Acne Treatment in Cape Town
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions we treat at Panorama Dermatology Clinic. While often thought of as a teenage problem, acne affects people of all ages — from adolescents experiencing their first breakouts to adults dealing with persistent or late-onset acne well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Dr. Jean Louw provides specialist acne treatment tailored to your skin type, severity, and lifestyle. As a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, he takes a systematic, evidence-based approach to clearing your skin and preventing scarring.
What Is Acne?
Acne (acne vulgaris) develops when hair follicles become blocked by a combination of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to a range of lesions including:
Comedones — blackheads (open) and whiteheads (closed)
Papules — small, inflamed red bumps
Pustules — pus-filled spots
Nodules — large, painful lumps deep under the skin
Cysts — deep, pus-filled lesions that carry the highest risk of scarring
Several factors contribute to acne, including hormonal changes, genetics, stress, certain medications, and environmental factors. In Cape Town's warm climate, increased sweating and sun exposure can also aggravate breakouts.
Types of Acne We Treat
At our Panorama clinic, Dr. Louw treats the full spectrum of acne presentations:
Teenage acne — the most common form, typically appearing during puberty and affecting the face, chest, and back.
Adult acne — increasingly common, particularly in women, and often linked to hormonal fluctuations. Adult acne tends to concentrate along the jawline and chin.
Cystic and nodular acne — severe, deep-seated acne that requires specialist intervention to prevent permanent scarring.
Acne in pregnancy — requires careful treatment selection, as many standard acne medications are not safe during pregnancy. Dr. Louw offers pregnancy-safe alternatives including light therapy.
Post-inflammatory changes — the dark marks (hyperpigmentation) and redness left behind after acne lesions heal, which can be just as distressing as the acne itself.
Our Approach to Acne Treatment
Effective acne management requires a personalised treatment plan based on your acne type, severity, skin type, and medical history. Dr. Louw will assess your skin thoroughly during your consultation and develop a step-by-step plan that may include one or more of the following:
Topical Treatments
For mild to moderate acne, topical medications form the backbone of treatment. These may include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical antibiotics — applied directly to the skin to unclog pores, reduce bacteria, and control inflammation.
Oral Medications
Moderate to severe acne may require oral treatment such as antibiotics (to reduce bacteria and inflammation), hormonal therapies (for hormonally driven acne in women), or isotretinoin for severe or treatment-resistant cases. Dr. Louw carefully monitors all patients on oral acne medication with regular follow-up appointments.
Light Therapy for Acne
Our clinic offers blue and red light therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Studies show this approach can reduce inflammatory lesions by 60–70% over six weeks. Light therapy is particularly suitable for patients who prefer to avoid oral medication, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels can help unclog pores, improve skin texture, and reduce post-acne marks. These are often used alongside other treatments as part of a comprehensive acne management plan.
Acne Scar Treatment
If acne has already caused scarring, Dr. Louw offers treatments including microneedling with PRP, chemical peels, and other evidence-based approaches to improve the appearance of atrophic (indented) scars. Early treatment of active acne is the best way to prevent scarring in the first place.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Acne?
Many people try over-the-counter products for months or even years before seeking specialist help. Consider booking a consultation if:
Your acne is not responding to pharmacy products after 6–8 weeks
You are developing painful nodules or cysts
Acne is leaving scars or dark marks on your skin
You have acne along with other symptoms such as irregular periods or excess facial hair (which may suggest a hormonal cause)
Your acne is affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing
You are pregnant or planning pregnancy and need safe treatment options
The earlier you seek specialist treatment, the better the outcome — and the lower the risk of permanent scarring.
Acne Treatment for Patients Across Cape Town's Northern Suburbs
Panorama Dermatology Clinic is conveniently located at 46 Hennie Winterbach Street in Panorama, with easy access from the N1 and Voortrekker Road. We welcome acne patients from Durbanville, Bellville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Parow, Goodwood, Tygerberg, and the greater Cape Town area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
Q: How long does acne treatment take to work? Most acne treatments take 6–12 weeks to show significant improvement. Severe acne or isotretinoin courses may take 4–6 months. Dr. Louw will set realistic expectations during your first consultation and schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress.
Q: Can acne be cured permanently? While there is no guaranteed permanent cure for acne, the right treatment plan can achieve long-term clearance for most patients. Isotretinoin, in particular, provides lasting remission for many patients with severe acne. Maintenance therapy may be needed for some patients to prevent recurrence.
Q: Does diet affect acne? Current evidence suggests that high-glycaemic diets (rich in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates) and dairy intake may worsen acne in some individuals. However, diet alone is rarely the primary cause. Dr. Louw can advise on dietary factors as part of your overall treatment plan.
Q: Is it safe to treat acne during pregnancy? Yes, but treatment options are more limited. Retinoids and certain oral medications are contraindicated in pregnancy. Dr. Louw offers pregnancy-safe alternatives including topical azelaic acid and light therapy. Always inform your dermatologist if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Q: Will squeezing spots make acne worse? Yes. Squeezing or picking at acne lesions increases the risk of infection, inflammation, and scarring. This is especially true for deeper lesions like nodules and cysts. It is always better to let a dermatologist manage persistent or painful lesions.
Q: At what age should teenagers see a dermatologist for acne? There is no minimum age. If acne is causing distress, scarring, or not responding to gentle over-the-counter cleansers, a dermatologist consultation is worthwhile — even for younger teenagers. Early intervention can prevent scarring
Ready to take control of your acne?
Book a consultation with Dr. Jean Louw at Panorama Dermatology Clinic.