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How to Treat Acne Scars & Active Breakouts in South Africa

Break Free from Breakouts: The South African Guide to Acne & Acne Scar Solutions

You’re 29. You drink your water, use ‘non-comedogenic’ products, and avoid chocolate,  and yet, your skin still breaks out like a teenager during exam week.

Sound familiar?

Adult acne is more common than you think. In fact, nearly 35% of South Africans between 25–45 suffer from either active acne or visible acne scarring, especially in high-stress urban areas like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. And the worst part? It’s not just about the breakouts, it’s the scars they leave behind.

At Skin Reform, we offer real solutions that work for South African skin, using advanced treatments tailored to both breakouts and scars,  no one-size-fits-all plans here.

Understanding Acne

Acne isn’t just a teenage thing, and it’s never just “a few pimples.” Understanding the type and root cause is key to clear skin.

Types of Acne:

  • Cystic Acne: Deep, painful, often hormonal, common in adults

  • Whiteheads & Blackheads: Blocked pores, usually from oil buildup

  • Hormonal Acne: Linked to menstrual cycles, PCOS, or stress hormones

 Common Triggers:

  • Diet (dairy, high-glycaemic foods)

  • Stress (cortisol surges increase sebum)

  • Poor Skincare Habits (over-cleansing, skipping SPF)

  • Incorrect Products (harsh scrubs, alcohol-heavy toners)

Why Acne Scars Form

Not all acne leaves scars, but when inflammation reaches deeper layers of the skin, it can damage collagen, resulting in:

  • Textural Scarring: Icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars

  • Pigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks)

  • Redness & Sensitivity: Leftover inflammation after healing

The good news? These are treatable, with the right plan.

Treatments for Active Acne vs Scarring

At Skin Reform, we don’t treat acne and scars the same. We create dual-pathway plans that target both breakouts and long-term scarring, tailored to your skin type and severity.

1. IPL Therapy (Intense Pulsed Light)

Best for: Active acne, inflammation, redness
 How it works: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and calms inflamed skin
 Downtime: None
 🔗 Learn more about IPL for Acne

2. Microneedling for Acne Scars

Best for: Textural scarring, dark marks
 How it works: Micro-injuries stimulate collagen, renew skin surface
 Downtime: 1–2 days of redness
 🔗 Explore Microneedling

3. RF Microneedling (Radiofrequency)

Best for: Deep scars, large pores
 How it works: Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and rebuild collagen
 Downtime: 2–4 days
 🔗 See RF Microneedling in Action

4. Chemical Peels

Best for: Surface pigmentation, congestion
 How it works: Dissolves dead skin, reduces clogged pores, fades scars
 Downtime: Mild peeling for 3–5 days
 🔗 Book a Peel

5. Acne-Focused Facials

Best for: Ongoing breakout control
 How it works: Deep cleanses, unclogs, balances oil, and calms redness
 🔗 View Acne Facials


Your Acne Treatment Timeline

Here’s what a 3-month journey might look like at Skin Reform:

Week

Treatment

Result

1–2

IPL or Acne Facial

Reduced inflammation

3–4

Peel + Skincare

Texture improves, fewer breakouts

5–8

Microneedling

Lightening of scars, smoother skin

9–12

RF Microneedling

Long-term collagen rebuild and fade

Custom plans are created after your free skin assessment.

Before & After Results

Real clients. Real skin. Real change.

“After years of hormonal acne, Skin Reform helped me get my confidence and my clear skin — back.”— Sibongile, Cape Town

 Skincare Tips from Our Experts

  • Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser, not soap

  • Never sleep with makeup (yes, even “clean” makeup)

  • Incorporate niacinamide and salicylic acid

  • SPF is non-negotiable, every day, rain or shine

  • Don’t self-diagnose, get a tailored plan from an aesthetic expert

 Why Choose Skin Reform for Acne Treatment?

  • Hundreds of successful cases across SA

  • Advanced tech: RF Microneedling, IPL, Clinical Peels

  • Personalised, affordable packages

  • 3 locations: Sandton, Greenstone, Cape Town

"We don't just clear acne, we restore skin health, rebuild confidence, and keep results long-term."

Let’s Clear Your Skin | Book a Free Consultation Today

No cost. No pressure. Just a personalised acne solution built for you.

🔗 Book Now

 

Skin Reform Sandton

Skin Reform Sandton

Skin Reform Sandton

Skin Reform Sandton

Skin Reform Sandton

Skin Reform Sandton

FAQs About HIFU Facelift in Sandton

It depends on your skin type and acne severity. At Skin Reform, we recommend IPL therapy for active breakouts and inflammation, while chemical peels and acne facials help with congestion and oil control. A tailored plan is created during your free consultation to ensure results without irritation.

Yes, and we often do. Our dual-pathway approach targets breakouts with IPL or peels, while rebuilding skin from previous damage using microneedling or RF microneedling. Treating both ensures you heal without future scarring and improve skin texture over time.

While deep scarring may not vanish 100%, treatments like RF microneedling and microneedling can reduce visibility by 60–90% over several sessions. Pigmentation-based scars (dark marks) fade faster and more completely with peels and skincare. Results vary by skin type, but dramatic improvement is possible.

Adult acne is often driven by internal factors like hormones, stress, or diet, rather than hygiene. Even using non-comedogenic products and drinking water may not be enough without professional support. Our treatments focus on calming inflammation, reducing bacteria, and correcting internal triggers long-term.

Most clients notice changes in 2–4 weeks, especially with IPL and active facials. Scar improvements take longer — around 6–12 weeks — as collagen renewal is gradual. We map out a realistic, affordable timeline for your skin’s healing journey during your first visit.