Undestanding Acne…
Acne presents differently in every person. Understanding your type is the first step toward treating it effectively.
Teenage Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in adolescence, affecting up to 95% of teenagers to some degree. It typically begins around puberty, driven by rising androgen levels that stimulate sebaceous gland activity and increased oil production.
While often dismissed as a normal part of growing up, teenage acne can cause significant psychological distress and lead to permanent scarring if not appropriately managed. Early, effective treatment matters — both for skin and for confidence.
Adult & Hormonal Acne
Adult acne — particularly in women — is far more common than many people realise, and is frequently under-treated in non-specialist settings. It often presents along the lower face, jawline and neck, and tends to flare cyclically in line with the menstrual cycle, pointing strongly to a hormonal driver.
Conditions including Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS, and perimenopausal hormonal shifts can all contribute. A thorough consultant-led assessment considers these factors — not just the skin presenting in clinic.
Hormonal acne responds well to the right treatment. The key is identifying the correct one for you.
Acne in Skin of Colour
Acne in darker skin tones requires particular clinical expertise. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the dark marks left behind after spots resolve — is significantly more pronounced in skin of colour and can persist for months or years, causing as much distress as the acne itself.
Treatment must account for both the active acne and the risk of pigmentation, with careful selection of topical agents to avoid irritation that worsens discolouration. Dr Khan has specific clinical experience working with diverse skin tones across multiple continents. Getting the right treatment first time matters more in skin of colour. Expert assessment makes that possible.
Persistent or Treatment-Resistant Acne
Some patients do everything right and still can't achieve clear skin. Treatment-resistant acne — where multiple topical and oral treatments have failed to deliver sustained improvement — is a specific clinical challenge that benefits from consultant-level assessment.
Underlying hormonal imbalances, antibiotic resistance, suboptimal previous prescribing or unidentified contributing factors may all play a role. At S.K. & Co., a fresh and thorough clinical review frequently identifies what has been missed elsewhere.
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring occurs when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin, disrupting collagen and leaving textural changes — including ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars — that do not resolve on their own. Acne scarring can also leave red or dark marks.
Scarring is one of the most undertreated consequences of acne and one of the most significant for patients' self-confidence. At S.K. & Co., acne scar management forms a distinct part of the acne service, with treatments tailored to your scar type, skin tone and desired outcome.
Acne scarring is treatable. The right approach depends on thorough assessment of your specific scar pattern and skin.