If you feel like commercially available products aren't solving your pimple problems, we researched and verified with a dermatologist the best ways to get rid of acne. Here, we detailed its causes, the safest professional treatments to get, and even the products we can use at home. With our guide, you'll be able to pick the most suitable method that will get you clear skin in the safest and fastest way possible.
What causes acne/pimples to form in the first place?
Yanee Vasquez, M.D. of Aesthetic Science Clinic explained that women can get acne from hormonal imbalances (stress, late nights, and monthly periods) and from an irritation to a beauty product.
How do we properly get rid of acne/pimples?
While popping pimples by yourself seems like a "quick" way to get rid of an angry zit, she stressed why it's a big no-no: "Self-management of acne such as popping a pimple is not recommended because it can lead to further irritation and inflammation with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or what is commonly known as acne marks," she warned.
To avoid ruining your skin, it's best that we leave it to the experts to get rid of acne or pimples. Below, the most effective acne and pimple solutions you can turn to, depending on your skin's need and budget:
How to get rid of acne and pimples
Anti-Acne Facial
When to get it: If you have oily skin with mild to moderate acne.
Where to get it: Skin Station; Flawless Face and Body Clinic; dermatological clinics
Why it works: It uses products that clean deep-seated dirt in the pores. It also comes with a blackhead, whitehead, and pimple extraction service done by an esthetician.
How much it costs: P900 to P1,500
How fast you can see results: You need three monthly treatments and up to see results.
Acne Surgery
When to get it: If you've got a recurring, cystic acne problem.
Where to get it: Dermatological clinics
Why it works: "Getting treated by a dermatologist is the best way to deal with an acne problem. We often suggest comedone extraction, acne surgery, and the use of topical and/or oral anti-acne medications," Dr. Vasquez said.
How much it costs: P1,800 to P3,500, depending on the clinic
How fast you can see results: Two months and up, with consistent maintenance
Insulated Microneedling
When to get it: You want your cystic acne gone for good.
Where to get it: Skin Philosophie by Nikita Talens, M.D.
Why it works: It selectively destroys hyperactive oil glands and prevents acne from coming back. You'll need at least three sessions of this treatment to score clearer skin.
How much it costs: P12,000 per session
How fast you can see results: One to two months
Fractional Needling Therapy with Retinol
When to get it: You have cystic acne but are also concerned with signs of aging.
Where to get it: Flawless Face and Body clinics
Why it works: It uses Vitamin A serum to fight acne, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
How much it costs: P4,500 per session
How fast you can see results: One to two months
Pimple or KI Injections
When to get it: If you have a pimple you want it gone ASAP.
Where to get it: Dermatological clinics
Why it works: Kristine Batungbacal, M.D. of Flawless Face and Body Clinics divulged that all of their doctors use diluted Triamcinolone acetonide suspension to reduce the redness of the spot. "A patient may have this treatment each time he/she has an inflammatory pimple. Usually, we can do another injection after a week if the inflammation has not completely subsided," she said. She also suggested that one should undergo a facial before the injection.
Dr. Batungbacal also warned of possible scarring. "Yes, it may lead to a scar and sometimes, discoloration (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). This is why the preparation of the suspension and injection technique is important," she disclosed.
How much it costs: P100 to 150 per pimple
How fast you can see results: One day
Spot Treatment Products
Where to get it: Beauty stores and drugstores
What can work: Dr. Vasquez advised that if access to proper treatment is difficult, look for a product with benzoyl peroxide and apply it to the area of the affected lesion.
Benzac Gel, P350 to P850, depending on the benzoyl peroxide concentration, Watsons
How fast you can see results: Three to five days
How can you make sure that you won't get acne scars?
The answer is simple: Have it checked by a professional as soon as it rears its ugly head. "Treat or manage your acne before complications such as acne scars and acne marks set in," Dr. Vasquez recommended. She also said that management of acne is a long-term process and will require several visits to see significant improvement.
But when you already have pimple marks, you can try chemical peels, laser treatments, and micro-needling to lessen the appearance of scars. Here are some of the services you can try:
Anti-Acne Peel
Where to get it: Skin Philosophie by Nikita Talens, M.D.
What is it: A chemical peel that smoothens the surface of the skin while managing acne.
How much it costs: P1,200
Spanish Peel
Where to get it: Aesthetic Science Clinic
What is it: A peel that reveals a new, smoother skin surface with a downtime of three to five days. Apart from acne marks, it can also reduce the appearance of large pores, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
How much it costs: P3,000 per session
Fraxel Laser
Where to get it: Flawless Face and Body Clinic and other dermatological clinics
What is it: A laser treatment that repairs acne scars, wrinkles, small warts, discoloration, syringoma, sebaceous hyperplasia, and other small skin lesions.
How much does it cost: Starts at P5,000 per session, depending on the clinic
TriFractional Treatment
Where to get it: Skin Philosophie by Nikita Talens, M.D.
What is it: TriFractional radiofrequency treatment boosts skin surface renewal. It is then followed up with micro-needling when needed.
How much it costs: P10,000 per session
Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenation
Where to get it: Aesthetic Science Clinic
What is it: An advanced laser treatment that boosts the repair and growth of collagen and elastin fibers. It can diminish acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, superficial pigmentation, and sagging skin. You need to have an average of six sessions done every three to four weeks for best results.
How much it costs: P5,800 per session or P30,000/6-session package
The Bottom Line
It's always best to trust a dermatologist when it comes to treating acne or pimples. It might seem expensive but look at it as an investment. It's better to cash in a big chunk of money right away for a surefire solution rather than to spend a few pesos multiple times (that will accumulate in the long run) with a hit-or-miss fix.
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