04
Jun
2026
Acne Does Not Discriminate
Most of us know the frustration of waking up to a blemish on the morning of an important event. But for millions of people, that frustration isn’t occasional, it’s a daily reality. Persistent breakouts, minimal improvement despite good skincare and healthy lifestyle habits and the emotional burden of living with skin that never quite feels settled. Whether it’s the occasional pimple or chronic inflammatory acne, it remains one of the most common and universal skin concerns worldwide.
And the statistics reflect that. According to the British Medical Journal, acne is estimated to affect around 9.4% of the global population, with the highest prevalence observed during adolescence.1 Several studies across Asia have also reported particularly high rates of acne, with prevalence estimates reaching up to 91.3% in some populations.2 More notably, evidence suggests acne prevalence may be increasing across parts of Asia, with one study reporting a 0.67% annual increase in acne prevalence in Southeast Asia between 1990 and 2019.3 Acne is also no longer considered a condition limited to adolescence. Research from Taiwan found acne persisted into adulthood in 38% of women and 46% of men, although many studies overall suggest adult acne tends to be more common in women.2
What is Acne and Post-Acne Scarring?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition characterised by a range of lesions, including papules (small red bumps), pustules, cysts and non-inflammatory lesions such as blackheads and whiteheads, often referred to as comedones.3 While acne most commonly affects the face, it can also develop on the chest, upper arms and back.4
Post-acne scarring is one of the most common long-term consequences of inflammatory acne and can vary considerably in severity depending on the depth and duration of inflammation. Scarring occurs when inflammation disrupts the skin’s natural healing response, leading to changes in collagen production and skin texture.4 For some individuals, this may present as mild pigmentation or subtle textural irregularities, while others may develop more pronounced atrophic, hypertrophic or keloid scarring.4 Beyond the physical presentations, acne may have serious psychological consequences, impacting self-esteem, social relationships and mental health.4
What Causes Acne in Asian Populations?
Acne develops through a complex combination of internal and external factors. It typically begins when excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria become trapped within the hair follicle, leading to blocked pores and inflammation.3 Current research suggests acne in Asian skin develops through many of the same biological pathways observed in Caucasian skin, although several additional factors may influence acne severity and scarring risk.5
Genetics appear to play an important role, with studies in young Chinese adults identifying family history as a significant risk factor for acne development.3 Hormonal factors may also contribute, particularly hormones involved in androgen activity and growth signalling such as DHEA, DHT and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which have been associated with increased inflammatory acne and post-acne scarring in some Asian populations.3
Environmental and lifestyle factors may also influence acne presentation and severity. Research suggests higher temperatures and humidity can contribute to acne flare-ups, while factors such as stress, alcohol intake, screen time and skincare practices may further affect symptom severity.3 Cultural beliefs around acne management may also influence symptom severity. In some South Asian populations, acne is commonly associated with poor hygiene, which can lead some individuals to rely on excessive cleansing or harsh scrubbing practices that may further irritate inflamed skin and disrupt the skin barrier.6
Does Acne Present Differently in Asian Skin?
Acne is increasingly recognised as a highly individualised condition, with emerging research suggesting it may present differently across ethnicities and skin types.2 Some studies indicate both acne and post-acne scarring may be more common in darker skin tones.2
Global research involving almost 3,000 adult women found inflammatory acne was more commonly reported than comedonal acne among Asian women, which differs from patterns commonly observed in Caucasian women.2 This is clinically significant as inflammatory acne is more likely to trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-acne scarring, making pigmentary and textural skin changes more noticeable and persistent in some cases. Together, these factors highlight the importance of early intervention and carefully tailored treatment approaches.2
Barriers to Acne Treatment in Asian Populations
Research suggests East Asian and South Asian individuals may be less likely to seek professional support for acne or receive acne-related information from healthcare practitioners compared to Caucasian populations, which in some cases may contribute to delayed treatment and prolonged inflammatory symptoms.2,7 For example, one study from Hong Kong reported that just 2.4% of adolescents sought professional treatment for their acne.8 Delays in accessing effective treatment may also help explain the higher prevalence of post-acne pigmentation and acne scarring observed in some Asian populations.2
The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Post-Acne Scarring
Historically, treating active acne and post-acne scarring often required a long-term approach, with limited options for rapidly improving inflammation, redness and residual skin changes. However, advances in laser technology have significantly expanded the range of treatment options available for both active breakouts and post-acne scarring.
For example, Ultra by Cynosure Lutronic can help improve active acne by reducing inflammatory papules, pustules and associated redness, while also stimulating fibroblast activity and dermal collagen production to support improvements in post-acne scarring and skin texture.9
Derma V, a digitally powered 532/1064nm device featuring Variable Sequential Pulsing (VSP) technology, is another option that may help reduce redness and inflammation associated with active acne with minimal downtime. For individuals concerned about acne scarring, PicoSure Pro, the world’s first 755nm picosecond laser can also be used to target pigmented lesions and support improvements in overall scar appearance.9
Preventing Acne
A consistent skincare routine can play an important role in helping to manage acne. Gentle cleansing products may help remove excess oil, dirt and debris that can contribute to blocked pores and breakouts. However, over-exfoliating or using overly harsh products can disrupt the skin barrier, potentially increasing irritation and making inflamed skin more difficult to heal. Alongside skincare, diet and lifestyle factors may also influence acne severity in some individuals. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats, including oily fish, olive oil and avocado may help support overall skin health and inflammation regulation.10 Emerging research into the role of probiotics in acne management has also shown promising early findings, although further research is still needed to better understand their long-term effectiveness and mechanisms of action.10
Final Thoughts
Acne is a highly individualised condition that can present differently across skin types and ethnicities, with emerging research suggesting Asian populations may face an increased risk of inflammatory acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-acne scarring. Understanding these differences and seeking early, tailored treatment approaches may help reduce long-term skin changes and improve overall treatment outcomes.
References: