Adult acne is an inflammatory skin condition that repeatedly appears along the jawline, around the mouth, and on the cheeks even after puberty. Many people wonder, "Why do I still get acne even though I'm grown up?" Adult acne often involves a complex interplay of sebum secretion, pore environment, and skin aging.
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon approaches acne treatment not just by calming inflammation, but by fundamentally regulating sebum secretion while also addressing wrinkles and elasticity.
Why Does Adult Acne Keep Recurring?
During hot and humid seasons, increased sweat and sebum production can easily clog pores, leading to more people experiencing acne breakouts. When this is combined with the aging process, where skin elasticity decreases and fine wrinkles appear, it's common to see both excessive sebum and aging simultaneously.
Unlike adolescent acne, adult acne involves a complex interaction of deep sebaceous gland activity, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits. Therefore, managing only surface troubles often leads to recurrence, and treatments that regulate the sebaceous glands themselves are also considered.
Why High-Frequency Devices Are Used in Acne Treatment
High-frequency devices are generally known for improving wrinkles and elasticity, but they are also used in adult acne treatment. When high-frequency energy is applied to skin that has lost elasticity and has excessive sebum due to aging, it can be expected to improve elasticity and wrinkles, as well as reduce acne and sebum secretion.
The principle is as follows: When high-frequency energy is delivered to a depth of about 1-3mm within the skin's dermis, it converts into thermal energy, which damages the sebaceous glands. When sebaceous glands are affected, sebum secretion decreases, and reduced sebum leads to a decrease in acne. Simultaneously, dermal collagen is stimulated, increasing skin elasticity.
A reduction in sebum means a reduction in the very environment where acne thrives, and this is the core rationale for using high-frequency treatment for adult acne.
Because it acts on the dermis rather than the skin surface, the approach itself differs from treatments that only address surface troubles. If you experience recurring acne, understanding this principle can help in planning your treatment.
Evidence from Research and Application to Korean Patients
According to overseas research, clinical treatment of 22 individuals showed improvement in 18 patients (82%). Referring to this paper, Chief Director Lee Sang-joo also conducted treatments combining Thermage FLX and Polaris devices to confirm the effectiveness of high-frequency devices for acne treatment in Koreans.
As a result, it was confirmed that high-frequency devices are effective in improving acne in Koreans. However, treatment response may vary individually, so the same results cannot be guaranteed for everyone.
When Combination Treatment is Recommended Over High-Frequency Alone
While high-frequency treatment alone can improve acne, combining it with other sebum-reducing treatments is reported to enhance the treatment effect.
Recently, Gold PTT targets sebaceous glands for treatment, so combining high-frequency treatment with Gold PTT can be beneficial for adult acne. Adding medication like sebum regulators can lead to more long-term management.
In clinical practice, even for the same acne, the treatment combination differs for skin with high sebum production versus skin that has started to develop scars. If marks or scars are already present, acne scar treatment may also be considered.
For questions, inquire via chat consultation about adult acne treatment methods
Number of Treatments and Duration of Effect
The number of treatments varies from person to person. Depending on skin condition and acne severity, some may receive treatment only 1-2 times a year, while others receive it 1-2 times every three months. Past clinical treatment results have reported that the effect of a single high-frequency treatment can last for 6 months or even up to 1 year.
Factors to consider when planning treatment include:
- Current skin sebum secretion and pore condition
- Degree of acne inflammation and distribution area
- Co-occurring skin changes such as scars or pigmentation
- Concomitant medication and lifestyle habits
- Consultation with medical staff regarding the post-treatment cycle
While side effects such as worsening acne are reportedly rare, individual responses may vary, so it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist and proceed according to your individual skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Treatment
Many people ask if treatment is possible even with darker skin. There is generally little concern about pigmentation caused by the treatment, and post-treatment redness usually subsides within 2-3 hours, causing minimal disruption to daily life.
There is also talk that high-frequency treatment can make skin sensitive, but because high-frequency acts on the dermis, it actually helps to make the skin firmer. However, some may experience temporary dryness for about a week after treatment, which they might perceive as sensitivity.
For acne treatment, current findings suggest that high-frequency is slightly more effective than ultrasound. This is because high-frequency acts on all layers of the skin, broadly covering the sebaceous glands around the pores.
Summary
Adult acne is a condition where management is achieved by addressing both sebum control and improvement of the skin environment. High-frequency devices act on the dermal sebaceous glands to reduce sebum secretion and can also help improve elasticity. Combining it with Gold PTT or medication is reported to enhance its effects. However, all results can vary individually, so it is safest to determine the right combination for your skin through consultation.
If you are struggling with long-standing recurring acne, we recommend checking your skin condition with a professional rather than making a judgment alone.
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Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First published 2023-08-25 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This article is for general information purposes only, and as skin conditions and treatment responses can vary individually, please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.