Concern

What causes acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the hair follicle and its oil gland. Four factors usually work together:

Excess sebum: oil production rises with hormones, stress and climate.
Clogged pores: dead skin cells stick together and block the follicle.
Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes thrives in blocked, oily follicles.
Inflammation: the immune response creates red, painful lesions.

Triggers vary from person to person. Common ones include hormonal shifts, heavy or occlusive skincare, friction from masks or phones, certain medications, high humidity in a Seoul summer and dry indoor heating in winter.

What type of acne do I have?

Identifying the type is the most important step, because treatments that help one type may irritate another.

Comedonal acne

Blackheads and whiteheads, often on the forehead, nose and chin. This type responds well to exfoliation, pore cleansing and consistent home care.

Inflammatory acne

Red papules and pus-filled pustules. Calming inflammation is the priority, sometimes with prescription topicals or oral medication.

Nodular or cystic acne

Deep, painful lumps that can leave scars. This type usually needs medical treatment, and early care matters to reduce scarring.

Hormonal acne

Breakouts along the jawline and chin, often cyclical. Hormonal patterns may need a different long-term plan.

Conditions that look like acne

Fungal folliculitis, rosacea and perioral dermatitis can be mistaken for acne. They need different treatment, which is why a doctor's examination comes before any package.

How does Re:berry Hongdae approach acne?

Re:berry's philosophy is diagnosis before packages and combination over single procedures. For acne, that usually means three layers working together.

Control active breakouts: reduce oil, open pores and calm inflammation.
Support the skin barrier: many acne-prone skins are also dehydrated or irritated.
Plan for marks and scars: once breakouts are under control, address redness, pigment or texture.

Which treatments may help acne?

HydraFacial: deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation and extraction with hydration. Helpful for comedonal acne and congested pores.
Skin Botox (micro Botox): very diluted toxin injected superficially, which may reduce oil production and pore appearance for some patients.
Genesis laser: a gentle laser that may reduce redness and post-acne erythema.
Laser toning: helps brown post-inflammatory marks once active acne settles.
PDRN or Rejuran Healer: skin boosters that support healing and barrier recovery.
Medical therapy: topical or oral medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate.

For a specific treatment-and-concern pairing, see skin Botox for acne. Not every option suits every skin. For example, oily comedonal skin may tolerate frequent cleansing treatments, while red, sensitive skin with inflammatory papules often does better with calming lasers and barrier support first.

How do combinations work in practice?

A typical combination might pair a cleansing treatment with a barrier-supporting booster in the same visit, then add a calming laser a few weeks later once inflammation drops. Another patient with hormonal breakouts along the jaw might focus on medical therapy and home care, with in-clinic sessions mainly used to calm flares and fade marks. The doctor explains why each step is included and what it is expected to change.

What does a typical acne treatment timeline look like?

Weeks 0–2: diagnosis, first in-clinic treatment and a home routine. Some purging or adjustment can occur.
Weeks 2–8: regular sessions, often every 2–4 weeks. New breakouts should gradually become fewer and smaller.
Weeks 8–12: many patients see clearer skin, though hormonal acne can fluctuate.
After 3 months: maintenance plus treatment of remaining marks or acne scars.

Acne is rarely solved in a single visit. Results vary by individual, and a stable routine typically matters as much as the clinic treatments.

What should I tell the doctor before acne treatment?

Current skincare, including retinoids, acids and benzoyl peroxide
Any oral medications, especially isotretinoin or antibiotics
Pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive
Previous reactions to lasers, peels or injections
Your travel dates, if you are visiting Seoul

If you take isotretinoin, many in-clinic procedures need to be postponed or modified. Read treatments while taking isotretinoin.

Home care tips for acne-prone skin

Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, low-pH cleanser.
Use non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.
Avoid picking or squeezing, which raises scarring risk.
Change pillowcases often and keep phone screens clean.
Introduce one new active product at a time.
Keep hair products and heavy oils away from the hairline and forehead.

Diet is a frequently asked question. Evidence suggests that high-glycemic foods and, for some people, dairy may be linked to breakouts, but responses differ. Keeping a simple food and breakout diary can help you and the doctor spot patterns without cutting out whole food groups unnecessarily.

Can visitors to Seoul get acne treatment at Re:berry Hongdae?

Yes. Short-term visitors can usually have a diagnosis and one or two in-clinic treatments, plus a home routine to continue after returning. Ongoing care can continue at another Re:berry branch, since the network applies the same consultation standards. Book via our Booking page; pricing is confirmed in writing at consultation.

Can acne be cured completely?

Acne can often be controlled very well, and many people outgrow it, but it is a chronic condition that can return with hormonal or lifestyle changes. The goal is fewer, smaller breakouts and less scarring. A doctor can build a plan for active acne and a separate plan for marks once skin is calm.

Is HydraFacial enough to treat acne?

HydraFacial can help with congestion, blackheads and oily buildup, but it is rarely enough on its own for inflammatory or cystic acne. It works best as part of a plan that may include medical treatment, barrier care and other in-clinic options. Your doctor will advise based on your acne type.

Should I treat acne before acne scars?

In most cases, yes. Treating scars while acne is still active can trigger new breakouts and new scars. Doctors usually aim to control active acne first and then move to scar treatments such as boosters, exosome therapy or lasers. Some gentle steps can overlap.

Can men get acne treatment at Re:berry Hongdae?

Yes. Acne affects people of all genders, and men often have oilier skin and razor-related irritation. Treatment is based on diagnosis rather than gender. Shaving routines, beard areas and skin oiliness are taken into account when planning in-clinic care and home products.