LASER SKIN HAIR NAIL CLINIC
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Concern · Skin

Acne Treatment in Delhi.

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, red papules and pustules — and, in more severe cases, deeper nodules. Treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne, and well-chosen care can control active breakouts while reducing the risk of persistent marks and scarring.

Book Consultation →See the types
The patternBlackheads to deep nodules
The methodType & severity first
Our aimControl acne · fewer marks
Acne — skin assessed by a dermatologist in Delhi
What is acne and how is it treated?

Acne is a common, treatable inflammatory condition of the skin.

It shows up as non-inflamed blackheads and whiteheads, inflamed red bumps (papules and pustules) and, sometimes, deeper painful nodules. How it is treated depends on the type of acne you have and how severe it is — which is why assessment comes first. With appropriate, dermatologist-led treatment, active acne can be controlled and the risk of persistent dark marks or scarring is reduced.

The Basics

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit — the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland attached to it.

It develops when excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells plug the opening of the follicle. In many people, the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes multiplies inside these plugged follicles and contributes to inflammation. The result ranges from whiteheads and blackheads to red papules, pustules and, in more severe cases, deep nodules.

Because acne is driven by several processes at once, it rarely responds to a single 'miracle' step. The work is classification first — type, severity, pattern — and a treatment plan built for the person in front of us.

Classification

Types of Acne

Acne is classified by the lesions it produces: comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory (papules and pustules), and deep nodular or cystic lesions, which often overlap in severe acne. Hormonal-pattern acne, post-inflammatory marks and scarring are related concerns — we address them separately below.

Acne can appear in more than one form at the same time. A dermatologist assesses the pattern, severity and underlying factors before recommending treatment.

Comedonal acne showing blackheads and whiteheads
I

Comedonal

Blackheads & whiteheads

Open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) form when a hair follicle becomes blocked by a mix of sebum and dead skin cells. The blockages are not inflamed, can persist for weeks, and occasionally progress to inflammatory acne. Comedonal acne is usually mild to moderate.

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Small non-inflamed bumps
Common lesions
Blackheads, whiteheads
Presentation
Non-inflamed, congested pores
Severity
Usually mild to moderate
Key feature
Follicular plugging
Scarring risk
Low — mostly non-inflamed
Understand acne treatment
Inflammatory acne with papules and pustules
II

Inflammatory

Papules & pustules

When a plugged follicle becomes inflamed, it produces papules (small, firm red bumps) and pustules (bumps with visible pus). These are the red, tender lesions most people call pimples. When inflammation is widespread or persistent, the risk of persistent marks and scarring rises.

  • Red bumps
  • Pus-filled spots
  • Tender skin
Common lesions
Papules, pustules
Presentation
Red, tender, sometimes pus-filled
Severity
Mild to moderate (can be severe)
Key feature
Visible inflammation
Scarring risk
Higher when severe or recurrent
Explore acne treatment
Nodular acne with firm inflamed lesions
III

Nodular

Deep & firm

Nodules are firm, painful inflammatory lesions that sit deeper in the skin than ordinary pimples. Because the inflammation is deeper, healing is slower and scarring is more likely. Nodular acne should be assessed by a dermatologist — deep lesions typically need more than topical treatment alone.

  • Deep, painful lumps
  • Little surface pus
  • Slow to heal
Common lesions
Deep nodules
Presentation
Firm, painful, under the surface
Severity
Severe inflammatory
Key feature
Deep inflammation
Scarring risk
High — assessment important
Nodular acne treatment
Cystic acne with deep inflamed lesions
IV

Cystic

Deep inflammatory lesions

Cysts are larger, deep inflammatory lesions that can feel soft or fluctuant beneath the skin. In practice, nodules and cysts overlap — both fall within severe, deep inflammatory acne and are often described together. They heal slowly and carry a high risk of scarring, so dermatologist-supervised treatment matters.

  • Large, tender lesions
  • Soft or fluctuant centre
  • Scar easily
Common lesions
Deep, fluctuant lesions
Presentation
Large, tender, deep within skin
Severity
Severe
Key feature
Deep inflammation; overlaps nodular
Scarring risk
High
Cystic acne treatment
Assessment

Acne Severity

Severity is not judged by spot count alone. A dermatologist considers the number and type of lesions, the degree of inflammation, how long acne has persisted, and the risk of permanent marks or scarring. That overall picture guides the treatment plan.

