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?
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.
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.
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.