Acne and Pigmentation Treatment in Abu Dhabi

Understanding Your Skin

Different Skin Concerns
Need Different Approaches

Pigmentation may develop after inflammation or sun exposure, while acne can involve clogged pores, excess oil and inflammation. Acne may also leave dark marks or scars that differ from superficial pigmentation.

Treatment selection depends on the nature of the concern, skin tone and sensitivity, previous treatments and the desired outcome.

Common Concerns

Which Concern Would You Like to Address?

Acne

Acne may appear as blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples or deep, painful lesions. Treatment depends on the type and severity of acne and the risk of scarring.

Pigmentation and Dark Spots

Dark spots may result from sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes. Examples include post-acne marks, melasma and some sun-related spots.

Acne Marks and Scars

Marks may be changes in skin colour alone, or indentations and textural scars. Depressed scars do not always respond to creams alone and may require different procedures.

Treatment Options

Treatments for
Acne and Pigmentation

1

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and may be a first option for many cases of acne or pigmentation. Product selection depends on skin type and the severity of the concern.

Topical retinoids: Such as tretinoin and adapalene, which may help reduce clogged pores and improve acne. They can cause dryness, redness and irritation and require special precautions during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.
Benzoyl peroxide: Helps reduce acne-associated bacteria and inflammation. It may cause dryness or irritation in some people.
Azelaic acid: May help treat acne and improve some pigmentation left behind by acne.
Pigmentation products: May include ingredients such as vitamin C or other lightening agents selected according to the condition and skin tolerance.

2

Hormonal Treatment for Acne

Hormonal treatment may help some women whose acne is influenced by hormonal changes, particularly when breakouts occur around the jawline and chin or worsen at certain times of the menstrual cycle. It is not suitable for everyone.

Combined Oral Contraceptives

Certain combined pills contain oestrogen and progestin and may reduce the effects of hormones that increase skin oil production. Results can take several months to become noticeable.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone affects the action of certain hormones and may be prescribed for some women with persistent or hormonally influenced acne. It is not suitable for everyone and requires medical assessment and monitoring based on health status and other medicines.

These medicines require a review of medical history and contraindications, including blood clot risks, certain types of migraine and high blood pressure. They should only be used with medical prescription and follow-up. Possible side effects of spironolactone include dizziness, menstrual changes and increased urination, and it may affect potassium levels. It should be avoided during pregnancy because of potential risks to the fetus.

3

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is an oral medicine used for some severe forms of acne, acne that causes scarring, or cases that have not improved sufficiently with other treatments. It reduces oil production and can improve acne in suitable patients.

How Is It Used?

The clinician determines the dose and duration based on weight, condition, response and side effects. A course may last several months, with regular reviews to assess progress and safety.

Side Effects and Precautions

Dry lips, skin and eyes, with possible nosebleeds or increased sensitivity to sunlight.
The clinician may monitor blood tests, including lipids and liver function, depending on the patient and treatment protocol.
Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects. It must not be used during pregnancy, and applicable pregnancy-prevention measures and testing are essential for patients who can become pregnant.
Do not start treatment, change the dose or combine it with other medicines without consulting the prescriber.

4

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use a suitable solution to exfoliate selected layers of the skin. They may improve some types of pigmentation, acne marks and skin texture, but results depend on the peel, the condition, skin tone and the provider's expertise.

Superficial Peels

Targets the outermost layers of the skin and may improve mild pigmentation and skin appearance. Several sessions may be needed depending on the condition.

Medium-Depth Peels

Reaches deeper skin layers than a superficial peel and may be used for selected cases of pigmentation and sun damage. Redness, peeling and a longer recovery period may occur.

Deep Peels

A stronger, more intensive procedure with greater risks and a longer recovery period. It is not suitable for every skin type or condition, and requires careful medical assessment.

What Are the Potential Risks?

Potential side effects include irritation, redness and peeling. Changes in skin colour, scarring or infection can occur in some cases. Skin prone to pigmentation requires careful selection of peel type and depth.

Avoid strong at-home peels or concentrated acids without qualified guidance, and follow aftercare instructions and sun protection recommendations.

5

Laser and Light-Based Treatments

Laser devices and light-based treatments work in different ways and may be used for selected pigmentation concerns, acne marks or scars. No single device is suitable for every case.

Selection depends on the concern, skin tone, medical history and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some cases may benefit from a combination of treatments rather than one procedure.

6

Acne Scar Treatment

Depressed and raised scars differ from the dark marks left by acne. Treatment options may include microneedling, selected laser treatments, medical peels or other procedures chosen by a qualified provider.

Results, recovery time and risks vary according to scar type and procedure, and a treatment plan may require multiple sessions.

Treatment Journey

Stages of Improvement Across Sessions

Results vary from person to person depending on the concern, its severity and adherence to the treatment plan. The images below show the general stages a treatment may go through.

Before Treatment

Skin Assessment

The specialist begins by assessing the concern type, severity, skin tone and medical history to determine a suitable plan.

During Treatment

Sessions and Follow-Up

The plan is carried out in stages, with regular follow-up to evaluate response and adjust the approach if needed.

After Treatment

Results and Care

Improvement appears gradually with commitment to daily care, sun protection and regular follow-up.

Daily Skin Care

Steps That Help
Maintain Results

Sun Protection

Use a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed. Sun protection helps reduce the worsening of pigmentation.

Gentle Cleansing

Choose a cleanser suited to your skin and avoid harsh scrubbing or squeezing pimples, which may worsen inflammation and marks.

Consistency and Follow-Up

Improvement may take weeks or months. Follow the agreed treatment plan and seek professional review if severe irritation or unusual symptoms occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment Questions

How long does acne treatment take?

Timing depends on the treatment and severity. Topical treatments may take several weeks to show improvement, while some treatment plans take several months.

Can pigmentation disappear completely?

Results depend on the cause and depth of pigmentation and the skin type. Some spots may improve considerably, while others require ongoing treatment or follow-up.

Are chemical peels suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on skin condition and tone, medical history and medicines. A professional assessment helps select an appropriate procedure and reduce risks.

Can acne and its marks be treated together?

A plan may address active acne and its marks, but in many cases controlling inflammation takes priority before certain scar treatments begin.

Acne and Pigmentation Treatment

Different Skin Concerns Need Different Approaches