelve-step one
- Steroid-damaged face: signs, causes and safe recovery
Common questions
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most scars improve clearly with a combination of treatments, but removing them completely is uncommon. You are told at the consultation how much improvement is realistic for your type of scars.
Can I have peels or laser while taking isotretinoin?
Tell us if you take isotretinoin. Some procedures are timed around it, so the order of treatment is planned with you.
Will my acne come back after treatment?
Acne often returns if treatment stops abruptly. A simple maintenance routine, usually a retinoid at night and sunscreen in the day, keeps it controlled.
Book a consultation
110 Sky City Arcade B-Block, Club O7 Road, Shela, Ahmedabad. Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information about treatment at Pigment Skin Clinic. It does not replace a consultation, and the right treatment for you depends on an examination.