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What Causes Acne and How Can You Treat It? Dr. Purnima Mhatre Explains

When it comes to achieving flawless skin, acne is often the biggest roadblock—especially for teens and young adults. According to renowned skin specialist Dr. Purnima Mhatre, acne is not just a cosmetic concern, but a dermatological condition that requires expert care and tailored treatments.What Is Acne

What Is Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as red pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cysts or nodules. While it commonly begins in adolescence, acne can affect people of all ages.

Statistics show that between the ages of 12 and 17, nearly everyone experiences at least occasional breakouts. However, more than 40% of teens suffer from moderate to severe acne that needs professional treatment from a qualified skin specialist.

Diagram showing types of acne – blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, etc.

Common Acne Myths — Debunked

There’s a lot of misinformation about acne, which often leads to poor skincare choices. Dr. Purnima Mhatre clears the air:

  • Myth: Acne is caused by dirty skin.
    Truth: Over-washing or scrubbing may irritate skin and worsen acne.

  • Myth: Eating chocolate or fried food causes acne.
    Truth: No specific food has been proven to cause acne directly.

  • Myth: Acne will clear up on its own.
    Truth: While some cases resolve naturally, persistent acne needs treatment from a skin specialist.

What Makes Acne Worse?

According to Dr. Purnima, several external and internal factors can aggravate acne:

  • Hormonal changes during menstruation

  • Oily cosmetics and skin products

  • Sweat and friction from helmets, collars, or sportswear

  • Environmental pollutants and humidity

  • Stress and lack of sleep

  • Picking or squeezing pimples

  • Harsh scrubbing or exfoliation

This highlights the importance of seeing a skin specialist who can identify and eliminate acne triggers effectively.What Makes Acne Worse

How Dr. Purnima Mhatre Treats Acne: Personalized Approach

At her clinic, Dr. Mhatre creates customized treatment plans for every patient based on skin type, acne severity, and triggers. Her treatments include:

✔️ Deep Cleansing

The treatment begins with a professional cleansing of the face (or affected area) to remove surface impurities and excess oil.

✔️ AHA Mask

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid mask, prepared in-house by Dr. Mhatre herself, is applied to exfoliate dead skin and unclog pores.

✔️ Comedo Extraction

A manual yet gentle extraction of blackheads and whiteheads helps prevent scarring. This step is performed under sterile conditions by trained professionals.

✔️ Herbal Cooling Mask

To soothe the skin post-extraction, Dr. Mhatre uses a cooling herbal mask, made from aromatic oils and natural botanicals to reduce redness and inflammation.

Advanced Acne Treatments Offered

Sometimes, basic treatments are not enough. That’s when specialized dermatological procedures come into play.

? Acne Surgery

Used to safely remove comedones, this procedure is performed exclusively by trained dermatologists to minimize scarring and inflammation.

? Microdermabrasion

This exfoliating procedure helps to remove the upper layers of skin, reducing surface irregularities and encouraging skin regeneration.

? Chemical Peels

Dr. Mhatre uses Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid peels to:

  • Unblock pores

  • Stimulate new skin growth

  • Improve skin texture

? Steroid Injections

For large, painful nodules or cysts, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain quickly.

Laser Acne Treatment: A Modern Breakthrough

Laser therapy is one of the most effective and long-term solutions for both active acne and acne scarring.

Benefits:

  • Reduces inflammation and bacteria

  • Stimulates collagen to treat scars

  • Reduces dependence on oral antibiotics

Duration & Results:

Most patients see noticeable improvement after 5–7 monthly sessions. Periodic maintenance sessions may be needed depending on flare-ups. According to Dr. Mhatre, results vary based on skin type, severity, and compliance with aftercare.

Why You Should See a Skin Specialist for Acne

While over-the-counter acne products may offer temporary relief, chronic or severe acne should be treated professionally to avoid permanent scarring. A skin specialist like Dr. Purnima Mhatre can:

  • Diagnose the root cause

  • Create a personalized treatment plan

  • Offer advanced and safe procedures

  • Prevent long-term damage to your skin

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Acne

Acne may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. With the right treatment, guidance, and expertise of a trusted skin specialist, clear and radiant skin is absolutely achievable.

If you're struggling with acne or have tried everything without success, book a consultation with Dr. Purnima Mhatre today and take the first step toward healthier, flawless skin.