Common Causes of Acne

Understanding what triggers acne can help you take better control of your skin health. The most common causes include:

1. Excess Oil (Sebum) Production

Sebaceous glands produce oil to moisturise the skin, but when they produce too much, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

2. Dead Skin Cells

Dead skin cells that aren’t properly shed can block hair follicles, mixing with oil and forming acne lesions like blackheads and whiteheads.

3. Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)

This acne-causing bacteria thrives in clogged pores and triggers inflammation, leading to red, painful pimples.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Teenagers, women during menstruation, pregnancy, or those with PCOS often experience acne due to increased androgen levels that stimulate oil glands.

5. Diet & Lifestyle

Diets high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods may aggravate acne. Stress, lack of sleep, and poor skincare habits also play a role.

Types of Acne

Recognising your acne type helps determine the most suitable treatment:

• Comedonal Acne: Blackheads and whiteheads

• Inflammatory Acne: Papules and pustules

• Cystic Acne: Deep, painful cysts that may lead to scarring

• Hormonal Acne: Typically appears around the jawline and chin

Effective Acne Treatment Options in Malaysia

At NextMed Clinic, we offer personalised acne treatment plans tailored to your skin type and acne severity.

1. Medical-Grade Facials

Deep cleansing, extraction, and antibacterial treatments that reduce active acne and prevent new breakouts.

2. Acne Laser Therapy

Laser treatments such as carbon laser or dual yellow laser target acne bacteria, reduce inflammation, and control oil production.

3. Chemical Peels

Medical peels exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and improve skin turnover — perfect for comedonal and mild inflammatory acne.

4. Oral & Topical Medications

Depending on the severity, we may prescribe antibiotics, retinoids, or hormone-regulating medications to control breakouts internally and externally.

5. Acne Scar Treatment

We also provide post-acne scar treatments such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, and collagen-stimulating injections to restore smooth skin.