Recurring breakouts, stubborn pimples, or acne that keeps returning despite home remedies — these are signs that your skin needs a proper medical assessment, not another over-the-counter product.
Dr. Asma Parveen, MBBS, MD Dermatology | 14+ Years Experience
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Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked by excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. This creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria — Cutibacterium acnes — can multiply, triggering inflammation, redness, and the formation of pimples, blackheads, nodules, or cysts.
Acne is not a single condition. Understanding the type is the first step to choosing the right treatment.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Whiteheads (Closed Comedones) | Pores blocked beneath the skin surface, appearing as small white or skin-coloured bumps. |
| Blackheads (Open Comedones) | Pores open at the skin surface; the dark colour is caused by oxidation, not dirt. |
| Papules | Small, raised, red bumps caused by inflammation of the hair follicle. |
| Pustules | Papules that contain visible pus at the tip; the classic “pimple.” |
| Nodules | Large, solid, painful lumps that form deep beneath the skin. More serious and more likely to scar. |
| Cysts | The most severe form; large, pus-filled lumps deep under the skin. Often painful and strongly associated with permanent scarring if untreated. |
Acne most commonly appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders — areas with the highest concentration of sebaceous glands.
Acne rarely has a single cause. It develops when multiple factors converge at the level of the hair follicle.
| Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| Excess Sebum Production | Sebaceous glands overproduce oil, driven by androgens — hormones produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. This is why acne spikes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and other periods of hormonal change. |
| Clogged Pores | Dead skin cells that are not shed properly accumulate inside the pore, mixing with excess sebum to create a plug that blocks the follicle opening. |
| Bacterial Overgrowth | Cutibacterium acnes bacteria thrive in the blocked, oil-rich pore environment. As they multiply, they trigger an immune response — causing the redness, swelling, and pus associated with inflammatory acne. |
| Hormonal Fluctuations | PCOS, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, and elevated androgen levels are common drivers of adult acne — particularly along the jawline and chin in women. |
| Diet and Lifestyle | High glycaemic foods, certain dairy products, chronic stress, and disrupted sleep have been associated with worsening acne severity in susceptible individuals. |
| Comedogenic Products | Skincare or cosmetics that clog pores can trigger new breakouts and worsen existing acne — even in people with no prior history of skin problems. |
Understanding which of these factors is driving your acne is the first step Dr. Asma takes at every new patient consultation.
Treatment is selected based on acne type, grade (mild, moderate, severe), and your skin profile. There is no single protocol that works for every patient — which is why a proper consultation precedes any recommendation.
| Treatment | Best For | Sessions Needed | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical Therapy | Mild-to-moderate acne | Ongoing | None |
| Oral Medications | Moderate-to-severe, hormonal acne | 3–6 months | None |
| Carbon Laser Peel | Moderate-to-severe, oily skin | 3–6 sessions | None |
| Fractional CO2 Laser | Acne scarring, texture | 3–5 sessions | 5–7 days |
| Chemical Peels | Mild acne, comedones | 4–6 sessions | 3–7 days |
| Combined Protocols | Stubborn, resistant acne | Customised | Varies |
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The first line of management for mild-to-moderate acne. Prescription topical treatments include:
Topical treatment is prescribed based on your skin sensitivity, acne pattern, and grade — not dispensed generically.
Recommended when acne is moderate-to-severe, widespread, or driven by internal factors:
All oral medications at The Velvet Skin Centre are prescribed by Dr. Asma after a full medical evaluation — not administered without clinical assessment.
For moderate-to-severe acne, persistently oily skin, or active breakouts with pigmentation, the Carbon Laser Peel is one of the most effective in-clinic treatments available in Lucknow.
The procedure works in two stages:
The result:
For patients where the primary concern is textural scarring and discolouration left by previous acne, Fractional CO2 resurfacing addresses both simultaneously — improving skin surface and tone in a controlled, dermatologist-supervised setting.
Best for: Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars; uneven texture; post-acne pigmentation
Chemical Peels using salicylic acid and glycolic acid exfoliate the skin, unclog blocked pores, reduce comedones, and improve overall skin texture.
Best for: Comedonal acne, blackheads, whiteheads, mild surface irregularities
For stubborn, recurring, or treatment-resistant acne, a combination of therapies — supervised and adjusted by Dr. Asma across sessions — consistently delivers stronger results than any single treatment alone.
Example combinations:
Your dermatologist will design a personalised plan based on your skin type, acne grade, and treatment goals.
