{"id":12180,"date":"2026-03-11T18:23:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T09:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/acne\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T21:29:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T12:29:32","slug":"acne","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Acne"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-4-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e96bc7c8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:240px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:240px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-6-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-637eeb30a61609d8739a5c5fa7780e5b wp-block-paragraph\">Conditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-custom-color-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92e07ef4074ace9df8bf0a0c8714c5e2\">Acne | The Biggest Variable in Dermatitis Treatment<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1b17c90e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-custom-color-5-color has-custom-color-11-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-04abe79f14360897bba7b0499ae37ee4\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-left:0\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-1\">1. Causes of Acne<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-2\">2. Why It Is a Variable in Dermatitis Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-3\">3. Deciding Whether to Treat Acne | Wood&#8217;s Lamp Examination<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-\uc5ec\ub4dc\ub984-\uce58\ub8cc-\uc5ec\ubd80\ub97c-\uacb0\uc815\ud558\ub294-\uc6b0\ub4dc\ub4f1-\uac80\uc0ac\">4. Deciding When to Treat Acne | TEWL Test<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-4\">5. Acne Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-6\">6. Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When acne accompanies chronic dermatitis, it is a variable that significantly influences the treatment strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will guide you on why acne occurs, why it is particularly important in the context of dermatitis treatment, and how to manage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-1\">1. Causes of Acne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In normal skin, sebum is naturally discharged outward through the pores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/healthy-pore-normal-sebum-flow-1-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Cross-sectional illustration of a healthy skin pore showing sebum being normally secreted from the sebaceous gland and discharged through the pore, using a faucet analogy.\" class=\"wp-image-8959\" title=\"Healthy Pore &#x2014; State of normal sebum discharge\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, when dead skin cells begin to block the pore entrance, sebum cannot escape and begins to accumulate. This stage is known as a comedo (whitehead). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/acne-forming-pore-keratin-sebum-buildup-1-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Cross-sectional illustration of a pore where acne begins to form, showing dead skin cells blocking the pore and sebum being over-secreted and accumulating, using a faucet analogy.\" class=\"wp-image-8961\" title=\"Stage where the pore begins to clog\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the pore becomes completely blocked, acne bacteria proliferate, leading to inflammation. This can result in red papules, pustules, and in severe cases, nodules or cysts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/blocked-pore-acne-bacteria-inflammation-1-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Cross-sectional illustration of a completely blocked pore showing dead skin cells blocking the pore, acne bacteria proliferating, and inflammation beginning, using a faucet analogy.\" class=\"wp-image-8960\" title=\"State of inflammation due to a completely blocked pore\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-2\">2. Why It Is a Variable in Dermatitis Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The core issue of atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis is <strong>skin barrier damage<\/strong>. Since a weak barrier is vulnerable to external irritation, protecting the skin with a thick cream is the foundation of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, thick moisturizers can clog pores. While a typical acne patient could use light formulations like lotions or gels, <strong>light formulations often contain many preservatives and can be irritating.<\/strong> Furthermore, light formulations have a weak protective barrier role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed information about moisturizers can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/md-cream\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6428\">MD Cream<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice of anti-inflammatory ointment also changes. For dermatitis, <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/protopic\/\">Protopic<\/a> is usually considered first, but <strong>when acne is present, <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/elidel\/\">Elidel<\/a> is used.<\/strong> This is because Protopic can clog pores and worsen acne. While Elidel has slightly lower anti-inflammatory effects than Protopic and carries a somewhat higher risk of contact dermatitis based on experience, it is a more suitable choice when acne is present.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-3\">3. Deciding Whether to Treat Acne | Wood&#8217;s Lamp Examination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is impossible to accurately determine with the naked eye whether or to what extent pores are clogged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Wood&#8217;s lamp examination reveals accumulated sebum and bacterial byproducts inside the pores as fluorescence, allowing for an objective confirmation of whether acne treatment is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed information can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/woods-lamp-examination\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6388\">Wood&#8217;s Lamp Examination<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/wood-lamp-sebum-fluorescence-1.webp\" alt=\"Clinical photograph showing sebum fluorescence as pink dots around the cheeks and nose during a Wood's lamp examination &#x2014; used to evaluate the degree of pore clogging for acne treatment.\" class=\"wp-image-6578\" title=\"Wood's Lamp Examination &#x2014; Sebum Fluorescence Reaction\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-&#xC5EC;&#xB4DC;&#xB984;-&#xCE58;&#xB8CC;-&#xC5EC;&#xBD80;&#xB97C;-&#xACB0;&#xC815;&#xD558;&#xB294;-&#xC6B0;&#xB4DC;&#xB4F1;-&#xAC80;&#xC0AC;\">4. Deciding When to Treat Acne | TEWL Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The skin barrier may temporarily weaken during acne treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, we check the state of the skin barrier with a TEWL test and only begin acne treatment once the barrier condition falls within the normal range (approximately 0 \u2013 8 g\/m\u00b2\/h).