I

Mild acne

Mostly non-inflamed — blackheads, whiteheads and only a few inflamed spots. Mild acne usually responds well to topical care and a consistent, gentle routine.

II

Moderate acne

More widespread papules and pustules with noticeable redness. Marks may take longer to fade; treating well now prevents later scarring.

III

Severe acne

Deep nodules, cystic lesions and extensive inflammation. Scarring risk is highest here, and dermatologist-supervised oral or procedural treatment is often appropriate.

Beyond the main types

Acne Patterns & Related Concerns

Not everything that follows acne is an acne type. Hormonal-pattern, jawline and truncal acne are ways acne can present in adults; post-inflammatory marks and scarring are what acne can leave behind. They are managed alongside, and after, the active breakout.

What is sometimes called ‘fungal acne’ is actually Malassezia folliculitis — a different condition caused by yeast, with its own examination and its own treatment. Acne scars are structural sequelae, not a form of active acne.

Hormonal adult acne clustering along the jawlineA pattern, not a type
A

Hormonal / Adult Acne

Hormonal changes can influence acne at any age, and adult acne is common in both women and men. It often — though not always — clusters on the lower face and jawline and may flare around hormonal cycles. Hormonal acne is a pattern of adult acne rather than a separate kind of lesion, and treatment sometimes includes hormonal assessment where clinically relevant.

How hormonal acne is treated
Jawline acne affecting the lower faceDistribution matters
B

Jawline Acne

When acne clusters along the jawline and chin in adults, it is often described as jawline acne. The location is a clue to possible hormonal influence, but it still behaves like ordinary acne lesions — comedones, papules and pustules. The pattern is assessed alongside the lesion types, not treated as a separate disease.

Jawline acne treatment
Back acne affecting the upper backTruncal acne
C

Chest & Back Acne

Acne on the chest, shoulders and back — truncal acne — is common, especially in young adults, and frequently overlaps with facial acne. Because the skin here is thicker with larger follicles, truncal lesions tend to lean inflammatory and nodular, and may need oral treatment sooner rather than relying on topicals alone.

Truncal acne treatment
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — brown acne marks after healingMarks, not scars
D

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Dark or brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH) can remain for weeks or months after an acne lesion heals. PIH is pigment, not a structural change, and it fades with time and appropriate care. In darker skin tones the marks can be particularly noticeable — one reason early control of inflammation matters.

Understand pigmentation after acne
Common acne scar patterns — ice-pick, boxcar and rolling atrophic scarsStructural change
E

Acne Scars

True acne scars are a structural change in the skin — irregularities such as ice-pick, boxcar and rolling depressions, and occasionally raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars. Scarring follows deep or prolonged inflammation. It is a sequel of acne rather than a type of active acne, and it is distinct from pigmentation — needing different, often layered, treatment.

Learn about acne scars
The Mechanisms

What causes acne?

Acne is multifactorial — no single cause explains every case.

Four processes sit at the centre: excess sebum, plugging of the hair follicle, growth of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Around these, several factors can contribute — hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycles, and some medical conditions), genetic predisposition, certain medications, and occlusive or comedogenic products that can clog pores.

Stress can aggravate existing acne in some people; it is not the primary cause in most cases. Diet may influence acne for some patients — for example, high-glycaemic foods or dairy — but no single food causes acne for everyone. Where such factors are relevant, they are discussed as part of an individual assessment.

What to look for

Acne Symptoms & Signs

Acne rarely arrives as one lesion. Most people have a combination — and symptoms change as the condition progresses. In plain language alongside the medical terms:

Blackheads

Open comedones — dark, plugged follicles

Whiteheads

Closed comedones — small, skin-coloured bumps

Papules

Small, firm, red bumps

Pustules

Red bumps with a visible white or yellow centre

Nodules

Deeper, firm lumps beneath the skin

Cysts

Deep, often soft or fluctuant lesions

Redness

Inflammation around active lesions

Tenderness

Soreness or pain, especially with deep lesions

Marks

Brown or dark spots after lesions heal (PIH)

Scarring

Textural change from deep or prolonged acne

Across Ages

Who can get acne?

