Honoured at the Times Health Excellence AwardsLet’s talk +91 9000 572727

Find your care.

Explore our pages

Acne care.
Start with your skin.

Frequent breakouts, blocked pores or painful spots? A dermatologist can help you understand your acne and build a manageable care plan.

Talk to Specialist

Illustrative consultation: a young adult discusses cheek breakouts with a dermatologist.
100K
Satisfied patients
23+
Branches / clinics
100+
Medical experts
13+
Years of experience
WHAT IS ACNE?

More than a surface spot.

Oil and skin cells forming a plug within a follicle beside an oil gland.

Acne develops around hair follicles and oil glands. Oil and shed skin cells can block the follicle; inflammation and bacteria within it contribute to some breakouts.

It can affect teenagers and adults, on the face, chest or back. Hormones, family tendency and some products or medicines can play a part. Acne is not a sign that your skin is dirty.

What are you noticing?

An open plugged pore with a dark surface.

Blackheads

Small open pores with a dark plug. The colour is not dirt, and harsh scrubbing does not remove the cause.

A plugged pore beneath a small closed skin bump.

Whiteheads

Small closed bumps where the pore opening is covered. Several may appear together on the forehead, cheeks or chin.

A raised inflamed spot with a pale centre.

Inflamed spots

Tender bumps, sometimes with a white or yellow centre. Redness may be less obvious on darker skin.

A larger area of inflammation extending deeper into the skin.

Deep painful lumps

Nodules and cyst-like spots sit deeper and can leave scars. Early assessment is useful, especially when they keep returning.

Choose care for active acne.

Topical skincare treatments.

Treatment applied to the skin

Options such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or azelaic acid address different parts of acne. The choice and routine depend on your skin and medical history.

Unbranded topical medicine and a blister pack.

Prescription medicines

More persistent or severe acne may need oral treatment, hormonal options for suitable patients or specialist isotretinoin care. These require assessment, monitoring and pregnancy-related precautions where relevant.

A peel solution applied to the skin surface.

Selected clinic procedures

A suitable chemical peel may support care for selected acne concerns. It does not replace a plan to control ongoing breakouts.

Explore chemical peels

You do not have to wait for scarring.

Inflammation around a blocked follicle.
  1. 01

    Painful or widespread acne

    Get advice for deep lumps or breakouts affecting larger areas of the face, chest or back.

  2. 02

    Scars or lasting marks

    Treating active acne can help reduce new damage. Flat colour changes and structural scars need different follow-up care.

  3. 03

    A routine that is not helping

    Bring a list of products and treatments already tried. Frequent changes or adding several strong products can make irritation worse.

  4. 04

    Acne affecting your confidence

    Feeling low, anxious or avoiding activities because of acne is also a reason to ask for help.

YOUR CARE AT LAYERS

How we plan your acne care.

STEP 01

Understand the breakouts

  • Look at the pattern

    Your dermatologist checks the types of spots, where they appear and any marks or scars.

  • Share your history

    Discuss your routine, medicines, earlier treatment and any hormonal symptoms. Mention pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding before medicines are chosen.

A blocked follicle and oil gland.
STEP 02

Keep the routine manageable

  • Know what each treatment does

    Confirm where and how to use prescribed products, what irritation to expect and when to contact the clinic.

  • Agree on follow-up

    Acne care takes time. Your plan should include a review rather than repeated changes after only a few days.

Topical and oral treatments chosen after assessment.
STEP 03

Adjust to your response

  • Check progress and comfort

    Review new breakouts, irritation and how consistently you can follow the routine. Medicines can be adjusted when needed.

  • Prevent new breakouts

    Maintenance treatment may continue once acne improves. Marks and scars can be assessed alongside the control of active acne.

Gentle daily care and sunscreen.

Simple habits that support treatment.

Gentle moisturising care and sun protection.

Cleanse gently and choose products labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores. Moisturiser and sun protection can support skin that is dry or sensitive during treatment.

Avoid picking, squeezing and harsh scrubs. More product is not more effective: follow the prescribed amount and speak to your clinician if your skin becomes very irritated.

  1. 01

    Allow time for progress

    Fewer breakouts often take several weeks, and fuller improvement may take months. Keep the planned review so your response can guide changes.

  2. 02

    Avoid blame and extreme routines

    Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. A balanced routine is more useful than repeatedly washing or trying to dry out every spot.

Breakouts, marks and scars differ.

Flat brown marks on the cheeks.

Flat dark marks

These are colour changes left after inflammation. They can fade gradually, with targeted care when needed.

Explore acne marks
Different profiles of depressed and raised acne scars.

Changes in skin texture

Indentations or raised scars are changes in skin structure. Scar treatment is planned around the scar type and control of active acne.

Explore acne scar care
MORE JOURNEYS. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS.

Acne-care before and after

Showing all 7 photographs

Individual results vary. These photographs show specific cases, not guaranteed outcomes. Original image quality, lighting and angles may differ. Your doctor can explain what may be possible for you.

BEFORE & AFTER

Patient photograph

Individual results vary. Photographs remain as provided by Layers.

4.8
8,745 Google reviews
Across Layers clinics
IN OUR PATIENTS’ WORDS

Acne-care reviews

Experiences shared by patients receiving acne or acne-and-scar care at Layers. Individual results vary.

MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR CARE

Meet our doctors

FAQs

Common questions

Ask us on WhatsApp
01Can adults get acne?

Yes. Acne may continue from adolescence or start in adulthood. Your age alone does not determine the right treatment.

02Are blackheads caused by dirt?

No. A blackhead is a plugged open follicle with a dark surface. Scrubbing harder can irritate skin without addressing the blockage.

03How long does acne treatment take?

It usually takes weeks to see fewer breakouts and longer for fuller improvement. Keep the agreed review instead of changing products every few days.

04Will every breakout leave a scar?

No. Deep inflammation and picking increase the risk. Flat brown or red marks are different from permanent changes in skin texture.

05Can I have a peel while I have acne?

Some peels may suit selected acne concerns. The clinician should assess active inflammation, current medicines and skin sensitivity before recommending one.

06Can I use antibiotics on their own?

Acne antibiotics are generally prescribed with other appropriate treatment to reduce resistance. Use them only as directed and attend the planned review.

07What if I am pregnant or planning pregnancy?

Tell the clinician before treatment is chosen. Some acne medicines, especially isotretinoin and retinoids, are unsuitable in pregnancy and need specific precautions.

08Can I stop treatment once my skin looks better?

Some people need maintenance care to reduce returning breakouts. Discuss what to continue or change with your clinician.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Ask about your acne.
Build a routine that fits.

Start with a skin assessment and clear advice on your options.

Prefer a call? +91 9000 572727
Illustrative consultation about a simple acne skincare routine.

Quick Enquiry

Prefer calling? +91 9000 572727

Patient story

Video from Layers Clinics on YouTube. Individual experiences and results vary.