Rethinking Acne Treatment: A More Holistic Approach – Expert Commentary

Acne

Key Takeaways

Beyond Bacteria: Traditional acne treatments have long focused on a single goal, but our understanding has evolved. Effective acne care now looks at the bigger picture rather than bacteria alone.

Target Multiple Drivers: Excess sebum, the skin’s microbiome and the recovery process all play a role. Supporting each of these, rather than just one, is key to healthier skin over the long term.

Skin-Friendly Matters: A comprehensive, gentle approach helps deliver clearer skin with fewer of the compromises, like dryness and irritation, that can come with harsher treatments.

If you’re acne-prone and you’ve ever felt like you’ve worked your way through every product on the shelf and still not found one that suits your skin, you’re far from alone. Acne is one of the most common skin concerns there is, and it can show up at any age, from the teenage years well into adulthood. It isn’t a sign of poor hygiene or anything you’ve done wrong, it’s simply how some skin behaves.

In this expert commentary, Amit Saha, Registered Pharmacist and Head of Technical & Innovation at LaCorium Health, explains why acne care is moving beyond the old approach of targeting bacteria alone, and what a gentler, more holistic routine can look like.

Why is it time to rethink acne treatment?

For decades, over-the-counter acne treatments have centred on salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While effective, they can cause dryness, irritation and barrier disruption. As our understanding evolves, acne care must go beyond bacteria alone.

What should effective acne management target?

Effective management should target multiple drivers. Excess sebum is a key contributor, making oil control essential for long-term skin health. Supporting a balanced microbiome also helps reduce inflammation and limits breakout triggers without disrupting the skin’s natural ecosystem.

Why do post-acne concerns matter?

Post-acne concerns are equally important. Lingering marks and textural changes can impact confidence, so treatments should support skin repair alongside active care.

What does a more holistic approach look like?

The future of acne care lies in a comprehensive, skin-friendly approach, combining sebum regulation, microbiome support and skin recovery with effective blemish control to deliver healthier skin with fewer compromises.

The Dermal Therapy Acne Range

Built around this skin-friendly thinking, the Dermal Therapy acne range works with your skin rather than against it, with no harsh acids, bleach or peroxide.

Acne Control Kit – Dermal Therapy Acne Control Kit is a next gen 3-step skincare technology to effectively control acne.
Acne Control Wash – A gentle foaming cleanser that maintains skin’s natural microbiome. It is free from salicylic acid, peroxides, bleach, soap, SLS or oil
Acne Spot Cream – A targeted treatment with Seboclear™ and triple AHA technology for stubborn breakouts, used only when flare-ups occur.
Acne Control Lotion – A daily, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser that balances the skin microbiome and hydrates with hyaluronic acid.
Daily Face Cleanser– Soap-free and SLS-free formula removes dirt without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
Daily Face Cream SPF 50 – moisturising sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection while keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.

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FAQs for Rethinking Acne Treatment

These ingredients have been the mainstay of over-the-counter acne care for decades and can be effective, but they can also cause dryness, irritation and barrier disruption. A more holistic approach looks beyond bacteria alone and supports the skin’s wider needs.

Rather than focusing on a single factor, effective acne management targets several drivers at once, controlling excess sebum, supporting a balanced microbiome and helping the skin recover, alongside active blemish control.

No. The Acne Spot Cream is designed to be used only on spots or lesions when a breakout occurs, morning and night. With daily use of the Acne Control Wash and Lotion, you may find you rarely need it.

Both target stubborn breakouts, so it comes down to preference. If you tend to pick at spots, the Acne Control Clear Patch creates a protective barrier and is a great option. Otherwise, the Acne Spot Cream is a handy targeted treatment.

The range is formulated without harsh acids, bleach or peroxide, and is designed to work with your skin’s natural microbiome rather than strip it. The Acne Control Lotion is also clinically tested to be non-comedogenic, meaning it’s formulated not to clog or block pores.

If your acne is severe, persistent or causing you distress, it’s always worth speaking with your pharmacist or GP. They can offer tailored advice and check for any other contributing factors.

Written by

Amit Saha

Amit Saha is a Registered Pharmacist (B-Pharm (Hons), M-Pharm, MBA, MPS) and member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) & Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemist (ASCC) with expertise in clinical pharmacy practice, pharmacology, drug interaction and toxicology.

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