Acne is most often associated with the teenage years, but it is not confined to adolescence.

It affects teenagers and young adults most commonly, and continues to affect many adults — women and men — sometimes for the first time in adult life. People with acne-prone skin, hormonal patterns of activity, or a family history of acne are all part of the picture. There is no single 'acne profile'; assessment looks at the person in front of us.

Because adult acne can look and behave differently from teenage acne, it is assessed on its own terms — distribution, pattern and history — rather than treated as a fixed formula.

Assessment

How is acne diagnosed?

Most acne can be diagnosed on examination alone.

A dermatologist typically considers the type of lesions present (comedones, papules, pustules, nodules), how severe and widespread they are, where they sit (face, chest or back), and how long they have persisted. Previous treatments, current and past medications, skin characteristics, and relevant hormonal or medical history all add to the picture.

Blood tests or hormonal investigations are not needed for everyone with acne. They are only arranged when the history or examination suggests they are clinically relevant — for example, in some patterns of adult acne in women. Photographs are often taken at the first visit so progress can be compared fairly.

The Plan

Acne Treatment

There is no single 'best' acne treatment. The right plan depends on your acne type, its severity, your skin and your history. Care is usually stepped — topical treatment first, oral treatment where appropriate, and selected in-clinic procedures alongside — with the plan supervised and adjusted by a dermatologist over time.

01

Topical Acne Treatments

Topical agents form the backbone of most acne care. A dermatologist may prescribe or recommend topical retinoids (to unblock follicles and regulate cell turnover), benzoyl peroxide (which acts against the acne-causing bacterium), salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or other agents selected for your skin. Topicals are used over weeks to months and are chosen and combined for your presentation — not applied as a fixed formula.

02

Oral Acne Treatments

For moderate to severe acne, or for certain patterns of acne, oral medication may be appropriate: short courses of antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bacterial load, hormonal treatment for selected patients (particularly some adults whose acne has a hormonal pattern), and isotretinoin for appropriate, severe or refractory acne under dermatologist supervision. These decisions are individual and clinically supervised.

03

Procedural Treatments

Selected in-clinic procedures can accelerate clearing and are used alongside — never instead of — the medical plan. At this clinic that commonly includes chemical peels for comedonal and inflamed acne, intralesional therapy for deeper lesions, and mesotherapy, PRP or MNRF later, for the marks and textural changes that follow acne. Procedures are not first-line for every active acne and are chosen after assessment.

The clinic's dedicated medical protocolAcne & Comedone Treatment →
Treatment

Acne Treatment Based on Acne Type

Pattern
Typical Focus
Detail
Comedonal acne
Reduce follicular pluggingRetinoid-based topical careChemical peels
→
Inflammatory acne
Address inflammationTopical + oral therapy where indicatedPeels alongside the plan
→
Nodular / severe acne
Dermatologist-supervised careOral therapy where appropriateIntralesional therapy for deep lesions
→
Adult / hormonal pattern
Pattern assessment firstHormonal therapy where clinically relevantCombined topical maintenance
→
In Delhi

Acne Treatment in Delhi at Laser Skin Hair Nail Clinic

At Laser Skin Hair Nail Clinic, Gujranwala Town, Delhi, acne care begins with a dermatologist-led assessment before any prescription. We classify the type and severity of your acne, review what has and has not worked before, and build a personalised plan — topical, oral or procedural — with follow-up and adjustment as your skin responds.

  • Dermatologist-led assessment of acne type and severity
  • A personalised treatment plan, not a fixed package
  • Previous treatments reviewed and built upon
  • Follow-up and adjustment where appropriate
Clinical perspective
Dr. Shivali SethiDermatologist · Cosmetologist · DermatosurgeonMBBS · DDVL · FACSI
Book an Acne Consultation in Delhi →+91 99101 95838
Our Approach

How We Assess & Treat Acne

I
Assess
Examination, photographs, and a review of history, skin and previous treatments.
II
Diagnose
Acne is classified by lesion type and severity; relevant triggers are discussed.
III
Plan
A personalised written plan — topicals first, oral and procedural steps where indicated.
IV
Treat
Care is delivered and adjusted; deep lesions may need in-clinic support.
V
Follow up
Photographic review, refinement and maintenance to protect against marks and relapse.
Dr. Shivali Sethi

Dr. Shivali Sethi

Dermatologist-led acne assessment in Delhi — type and severity first, a personalised plan second, and honest expectations throughout.