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed information can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/tewl-test\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4593\">TEWL Test<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tewl-measurement-device-2.png\" alt=\"Diagnostic scene where skin barrier function is objectively measured by placing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) measurement equipment on the back of a patient's hand.\" class=\"wp-image-4123\" title=\"Skin Barrier TEWL Test\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-4\">5. Acne Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The core of treatment is retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives). For dermatitis patients, retinoids perform two functions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0aa0c618c23ed0f3a136b0f500c87ddf\">\n<li><strong>Inhibiting pore clogging<\/strong> \u2014 They prevent pores from clogging by inhibiting excessive dead skin cell and sebum production. Thus, they not only treat acne but also enable the use of thick moisturizers. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthening the skin barrier<\/strong> \u2014 Long-term use makes the skin barrier stronger.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, retinoids can <strong>temporarily weaken the skin barrier<\/strong> by thinning the stratum corneum during the initial stage of use.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">2<\/a><\/sup> In dermatitis patients whose barriers are already damaged, it is crucial to minimize this initial irritation, and the timing and method of introduction are adjusted according to the state of the barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinoids are available as oral medications and topical creams. While the mechanism is the same, the <strong>delivery route<\/strong> differs, so the order is determined based on the condition of the pores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e028a7d32123db8ad5cf635b976891b6\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/isotretinoin\/\">Isotinon<\/a><\/strong> (Oral Retinoid) \u2014 Acts from inside the pore through the bloodstream. It can reach the necessary areas even if the pores are clogged, so it is used when pores are significantly blocked.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">3<\/a><\/sup> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/aklief\/\">Aklief<\/a><\/strong> (Topical Retinoid) \u2014 Must enter the pore from the skin surface. Since it can only reach the necessary areas if the pores are open, it is used after emptying the pores with Isotinon if they are heavily clogged. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cases where pores are not significantly clogged, treatment may start with Aklief from the beginning. The starting point is decided based on the Wood&#8217;s lamp examination results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-6\">6. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For dermatitis patients, thick moisturizers are essential for barrier protection, but they can cause acne by clogging pores. Retinoids provide a solution to this dilemma by inhibiting pore closure and strengthening the barrier in the long term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The condition of the pores is confirmed via Wood&#8217;s lamp examination, and treatment involves an appropriate combination of Isotinon and Aklief based on the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The presence of acne affects the choice of not only moisturizers but also anti-inflammatory ointments. Protopic is selected if there is no acne, while Elidel, which clogs pores less, is chosen when acne is present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-xxsmall-font-size wp-elements-53d5dd298e858e29c6dd1c53f94266ac\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29974453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Aubert J, Piwnica D, Bertino B, et al. Nonclinical and human pharmacology of the potent and selective topical retinoic acid receptor-\u03b3 agonist trifarotene. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(2):442-456.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22148010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Yoon J, Bhatt LR, Yoo HJ, et al. Retinoid Induces the Degradation of Corneodesmosomes and Downregulation of Corneodesmosomal Cadherins: Implications on the Mechanism of Retinoid-induced Desquamation. Korean J Invest Dermatol. 2011;18(3):112-118.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20436884\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Layton AM. The use of isotretinoin in acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009;1(3):162-169.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-6-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4c3b03bf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-acne-001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can&#8217;t I just use a light moisturizer?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Light formulations like lotions or gels are less effective as a protective barrier and can be more irritating than creams because their high water content requires more preservatives. It is ideal for dermatitis patients to use thick creams with high occlusive power and manage pore-clogging issues with retinoids. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do retinoids irritate the skin?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Retinoids can temporarily weaken the skin barrier as the stratum corneum thins during the initial period of use. Therefore, we first check the barrier condition and adjust the timing of introduction and dosage. In the long term, they actually contribute to strengthening the barrier.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are Isotinon and Aklief ever used simultaneously?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally, they are not used at the same time. We take a sequential approach, emptying the pores with Isotinon and then switching to Aklief once the barrier has recovered. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is a Wood&#8217;s lamp examination absolutely necessary?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Wood&#8217;s lamp examination is performed free of charge. Since it is difficult to accurately evaluate the degree of pore clogging with the naked eye, this test is used to objectively check the pore condition and establish a treatment plan. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conditions Acne | The Biggest Variable in Dermatitis Treatment When acne accompanies chronic dermatitis, it is a variable that significantly influences the treatment strategy. We will guide you on why acne occurs, why it is particularly important in the context of dermatitis treatment, and how to manage it. 1. Causes of Acne In normal skin, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12181,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-full-width","meta":{"_miragen_jsonld":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12180","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12180"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13064,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12180\/revisions\/13064"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}