Godeok: recurring acne causes and management
For acne at Godeok Dermatology, it seems one needs to consider everything from sebum and pore conditions to lifestyle habits together, which may help reduce recurrence.
"Once one disappears, another appears elsewhere." "Even after extraction, it keeps coming back." "I'm worried my skin texture will become rough and leave marks."
Many people think acne is a skin concern that only appears during adolescence, but in reality, it's not uncommon for adults to visit a dermatology clinic due to recurring breakouts. Acne at our clinic can be influenced by various factors, including not only inflammation on the skin's surface but also sebum secretion, pore condition, and lifestyle habits. Therefore, it's important to assess your current skin condition and create a management plan tailored to the cause.
Even the same acne can manifest differently
Acne at our clinic does not all appear in the same form. Sometimes, small comedones form when sebum blocks pores, while other times, inflammation progresses, appearing as red acne or pustules. If inflammation recurs, it can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring, making early management crucial. In the Consultation Room, discussions often revolve around recurring acne, breakouts concentrated on the forehead and chin, oily skin, persistent marks, and concerns about pores and skin texture. Even if they appear similar on the surface, the causes differ from person to person.
There isn't just one cause for acne
Increased sebum secretion, clogged pores, bacterial proliferation on the skin, and hormonal changes can all play a role. Lack of sleep, stress, and improper skincare habits also affect skin condition. Therefore, simply washing your face diligently often isn't enough to solve the problem; it's necessary to identify the recurring causes together.
What we check during your consultation
When creating an Acne Treatment plan, we don't just look at the number of breakouts; we comprehensively analyze your current skin condition.
Acne often requires a plan tailored to the current condition rather than a single treatment approach. The approach differs for severe inflammation versus excessive sebum secretion, and if marks or scars are present, treatment may be planned with recovery in mind. Extraction, laser, and skin care programs may be considered together as needed, and their application depends on the individual's condition.
For recurring breakouts, we also look at lifestyle habits
We often receive the question, "Why does acne always appear in the same spot?" Recurring breakouts are influenced not only by the skin's inherent characteristics but also by lifestyle habits. Therefore, during the consultation, we also check for factors like lack of sleep, stress, frequent friction, and the use of unsuitable cosmetics, and provide guidance on management methods. Treatment often involves observing changes over a certain period rather than a short term, and the frequency and duration of visits vary depending on the method, with the plan adjusted based on the response. Habits such as Sun Protection, sufficient moisturizing, and avoiding excessive irritation help maintain a healthy skin environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will extraction alone be enough? The plan varies depending on the cause and skin condition, and other treatments may be considered together. Can adults still get acne? Yes, it can appear due to various factors such as hormones, lifestyle habits, and skin characteristics. Can I also consult about marks? Yes, it's possible; we will assess your skin condition and guide you on the approach. How long does the treatment take? It varies depending on the type and severity, and adjustments are made as we observe the progress.
If you are concerned about acne or breakouts, the first step is to assess your skin type, sebum secretion, and lifestyle habits, rather than just treating the visible inflammation. Since the causes and responses differ from person to person, you are welcome to comfortably discuss your current concerns via Chat Consultation [blocked].
This article was reviewed by Park Min-soo, Lead Directors (7th President of the Korean Society for Laser Dermatology and Hair, Adjunct Professor at Hanyang University College of Medicine) and Lee Yu-seok, Lead Directors (Vice President of the Korean Society for Laser Dermatology and Hair, 20 years of clinical experience). Last reviewed 2026-09-06.