{"id":12180,"date":"2026-03-11T18:23:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T09:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/acne\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T19:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:23:55","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-1 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-2\">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-3\" 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=\"#sec-4\">4. Deciding When to Treat Acne | TEWL Test<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-5\">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 id=\"sec-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/acne-healthy-pore-final-93-final.webp\" 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-15187\" 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\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/acne-clogging-pore-final-93-final.webp\" 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-15185\" 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\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/acne-blocked-pore-final-93-final.webp\" 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-15186\" 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 id=\"sec-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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 of atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis is <strong>skin barrier damage<\/strong>. When the barrier is weak, the skin is vulnerable to external irritation, so protecting the skin with a moisturizer is the foundation of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the higher the moisturizing power of a moisturizer, the more it tends to clog pores. For typical acne patients, using formulations like lotions or gels works well, but <strong>these formulations generally contain more preservatives than highly moisturizing formulations and can be irritating.<\/strong> Moreover, formulations with lower moisturizing power also provide a weaker protective barrier. <\/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 given higher priority.<\/strong> This is because Protopic can clog pores and worsen acne. While Elidel has slightly lower anti-inflammatory effects than Protopic and, in my experience, carries a higher risk of contact dermatitis, it can be a more suitable choice when acne is present.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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 how clogged the pores are with the naked eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Wood&#8217;s lamp examination reveals accumulated sebum and byproducts of acne-causing bacteria inside the pores as fluorescence, allowing for a more objective assessment 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 id=\"sec-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Deciding When to Treat Acne | TEWL Test<\/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 skin barrier can weaken during acne treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, we check the condition of the skin barrier with a TEWL test and only begin acne treatment once the barrier&#8217;s condition is within the normal range.<\/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 id=\"sec-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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 acne treatment is retinoids, a vitamin A derivative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinoids alleviate clogged pores and resulting acne by suppressing excessive dead skin cells and sebum production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, since <strong>the skin barrier can weaken<\/strong> when using retinoids, acne treatment for patients who have experienced dermatitis must be approached with great caution.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22148010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: inherit;\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinoids are available as oral medications and topical creams. While the mechanism is almost 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-4\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/isotretinoin\/\">Isotretinoin<\/a><\/strong> (oral retinoid) \u2014 Acts directly from inside the pores through the bloodstream. Since it can reach the necessary areas even if pores are clogged, it is recommended to use this first when pores are significantly blocked.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20436884\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: inherit;\">2<\/a><\/sup> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/differin-gel\/\">Differin Gel<\/a><\/strong> (topical retinoid) \u2014 Works by being absorbed from the skin surface into the pores. Since it needs open pores to reach the necessary areas effectively, it is recommended to use it after clearing the pores with Isotretinoin 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 Differin Gel 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 id=\"sec-6\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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\">Acne is one of the most significant variables that make dermatitis treatment difficult, as it restricts the use of topical agents in moisturizer and ointment formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Wood&#8217;s lamp examination is used to determine if acne treatment is necessary, and a TEWL test is used to confirm if the skin is in a condition where acne treatment is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on the test results, treatment can be administered by appropriately combining medications such as Isotretinoin and Differin Gel.<\/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 id=\"&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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-5\">\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 id=\"sec-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">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-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 weaken the skin barrier during use. Therefore, we first check the barrier status and adjust the timing of introduction and dosage accordingly. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can acne be treated even with dermatitis?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, it is possible. However, starting acne treatment when the skin barrier is weak can cause significant irritation, so the timing of treatment is determined after first checking the barrier condition with a TEWL test. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does using moisturizer worsen acne?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, it can. In particular, highly moisturizing formulations can clog pores and worsen acne. However, lighter formulations may not adequately protect the skin barrier, so we select the moisturizer formulation after examining both the dermatitis and the pore condition.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-007\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the difference between a Wood&#8217;s lamp examination and a TEWL test?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A Wood&#8217;s lamp examination is used to check for clogged pores and determine if acne treatment is needed. A TEWL test is used to assess the skin barrier condition and determine if it&#8217;s an appropriate time to begin acne treatment. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acne-008\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How are Isotretinoin and Differin Gel chosen?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If pores are heavily clogged, Isotretinoin is used first. If pores are not significantly clogged, treatment may begin with Differin Gel. The treatment order is determined based on the results of the Wood&#8217;s lamp examination. <\/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":29,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15190,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12180\/revisions\/15190"}],"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}]}}