MBBSDDVLFACSIDermatosurgeon
Three different things

Acne vs Acne Marks vs Acne Scars

Post-inflammatory marks are not the same as true acne scars, and neither is a type of acne. Knowing which one you are dealing with determines the right treatment.

1The condition

Active acne

Inflamed or non-inflamed lesions caused by plugged follicles — blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules and nodules. Treatment targets the active process.

2Flat, discoloured

Acne marks

Flat areas left after lesions heal — brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH) or lingering redness (post-inflammatory erythema, PIE). They are pigment or vascular change, not tissue loss.

Pigmentation →
3Structural, textural

Acne scars

Textural change from deeper inflammation — ice-pick, boxcar and rolling depressions, and occasionally raised scars. Unlike marks, they do not fade on their own and need different treatment.

Scar treatment →
Avoidables

What Can Make Acne Worse?

Acne is sensitive to how skin is handled. Some habits are worth breaking not because they 'cause' acne, but because they keep it inflamed and increase the risk of marks.

  • Picking or squeezing lesions — it deepens inflammation and raises the chance of marks and scars
  • Aggressive scrubbing or over-exfoliating — it irritates skin and can provoke more spots
  • Occlusive or comedogenic products that clog the follicles
  • Harsh or unsuitable skincare that disrupts the skin barrier
  • Steroids used without medical supervision — they can flare acne
  • Stopping treatment too early, which lets acne bounce back
  • Constantly switching between many actives, so the skin never settles
The Everyday

Acne Skincare & Prevention

A simple framework carries most people well. The right cleanser, actives and moisturiser for you are individualised at consultation — this is a shape, not a prescription.

Morning

Gentle cleanser → treatment or product as advised → moisturiser → sunscreen

Sun protection is non-negotiable: many acne treatments raise sun sensitivity, and UV darkens marks.

Night

Gentle cleanser → prescribed or appropriate acne treatment → moisturiser

Consistency beats strength. Work with the routine you are given for weeks before judging it.

The Right Time

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Acne?

See a dermatologist if acne is painful or deep, keeps coming back, is leaving marks or scars, appears or persists in adulthood, looks severely inflamed, or has not improved with over-the-counter care.

Book a Consultation →
  • 01Deep, painful or large lesions
  • 02Recurrent or persistent acne
  • 03Acne leaving brown marks or scarring
  • 04Adult acne that does not settle
  • 05Significant redness or inflammation
  • 06OTC products not helping after several weeks
  • 07Sudden, severe or widespread acne
  • 08Acne affecting your confidence or wellbeing
False Friends

Acne Myths: What Is Actually True?

Does poor hygiene cause acne?

No. Acne starts inside the pore, not on the surface. Over-washing strips the skin and can worsen acne; a gentle cleanse twice a day is enough.

Should you squeeze pimples?

No. Picking pushes inflammation deeper, slows healing and raises the risk of permanent marks and scars.

Can adults get acne?

Yes. Adult acne is common in both women and men, often driven by hormonal patterns rather than adolescence.

Does chocolate always cause acne?

No. Diet affects people differently, and there is no evidence that any single food — chocolate included — causes acne for everyone.

Does acne treatment work overnight?

No. Meaningful improvement usually takes weeks. Early on, consistency matters more than strength.

Can acne cause permanent scars?

It can, especially when lesions are deep or inflammation persists. Treating early and avoiding picking reduces the risk.

Can acne come back after treatment?

It can. Most people need an ongoing maintenance routine after their skin clears, reviewed periodically.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne

The questions patients ask most often — answered directly, without the jargon.

01

What is acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. It appears as blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps (papules and pustules) and, in more severe cases, deeper nodules. It most often affects the face, chest and back.

Begin

Forty-five minutes,
unhurried.

The first consultation is examination first. We tell you plainly what is treatable, what is not, and what a realistic plan looks like for your acne.

Book a Consultation →+91 99101 95838