Acne Worsens in Seasonal Transitions — Shape and Depth Vary, Making Expert Diagnosis Essential [Dr. Kim Hyun-soo Column]

During seasonal transitions when the temperature difference between day and night widens, acne can worsen and requires attention. The temperature fluctuations can disrupt the skin's moisture-oil balance, and dry weather can trigger various skin troubles.

Acne comes in various types, including milia (millet-like acne) and pustular acne. Milia are small, white, bumpy lesions that appear on the skin due to clogged sebaceous glands and pores within hair follicles. Pustular acne refers to acne with inflammation inside the skin's pores, filled with pus.

Since acne is common, many people try to manage it at home. However, pustular acne carries a high risk of recurrence, and improper management can lead to skin pigmentation and depressed scarring, so caution is required.

Treatment primarily focuses on destroying acne bacteria and overly expanded sebaceous glands. The most commonly used methods are Gold PTT using gold particles and Agnes Laser.

Gold PTT uses ultrasound to penetrate specially designed micro gold particles deep into the skin. A laser around 800nm is then used to destroy the sebaceous glands. It is characterized by minimal pain or skin irritation and less sensitivity to UV, making it less burdensome for daily life.

Agnes Laser uses micro-insulated needles to selectively remove overly expanded sebaceous glands. By generating thermal energy at a specific wavelength, it can coagulate and destroy only the sebaceous glands without damaging surrounding normal tissue.

Since acne comes in various types and each patient's lesions differ in shape and depth, it is important to visit a clinic and determine the treatment method under accurate professional assessment.

(Dr. Kim Hyun-soo, Apgujeong ReYeonK Clinic)