Guides

Acne guides from a South African doctor-led service

Clear answers to the questions people ask about acne in South Africa. Each guide lists its sources and is reviewed by Dr Christine van Looy, a registered medical practitioner (HPCSA MP0879240), before it is published. How we write our guides.

Acne and your skin

Hormonal acne in women: causes and treatment optionsWhy hormonal acne flares before periods and along the jaw, when it can point to PCOS (now PMOS), and the treatments a doctor may discuss, including the pill.8 min read
Dark marks after acne: how to fade them on darker skinWhy acne leaves dark marks on darker skin, how long they take to fade, which treatments have evidence and why unregulated lightening creams are risky.8 min read

Getting care

Do you need a dermatologist for acne?Mild to moderate acne is usually treated by a GP first. See how severity is graded, what GPs can prescribe and when a dermatologist is the right next step.8 min read

These guides are general information, not a diagnosis. If your skin is painful, infected or getting worse quickly, see a doctor in person.