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.

Picolaser treatment utilizes ultra-short picosecond pulses to deliver laser energy to the skin. Unlike traditional lasers that work in nanoseconds, picolasers operate at a trillionth of a second. This high-speed energy breaks down pigmentation in the skin into smaller particles, making it easier for the body to naturally eliminate them. The result is clearer, more even-toned skin without significant downtime or side effects.

In the bustling cities of Malaysia, where the rhythm of life often accelerates, sleep tends to take a back seat in many individuals’ lives. However, research indicates that inadequate sleep can disrupt various physiological processes, including those related to skin health. During sleep, the body undergoes crucial repair and regeneration, including the renewal of skin cells. When this process is compromised due to insufficient sleep, it can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil, contributing to the development of acne.

Furthermore, dehydration, exacerbated by Malaysia’s tropical climate and busy lifestyles, can also exacerbate acne. When the body is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil to lubricate the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne flare-ups. Additionally, inadequate hydration impairs the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections that exacerbate acne symptoms.