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Acne, Scars & Pores

Acne Treatment in Seoul by a Board-Certified Dermatologist

Quick answer

Effective acne treatment combines medical therapy that controls oil, bacteria and inflammation with in-clinic procedures that clear clogged pores and calm active lesions. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a dermatologist first identifies your acne type, then builds a plan that may include prescription medication, extraction, chemical peels, LDM and Potenza RF microneedling. Most people see meaningful improvement within two to three months.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026

Dermatologist-led acne treatment for clearer skin at The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul
Best options

Medication + procedures

Visit time

30–60 min

Downtime

None to a few days

Timeline

8–12 weeks to settle

Why acne needs a medical diagnosis first

Acne is not one condition. Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), red inflamed papules, deep painful cysts and hormonal breakouts along the jaw each respond to different treatments. Some conditions that look like acne — such as rosacea, fungal folliculitis or perioral dermatitis — need a completely different approach and can worsen with standard acne products.

At your first visit the doctor examines your skin, asks about your routine, medications, cycle and stress, and identifies which acne pattern you have. That diagnosis decides whether the priority is medication, procedures or both. If you are dealing with breakouts in your late twenties or beyond, our page on adult acne explains the common triggers.

Medical treatment options

Medication treats the root causes of acne: excess oil, clogged follicles, bacteria and inflammation. Depending on your skin and health history, the doctor may recommend:

  • Topical treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid
  • Oral antibiotics for a limited period to bring inflammation under control
  • Oral isotretinoin for severe, scarring or stubborn acne, with appropriate monitoring
  • Hormonal approaches in selected cases, coordinated with your other physicians

Isotretinoin and several topical retinoids must not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Always tell the doctor if this applies to you. For travelers, we discuss how to continue treatment safely once you return home.

In-clinic procedures that speed up clearing

Procedures work alongside medication to clear what is already there and calm inflammation faster:

  • Extraction of comedones and ripe lesions under sterile conditions, reducing the urge to pick
  • Chemical peels such as salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce oiliness
  • LDM ultrasound to soothe red, irritated skin — see LDM skin regeneration
  • Potenza RF microneedling , which can target overactive oil glands and early textural change — see Potenza

Not every patient needs every step. The doctor chooses the minimum effective combination for your skin type and schedule. Procedures are usually spaced two to four weeks apart while medication takes effect.

Preventing marks and scars

The most effective way to avoid acne scars is to control inflammation early. Deep, painful lesions and repeated picking are the biggest risk factors for permanent scarring. Once acne is under control, the red or brown marks it leaves behind can be addressed with vascular and pigment lasers on our post-acne marks treatment page.

If indented scars have already formed, they are treated differently from active acne, usually after breakouts have settled. Our acne scar treatment page explains how the doctor types scars and plans combination therapy. Results vary, and scar treatment is gradual.

Daily care between visits

Good home care makes medical treatment work better and reduces irritation. Most acne-prone patients do well with a gentle, non-foaming or low-foaming cleanser, a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer and a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid harsh scrubs, frequent exfoliating acids layered together and heavy occlusive products on breakout areas.

Change pillowcases regularly, clean your phone screen and avoid touching or squeezing lesions. If you start a retinoid, introduce it slowly; dryness and mild flaring in the first weeks are common. Bring your current products to your consultation so the doctor can tell you what to keep and what to pause.

The Heal approach

We pair a dermatologist's diagnosis with procedures only where they add value, so your plan targets your specific acne type instead of following a fixed package.

Expert review

Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa

Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine

Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy

Visit us

The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9

Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed

+82 2-417-1102

International patients

Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.

English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide

1

Message us

Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.

2

Get your plan

Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.

3

Consult & treat

In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.

Frequently asked

Acne Treatment: your questions answered

  • How long does acne treatment take to work?

    Most medical acne treatments need six to twelve weeks to show clear improvement, because they act on the life cycle of the follicle. In-clinic procedures can calm active lesions faster, but consistent home treatment is what keeps skin clear.

  • Can I get acne treatment during a short visit to Seoul?

    Yes. A consultation, extraction or peel can be done in one visit, and the doctor can start a medical plan. We discuss which prescriptions are practical to continue at home and recommend following up with a local doctor.

  • Is Potenza safe for active acne?

    Potenza has settings designed for acne-prone skin, but suitability depends on how inflamed your skin is. Very inflamed or infected areas may need medical control first. The doctor decides after examining you.

  • Will my acne come back after treatment?

    Acne can recur, especially with hormonal changes, stress or new products. A maintenance routine, sometimes with a topical retinoid, helps keep breakouts under control. Results vary, so periodic review is useful.

  • Should I stop my current skincare before my visit?

    Keep your routine as usual but bring the products or photos of them. If you use strong exfoliants or retinoids, the doctor may ask you to pause them before peels or energy treatments.

English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul

Get a dermatologist's acne plan in Jamsil

Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.