April 2026 · 13 min read
The Complete Guide to Acne Treatment at Derma 360: From Consultation to Clear Skin
Acne is a medical condition. Treating it as one — with board-certified dermatologists and evidence-based protocols — is what Derma 360 does differently.
Why Acne Is Not a Cosmetic Problem
Acne is the most common skin condition in the Philippines. It affects an estimated 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24, and a significant proportion of adults well into their 30s and 40s. Despite its prevalence, it is consistently undertreated — managed with over-the-counter products that address symptoms rather than causes, or with aggressive aesthetic treatments that damage the skin barrier without resolving the underlying condition. The reason for this undertreatment is, in part, a categorization problem. Acne is often treated as a cosmetic concern — something to be covered with makeup or addressed with a facial — rather than as the medical condition it is. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, involving sebum overproduction, follicular hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acnes colonization, and inflammatory response. It has genetic, hormonal, and environmental components. It requires medical management, not cosmetic intervention. At Derma 360, acne is treated as what it is: a medical condition, managed by board-certified dermatologists with evidence-based protocols.
The Derma 360 Acne Assessment
The first step in acne treatment at Derma 360 is a comprehensive assessment. The dermatologist will classify the acne by type (comedonal, inflammatory, nodulocystic, or mixed), assess severity, identify potential triggers (hormonal, dietary, topical product-related), and review any previous treatments and their outcomes. This assessment takes time — typically 30 to 45 minutes for an initial consultation. It is not a process that can be rushed, and at Derma 360, it is not. The dermatologist will ask about your skincare routine, your diet, your stress levels, your menstrual cycle if relevant, and any medications you are currently taking. All of these factors can influence acne, and all of them need to be understood before a treatment protocol is designed. The result of this assessment is a personalized treatment plan — not a generic protocol applied to every acne patient, but a plan designed specifically for your skin, your acne type, and your lifestyle.
Treatment Options: From Topicals to Lasers
Derma 360's acne treatment portfolio spans the full range of evidence-based options. Topical treatments form the foundation of most acne protocols — retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical antibiotics are prescribed based on acne type and severity. Oral medications — antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and in severe cases isotretinoin — are prescribed when topical treatments alone are insufficient. Chemical peels — particularly salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels — are used to accelerate cell turnover, reduce comedones, and improve skin texture. Peel strength and frequency are calibrated to the individual patient's skin. Laser treatments are used for active acne (blue light, PDL) and for acne scarring (fractional laser, picosecond). The choice of laser depends on the type and severity of scarring, the patient's skin tone, and their tolerance for downtime. Intralesional steroid injections are used for individual cystic lesions — a targeted intervention that can resolve a painful nodule within 24 to 48 hours. At Derma 360, these injections are administered by board-certified dermatologists who understand the appropriate dilution and technique to minimize the risk of skin atrophy or hypopigmentation.
Managing Acne Scars: The Long Game
Acne scars are, for many patients, the most distressing consequence of acne. They are also among the most challenging skin concerns to treat — not because effective treatments do not exist, but because they require patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. Derma 360 approaches acne scar treatment with the same evidence-based rigor as active acne management. The first step is always to control active acne before addressing scars — treating scars while acne is still active is counterproductive. Once acne is controlled, scar treatment typically involves a combination of fractional laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and topical retinoids. The specific combination depends on the scar types present — atrophic scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) respond differently to different treatments, and a protocol that addresses all types simultaneously is more effective than a single-modality approach. Results from acne scar treatment are gradual. Patients typically see meaningful improvement after three to six treatment sessions, with continued improvement over 12 to 18 months as collagen remodeling progresses. Managing expectations — being honest about what is achievable and over what timeframe — is a core part of the Derma 360 approach.
The Role of Skincare in Acne Management
Prescription treatments and in-clinic procedures are only part of acne management. The skincare routine used at home — the products applied to the skin every day — has a significant impact on treatment outcomes. At Derma 360, the dermatologist will review your current skincare routine and make specific recommendations. This typically involves simplifying the routine — removing products that are comedogenic, irritating, or counterproductive — and introducing evidence-based actives at appropriate concentrations. The goal is a routine that supports the skin barrier, controls sebum production, and does not interfere with prescription treatments. This guidance is provided as part of the consultation, not as an upsell. The dermatologist's goal is for your skin to improve — and that requires a skincare routine that works with your treatment, not against it.