Understanding and Treating Acne Scientifically
Acne is rarely just about the surface. Whether it is hormonal, diet-related, or caused by hidden habits, I help you find the root cause for lasting, clear skin.
Are you doing everything right but still getting acne? This video reveals common habits that secretly worsen acne, such as using dirty pillowcases, letting hair oil touch your face, and phone screens. Small changes can lead to big improvements.
If you feel stuck with your skin, you are not alone. Persistent issues like acne, pigmentation, or dull skin are often due to a missing diagnosis, not a lack of effort. My goal is to find that missing piece and create a system that works for you.
As I explained to Manifest Magazine, picking or squeezing a pimple is one of the worst things you can do. It can spread bacteria, lead to deeper inflammation, and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that lasts for months.
Does the morning saliva hack for pimples work? Absolutely not. As I shared with Manifest Magazine, saliva contains bacteria from the mouth that can introduce more germs to inflamed skin. Always avoid DIYs like this, along with toothpaste or lemon juice.
I was happy to weigh in for Manifest Magazine on celebrity beauty hacks, like using morning spit for acne. While it's tempting to try quick fixes, many viral trends are not safe for your skin.
Celebrities often set beauty trends, but not all of them are hits. From dabbing saliva on pimples to using coconut oil overnight, it's important to separate fact from fiction. When a pimple appears, avoid the temptation to try just anything.
For a pimple emergency before a big event, I advise skipping DIY experiments and seeing a professional. As I told Manifest Magazine, a quick cortisone injection at my clinic can flatten a pimple within a day, but this must be done by a trained professional.
A basic skincare routine for acne-prone skin should be simple. I recommend a foaming cleanser, a light water-based moisturizer, and a non-silicone sunscreen for the day. The real repair work with actives like AHA, BHA, or retinol happens at night.
To treat acne effectively, we must first understand its type. This video explains the differences between comedonal acne (whiteheads, blackheads), papular/pustular acne (red, painful bumps often linked to hormones or dairy), and cystic acne (deep, hormonal, and genetic).
About Understanding & Treating Acne
Before you try another cream, we need to look at what is happening inside. Whether your acne is hormonal, triggered by dairy, or worsened by hair oils, simply guessing will not help. I use dermoscopy and a review of your medical history to isolate the trigger, so we treat the actual cause rather than just the symptoms on your skin.
Acne feels deeply personal, but physiologically, it is often a chemical or hormonal reaction. In my 15 years of practice in Mumbai, I have learned that the trial-and-error approach to skincare usually leads to more frustration.
Identifying Your Acne
I categorize my approach based on the specific type of acne you are dealing with:
- Comedonal Acne: Whiteheads and blackheads, usually indicating skin congestion.
- Pustular or Papular Acne: Painful red bumps, often on the cheeks, that frequently point to hormonal imbalances or dairy sensitivity.
- Cystic Acne: Deep, painful, pus-filled cysts that are almost always hormonal or genetic in origin.
Why My Approach is Different
Most people come to me after failing with 10-step routines or viral hacks like saliva on pimples. Those DIY methods often damage your skin barrier and introduce bacteria. Instead, I focus on a science-backed system. This includes examining your internal health, your diet, and the specific skincare products you use. If you have been struggling with recurring breakouts in areas like your jawline, it is a signal that we need to investigate your hormones, not just apply a spot treatment.
Your Treatment Path
Whether you visit my clinic in Lokhandwala or opt for an online consultation, the process is the same. We start with a diagnosis—using dermoscopy for physical exams or analyzing your history for remote cases. We then build a plan that includes a simple, effective routine (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen) and targeted actives for night repair. I do not believe in overloading your skin; I believe in consistency. If you are ready to stop the cycle and focus on long-term skin health, we can start by reviewing what is happening beneath the surface.
Niketa Sonavane
I am Dr. Niketa Sonavane, a dermatologist with 15 years of practice in Mumbai. My goal is to move past the noise of viral trends and complicated routines to give you simple, science-backed skin solutions. I look at your lifestyle and internal health so we can treat your acne at its source.
Looking for other skin or hair solutions?
Type what you are worried about, and I will help you navigate the right path.
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