Acne Treatment
Acne Icon

Acne Treatment

At Anue, we consider acne a curable condition. Embrace the reality of our dermatologist-led, evidence-based treatments to break free from acne and regain your confidence for life. We don’t just treat acne as a disease, we personalise our treatments to your individual goals and lifestyle.

On this page, we discuss the acne treatments available at Anue. To learn about acne in detail and its underlying causes, please visit the Acne Definitive Guide at the Anue Learning Hub.

How to get rid of acne?

Anue is dermatologist-led and has the expertise to navigate proven treatments to provide you with tailored care that has been demonstrated to get rid of acne. More importantly, we aim to settle your acne without significant delay to avoid new scars from developing.

We know that people are unique and can respond to treatments differently. No one option is suitable for everyone. Ultimately, the choice of treatment comes down to what you want to achieve with your skin.

The most important question you’ll be asked is:

What is your goal for treatment?

  • Do you just want to keep your acne at bay? or
  • Do you want to break free from acne with potentially curative treatments, allowing you to get on with your life without constantly being held back.

As a dermatologist-led clinic providing comprehensive, evidence-based care, we can guide you through the entire process, from clearing your acne, striving for long-term cure to treating scars if needed.

We also have a full range of adjunct therapies, such as peels, lasers, and topical treatments. These can assist with the improvement of acne and are an option for those who don’t wish to take medication.

The Hidden Impacts of Acne

We understand that the world can be a superficial place and that acne can really affect your mental health, self esteem and social relationships.

Anue is here to help you get your acne sorted, allowing you to regain your confidence and live your best life.

A Special Note

“Acne is my favourite condition to treat. Successful treatment can literally be life changing and gives me immense satisfaction”.

Dr David Lim, Dermatologist
Acne treatment, identification.

Avoid a lifetime of scars

Acne treatment to avoid scarring.

While acne is considered temporary for most people, the scarring that results can be permanent. This, of course, is one of the most feared complications of acne. We recommend properly treating your acne with our experts to minimise the risk of scarring.

Furthermore, if we predict that scaring is imminent, we may recommend additional treatments that can shut down the early stages of scar development.


What are the acne treatment options?

There are many options available for acne and we are happy to navigate the vast variety of therapies to suit your lifestyle and goals. Please note that we have a detailed description of acne treatment options in our Definitive Guide to Acne article at the Anue Learning Hub. Below is a brief summary.

While the majority of treatments merely suppress acne, some options have cure rates of around 70% with a single course of treatment. Repeated courses can boost the long-term cure rate to over 90%.1Rademaker M. Isotretinoin: dose, duration and relapse. What does 30 years of usage tell us? Australas J Dermatol. 2013 Aug;54(3):157-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00947.x

Topicals (eg. creams)

Acne treatment with cream.

Both prescription and non-prescription topicals are suitable for mild forms of acne where no scarring is evident. Overall, topicals achieve an approximate 30% to 50% improvement for mild acne.

Topical products include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, and tretinoin.

Prescription tablets (non-retinoids)

These include antibiotics such as doxycycline as well as hormonal medications like the oral contraceptive tablet and others. Typically, doctors use these for moderate-to-severe acne or when topical creams fail.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (also known as Oratane in NZ) is by far the most effective treatment for acne. When used correctly, it achieves high long-term cure rates and is safe and well-tolerated. Isotretinoin is close to 100% effective at clearing acne while taking the medication. Around 70% of people achieve a long-term cure after completing a single course.2Rademaker M. Isotretinoin: dose, duration and relapse. What does 30 years of usage tell us? Australas J Dermatol. 2013 Aug;54(3):157-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00947.x

These are an option for acne although they are not usually the best course of action. Strong chemical peels can result in significant improvement, with gentle peels resulting in only mild improvement. While this can be a good option for those who don’t like taking medication, the effects are only temporary and require ongoing treatment approximately monthly to maintain results. This can end up becoming very expensive and time-consuming.

Light and laser therapies

Light and laser can also help with the removal of acne. Vascular lasers can very effectively shut down the inflammatory component of acne. Newer light therapies are still being studied to determine their overall efficacy. They are normally used as adjuncts to other treatments.

Acne treatment with chemical peels.

Adjunct acne treatments

Alongside acne treatments, we have a range of other treatments that can help with scarring, erythema (redness), and other underlying conditions.

Acne treatment with laser.

Scars: for scarring, we can provide a range of treatments including laser resurfacing, microneedling and minor surgical procedures such as punch release and subscision. Please read more on our definitive guide to acne scarring page.

Erythema: for unwanted redness, we have a range of laser and IPL treatments that not only help reduce redness but can also minimise subsequent scar formation.

