What causes acne?

Acne starts in the hair follicle. Oil glands produce sebum, dead skin cells clog the opening, and bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes multiply inside, triggering inflammation. Hormones play a big role, which is why acne often flares in the teens, before periods and along the jaw in adult women. Genetics, stress, heavy or pore-clogging products, friction from masks or phones, and some medicines can all contribute. The link with diet is less clear, though high-sugar foods and dairy seem to worsen acne for some people.

How acne is assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor examines the type and severity of your acne and asks about your skincare, medicines and cycle, and may take photos to track progress. Acne is usually grouped as:

Comedonal: blackheads and whiteheads with little inflammation
Inflammatory: red papules and pus-filled pustules
Nodular or cystic: deep, painful lumps that often scar

Severity is graded from mild to severe. Mild acne often responds to clinic treatments and good skincare. Moderate to severe acne usually needs prescription medication as well, and treating it early is the best way to prevent acne scars.

Treatment options for acne

Acne Clinic Program

The Acne Clinic Program combines medical extraction, a calming peel and LED light, tailored to active breakouts. Your doctor chooses it for comedonal and mild to moderate inflammatory acne, usually as weekly sessions. It clears congestion, calms redness and supports any medication you use. Extraction is done with sterile tools to reduce the risk of marks.

Potenza RF Microneedling

Potenza delivers radiofrequency through fine needles. It can reduce oil gland activity and inflammation in persistent acne while also improving early scarring and pores. Your doctor chooses it for ongoing breakouts with texture changes, usually as three sessions. It can also deliver boosters into the skin in the same session. Expect 2–4 days of redness.

Agnes RF

Agnes RF uses insulated needles to deliver radiofrequency precisely to the oil glands behind persistent or recurring spots. Your doctor chooses it for stubborn acne that keeps returning in the same areas despite other care. Because the needles are insulated, the skin surface is protected. One to three sessions are usually needed, with swelling for 2–5 days.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Acne Clinic Program	Active breakouts, weekly care	None to mild redness	₩89,000 (1 session)
Potenza RF Microneedling	Ongoing acne with texture changes	2–4 days of redness	₩299,000 (full face)
Agnes RF	Stubborn spots that keep returning	Swelling for 2–5 days	₩249,000 (per area)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Prescription treatment

Clinic procedures work best alongside medical treatment. Depending on your acne, your doctor may discuss topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical or oral antibiotics, hormonal options or, for severe or scarring acne, isotretinoin. These need follow-up, so your doctor will consider how you can continue care at home. If you take isotretinoin, RF microneedling and lasers are usually postponed.

Combination plans

A typical plan pairs the Acne Clinic Program with skincare and, where needed, medication. Our Acne Reset package combines the program with exosome therapy and LDM to calm the skin. Once breakouts settle, Potenza or Agnes can target persistent spots and early scarring. Compare them in Potenza vs Agnes.

At-home care and prevention

Cleanse gently twice a day and avoid harsh scrubs.
Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and an oil-free sunscreen.
Avoid picking or squeezing, which leads to marks and scars.
Change pillowcases often and wipe your phone screen.

Shopping for skincare in Myeongdong? Read what is safe to use after treatment.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

The Acne Clinic Program has little downtime and can calm a flare during a short visit. Acne needs ongoing care, so your doctor will give you a plan for home. If you use a prescription from home, bring the details so your doctor can plan around it. Book a consultation to have your acne assessed.

When acne needs medical attention

Painful cysts, acne that leaves scars, sudden adult acne with irregular periods or excess hair growth, which can signal hormonal conditions such as PCOS, or breakouts after starting a new medicine all need a doctor's review. Itchy, uniform small bumps may be fungal folliculitis, which needs different treatment.

Can clinic treatments cure acne?

They can clear breakouts and reduce flare-ups, but acne is often a long-term condition. The best results come from combining clinic care with good skincare and, when needed, prescription treatment.

Do I need medication for my acne?

Mild acne may respond to clinic treatments and skincare alone. Moderate, severe or scarring acne usually needs prescription medication, which your doctor will discuss with you.

How often should I have the Acne Clinic Program?

Weekly sessions are typical during an active flare, then less often as your skin settles. Your doctor adjusts the schedule to your skin.

Can I have acne treatments while taking isotretinoin?

Gentle care such as extraction and soothing treatments may be possible, but RF microneedling and lasers are usually postponed. Always tell your doctor about isotretinoin.

Will acne treatment leave marks?

Clinic treatments are designed to reduce marks, not cause them. Picking and untreated inflammation are the main causes of marks, which is why early treatment helps.

Related treatments

Acne Clinic Program — extraction, peel and LED
Potenza RF microneedling — for persistent acne
Agnes RF — targets recurring spots
Exosome therapy — supports calm, recovering skin

Prices, results and reviews

Acne Clinic Program price — cost per session
Acne Clinic Program results — what to expect
Agnes RF review — our medical team’s assessment

Related concerns

Acne scars — pitted and rolling scars
Post-acne marks — red and brown marks
Large pores — congestion and oil

Packages and guides

Acne Reset package — a combined plan for breakouts
Skincare after treatments — what to use and avoid

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Acne Treatment in Seoul