Acne Treatment

At Star Aesthetic Centre in Durban, acne treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine your acne type, severity, and any contributing factors. Your personalised treatment plan may include professional chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, prescription medication where clinically indicated, and procedures such as microneedling for appropriate acne scars. Treatment recommendations are tailored to your individual needs and skin goals.

Absolutely. Acne is not limited to teenagers. Adult acne is very common, particularly in women, and can develop or persist well into adulthood.

Hormonal acne in adults often appears along the jawline, chin, and neck and may require a different treatment approach from adolescent acne. Following a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Bangalee will identify the underlying factors contributing to your acne and recommend a personalised treatment plan, which may include professional in-clinic treatments, medical-grade skincare, and prescription medication where clinically indicated.

We regularly treat adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, tailoring treatment to each patient’s individual skin concerns and clinical needs.

The number of treatments required varies depending on the type and severity of your acne, your skin’s response to treatment, and how consistently you follow your recommended home-care routine.

Many patients require a series of 3–6 in-clinic treatments to achieve noticeable improvement, although more severe or persistent acne may require a longer treatment programme. During your consultation, Dr. Bangalee will assess your skin, discuss your treatment options, and provide realistic expectations based on your individual needs and goals.

Acne can recur, particularly if underlying factors such as hormones, genetics, stress, or certain medications continue to contribute to breakouts. While treatment can effectively control acne and improve skin health, ongoing management is often important to help maintain results.

Following a personalised skincare routine, using the recommended products, and attending review appointments when needed can help reduce the risk of future flare-ups. If acne does return, early intervention often allows it to be managed more effectively.

Most acne treatments are well tolerated and involve only mild, temporary discomfort. Depending on the treatment recommended, you may experience sensations such as mild tingling, warmth, or slight sensitivity during the procedure. For treatments such as microneedling, a topical anaesthetic may be applied beforehand to maximise comfort.

Your comfort is important to us, and Dr. Bangalee and our team will explain what to expect before your treatment and take steps to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

Adult hormonal acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations that increase oil (sebum) production, making pores more likely to become blocked. Common triggers include changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, starting or stopping hormonal contraception, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and stress. A consultation with Dr. Bangalee can help identify contributing factors and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Acne and rosacea can look similar but are distinct conditions. Acne involves clogged pores, comedones, and bacterial-driven inflammation. Rosacea is a vascular condition with redness, visible blood vessels, and papules but no comedones. A professional assessment is essential to distinguish between the two — treatment approaches are completely different.

Yes. Acne scarring — including icepick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) — can be significantly improved through Dermapen microneedling, chemical peels, and mesoestetic professional treatments. We treat both active acne and its aftermath.

The right products depend on your skin type and acne severity. We recommend pharmaceutical-grade cosmeceuticals from our shop range: mesoestetic blemiderm® Resurfacing Gel (evening treatment), SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF (morning antioxidant for oily skin), and mesoprotech® mineral fluid SPF50+ (daily sun protection). A complete protocol is prescribed at consultation.

Yes — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left after spots heal) is addressed as part of our acne management programme. Chemical peels and the melan tran3x home-care range are particularly effective for these marks.

The strongest evidence is for high-glycaemic index foods (white bread, sugary drinks, white rice) and dairy products in some individuals — these spike insulin and IGF-1, stimulating sebum production. However, diet alone is rarely sufficient to clear moderate or severe acne — medical treatment is the primary approach, with diet as a supporting factor.