Hormonal: for hormonal-related acne, we can offer a variety of hormonal-based options as they can be more effective for hormonal acne. However, all treatments can still be useful. Our experts can guide you through the options.

Other underlying conditions: the most common underlying condition for females is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). If this is the case, we can arrange further investigations, and if confirmed, we can organise treatment with appropriate specialists.


What about non-medical acne treatment?

We know that there are numerous alternative services and sometimes expensive products that claim to help with acne being advertised on the internet and in social media. Sometimes, these even have celebrity endorsements.

At Anue, we offer treatments that science has proven and demonstrated to be effective and many of these options don’t include medication.

Acne treatment, drs

Acne treatment with Anue

Acne treatment with Anue

We believe our clients deserve access to expert, evidence-based acne treatment. That is why we offer our services by our trusted team, supervised by renowned specialist dermatologist, Dr. David Lim.

By using refined techniques, qualified professionals, and high-quality products, we aim to make you look and feel your best. Our acne treatments are safe and effective at helping you achieve your goals.

A typical teenage acne case may only need around 2-3 appointments to achieve a long-term cure. However, this does depend on the treatments that you have chosen. Our optimal goal is to help you achieve a long-term cure and not have to keep you coming back for appointments.

NEXT STEPS

Acne treatment with Anue

At Anue, we provide routine follow-up care so you are not left unsupported.

We believe our clients deserve access to the safest treatments and quality acne treatments available.

Look after you, book in with Anue.

More Information

We offer our acne treatments by our trusted team, supervised by renowned specialist dermatologist, Dr. David Lim. By using refined techniques, qualified professionals, and high-quality products, we promise to make you look and feel your best.
Our acne treatments are safe and effective at helping you achieve your goals.

Pricing

Therapist Consultation (Redeemable)$100
Acne Consultation with Dermatologist$420
Prices are indicative only and fluctuate with time.
The cost of reedemable consultations (where indicated) may be deducted from treatments within three months.
For best results, other treatments or even a package of treatment may be recommended - pricing will be discussed prior to treatment.

Preparing for your appointment

Please bring a list of your full medical history and current medications. It may seem irrelevant, but our team needs to be aware of your history so that we can tailor your treatment to your individual needs and situation. Also, please bring a list of previous and current treatments for your acne.

Aftercare

Depending on the acne treatment you opt for, they will have some specific aftercare practices. Information sheets are provided for each treatment’s aftercare specifics, and the downtime for the different treatments will vary.

We recommend a two-week follow-up appointment after your first treatment to assess results, ensure you have no concerns, and discuss the ongoing treatment plan (if appropriate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimers

General

Most people respond well to treatment. However, because you are an invdividual, treatment effects can vary and as such cannot be guaranteed. We of course, do our best to ensure you are happy with your treatment.

Our Artisans are committed to transparent communication and pricing. We encourage you to ask questions or voice your concerns throughout the process, including before, during and after treatment.

If we don't think a treatment will work well we will do our best to warn you and suggest alternative options.

We prioritise the safety and satisfaction of our patients at Anue. This means we may refuse treatment if we think it is inappropriate or we feel your expectations are unrealistic.

At Anue, only trained professionals administer treatments, supervised by a Dermatologist registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

It is important that patients disclose any and all their medical history including current medications during their consultation. This allows us to adjust your treatment to optimise outcomes and minimise risk. Despite a thorough evaluation of potential risks, side effects may still develop from treatment.

Patients are responsible for covering the cost of their treatments, and clinic fees are applicable. The effects of treatments may not be permanent as this depends on the underlying driver of the condition. Your treatment provider may recommend additional treatment courses.

Isotretinoin Statement

Isotretinoin is prescription medicine for the treatment of moderate to severe acne resistant to other therapy or with scarring. Isotretinoin has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if isotretinoin is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your isotretinoin prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Isotretinoin can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Isotretinoin should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Doxycycline Statement

Doxycycline is prescription medicine for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Doxycycline has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if doxycycline is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your doxycycline prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Doxycycline can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Doxycycline should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Adapalene Statement

Adapalene is prescription medicine for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Adapalene has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if adapalene is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your adapalene prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Adapalene can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Adapalene should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Tretinoin Statement

Tretinoin is prescription medicine for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Tretinoin has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if tretinoin is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your tretinoin prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Tretinoin can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Tretinoin should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

By choosing Anue, patients can trust in our expertise and commitment to providing safe, effective, and personalised aesthetic solutions.

References

  • 1
    Rademaker M. Isotretinoin: dose, duration and relapse. What does 30 years of usage tell us? Australas J Dermatol. 2013 Aug;54(3):157-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00947.x
  • 2
    Rademaker M. Isotretinoin: dose, duration and relapse. What does 30 years of usage tell us? Australas J Dermatol. 2013 Aug;54(3):157-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00947.x