The cost of acne treatment depends on the treatment type, severity, and number of sessions required.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Topical Medications | Starting from ₹500 |
| Oral Medications | Starting from ₹800/month |
| Chemical Peels | Starting from ₹5,500 |
| Carbon Laser Peel | Starting from ₹5,000 |
| Fractional CO2 Laser | Starting from ₹5,000 |
| Package Pricing | Discounted rates available for multiple sessions |
*Final pricing is determined after your consultation with Dr. Asma, based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Most patients notice visible improvement within 4–8 weeks, with full clearance typically taking 3–6 months depending on severity.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Reduced inflammation and new breakouts; skin begins to clear |
| Weeks 4–8 | Visible improvement in active acne; post-acne marks begin to fade |
| Months 3–6 | Full clearance for most patients; acne scars may need additional sessions |
| Maintenance | Ongoing management for hormonal acne or periodic follow-ups |
Preventing acne entirely is not always possible — particularly when hormonal factors are involved. But these habits significantly reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts:
If you are on a prescription acne treatment, speak to Dr. Asma before changing or adding any products to your routine.
Dr. Asma Parveen is a renowned dermatologist with an MD in Dermatology and over 14 years of clinical experience. She is known for her honest approach, personalised treatment plans, and natural-looking results.
Acne requires accurate assessment and a personalised treatment plan based on the type, severity, and underlying cause. Dr. Asma personally evaluates every patient and frequently combines topical treatments, oral medications, and in-clinic procedures for optimal results.
I was experiencing cystic acne and received treatment at The Velvet Skin Centre, Indira Nagar, Lucknow. I've seen a lot of improvement, although some redness remains. Dr. Asma recommended laser toning. My niece also received treatment at this clinic for molluscum on her nose.
Excellent experience with acne treatment. I underwent chemical peels and medication, and my skin feels clearer and healthier now. Highly recommended clinic in Lucknow!
Acne treatment ke liye yahan visit kiya tha. Mere concerns ke hisaab se treatment plan banaya gaya, aur overall experience positive raha.
Having acne and acne scars at the age of 40 was quite depressing. After researching, I visited The Velvet Skin Centre, Indira Nagar. I underwent laser sessions along with peels, and the improvement is visible. Dr. Asma is one of the best dermatologists I've visited.
Indira Nagar
Thakurganj
If over-the-counter treatments have not produced clear improvement within 8–12 weeks, or if you have painful nodules, cysts, or are developing visible scarring, a dermatologist consultation is the right next step. Prescription treatments and in-clinic therapies produce faster, more reliable results for moderate-to-severe acne — and early treatment significantly reduces the risk of permanent scarring.
There are several acne treatments available based on your age, gender, and severity, among other factors. Mild or moderate cases of acne can be treated with topical creams or gels. Oral antibiotics or hormone-controlling medications can be effective for more inflammatory acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a helpful tool for stubborn or severe acne. Other types of acne therapy can also be used, such as certain lights or Lasers like Fractional CO2. The Velvet Skin Centre utilizes a variety of acne treatment methods, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Acne can be effectively controlled for long periods with the right treatment. Whether it returns depends on the underlying cause — hormonal acne, for example, may need ongoing management or periodic maintenance. Many patients achieve lasting clear skin after completing a full personalised treatment course.
The best treatment for acne depends on its type, severity, and underlying cause. Mild acne often responds to topical treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid. Moderate to severe acne may require oral medications, including antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin.
For deeper or recurrent acne, dermatologists may recommend chemical peels, light-based therapies, or carbon-laser treatments to reduce inflammation, oil production, and bacterial growth.
A dermatologist determines the most effective treatment after examining your skin, as no single method works for every patient.
No treatment can cure all acne immediately, but certain options offer faster improvement:
Quick results depend on the acne type. Consistent, dermatologist-guided treatment delivers the fastest and safest improvement.
If you’re unsure what acne treatment is right for you, you can take an acne assessment with our medical team for impartial help and advice. The top priority is to identify the underlying causes of your acne to find the best way of curing it. If non-prescription treatments have not worked for you, now is the time to speak to us.
To stop acne, you must address multiple triggers: oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. Effective steps include:
If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist — long-term acne rarely resolves without a personalised medical plan.
Hormonal and bacterial acne have different patterns:
Signs of Hormonal Acne:
Signs of Bacterial Acne:
A dermatologist can confirm the exact cause and recommend the right treatment.
Early signs of hormonal acne include:
Hormonal acne requires targeted treatments such as topical retinoids, hormonal therapies, or oral medications prescribed by a dermatologist.
Acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) can be reduced or controlled using:
Dermatologists usually combine treatments to reduce bacteria while also addressing oil, inflammation, and clogged pores.
ost treatments are well-tolerated. The Carbon Laser Peel involves a mild warming sensation and requires no downtime — patients resume normal activity the same day. Chemical peels may cause light peeling for 2–5 days post-treatment. Dr. Asma explains exactly what to expect before any procedure begins.
If acne has been affecting your skin — or your confidence — for longer than it should, a proper consultation with a qualified dermatologist is the clearest starting point.
Call us at 8002558860 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation and claim your 10% OFF on your first visit!
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