FAQ

Teenage acne is mainly caused by excess sebum production due to hormonal changes during puberty, and tends to appear in the T-zone (forehead and nose). Adult acne is associated with factors such as stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalance, and dryness, and tends to appear in the U-zone (chin and jawline), often recurring in the same spots. Treatment approaches also differ depending on the underlying cause.

We do not recommend popping pimples yourself. Using improper techniques can spread bacteria and worsen inflammation, or damage surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or crater-like acne scars. Even when removing the contents of whiteheads or blackheads, it is safer to have a procedure called comedone extraction performed at a medical facility using proper instruments and sterilization.

Acne is classified according to its stage of progression. Whiteheads (closed comedones) represent the early stage when sebum is trapped in a closed pore. Blackheads (open comedones) occur when the pore is open and the contents oxidize. Red pimples (papules) are inflamed lesions. Yellow pimples (pustules) contain accumulated pus. Purple or deep pimples (cysts and nodules) involve severe inflammation in deeper layers of the skin. In general, the earlier treatment is sought, the less likely scarring is to occur.

We recommend starting with a dermatologist, where insurance-covered treatments are available. Dermatologists can offer insurance-eligible therapies such as topical and oral antibiotics, adapalene (Differin), and benzoyl peroxide (Benzac). If your acne does not improve sufficiently, or if you wish to treat acne scars, you may want to consider a cosmetic dermatology clinic that offers out-of-pocket treatments such as chemical peeling and laser therapy.

Foods with a clearly proven causal relationship to acne are limited, but research reports suggest that high-GI foods (such as white rice, bread, and sugar—foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar) and dairy products may worsen acne. The relationship between acne and chocolate or greasy meals is not well established; however, maintaining a balanced diet is generally considered beneficial for skin health.

Makeup is possible even when you have acne, but there are a few points to keep in mind. Choose products labeled non-comedogenic (formulated not to clog pores) and avoid foundations with a high oil content. Be sure to remove your makeup promptly after returning home and keep your skin clean. Applying heavy layers of makeup to conceal pimples can sometimes make acne worse.

Mask-related acne flare-ups (sometimes called maskne) have multiple causes: the warm, humid environment inside the mask encourages bacterial growth; friction from the mask weakens the skin’s barrier function; and the alternating humidity from breath causes the skin to cycle between dryness and excess moisture. To help manage this, use a clean mask, choose a skin-friendly material, and cleanse your face thoroughly after returning home to keep your skin clean.

There are genetic factors that influence how prone a person is to developing acne. Research suggests that if both parents have acne-prone skin, their children may also be more susceptible. This is because the amount of sebum produced, pore size, and the tendency toward inflammatory reactions can all be genetically influenced. That said, genetics is not the only determining factor, and improvement is possible with appropriate skincare and treatment.

Acne scars are broadly classified into three types. The redness type involves persistent vascular dilation following inflammation and often fades naturally over a period of several months to about a year. The hyperpigmentation type appears as brownish discoloration caused by melanin deposits. The crater type (atrophic scarring) involves destruction of skin tissue that leaves a depressed surface; this type is unlikely to resolve on its own and generally requires professional treatment.

It depends on the type of acne scar. Redness and hyperpigmentation types often fade naturally over several months to about a year through skin cell turnover. However, crater-type scars (depressed scars) involve damage that extends into the dermis, so they rarely resolve on their own. Seeking appropriate treatment early may help improve the appearance of these scars.

Crater-type acne scars can be improved with appropriate treatment. Common treatment options include fractional laser (which creates microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration), Dermapen Microneedling (which uses fine needles to stimulate the skin), subcision (which releases fibrous adhesions beneath the depression), and TCA cross (a treatment using trichloroacetic acid). The most suitable approach varies depending on the depth and shape of the depression.

At medical facilities, vascular lasers such as the V-Beam and IPL (photofacial) treatments can be helpful in improving redness from acne scars. For at-home care, using skincare products containing vitamin C derivatives or tranexamic acid and maintaining consistent sun protection are important steps. Redness tends to fade over time, and treatment may help speed up this process.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars does improve with appropriate care and time. Fading naturally typically takes around 6 months to a year, but treatments such as whitening agents like vitamin C derivatives or hydroquinone, chemical peeling, and laser toning can help speed up the process. Since UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation, consistent use of sunscreen is important.

The number of visits required for acne scar treatment varies considerably depending on the type and severity of the scars. Redness or mild hyperpigmentation may require approximately 3 to 5 sessions, while crater-type scars often require 5 or more sessions. Treatment intervals are typically 4 to 6 weeks. We will explain the treatment plan and estimated number of sessions at the time of your consultation.

Treatment is possible even for acne scars that are more than 10 years old. While it may be difficult to completely eliminate older scars, treatments such as fractional laser and Dermapen Microneedling can help make depressions shallower and less noticeable. Because the scar tissue has stabilized, dramatic results from a single session may be limited, but improvement may be seen with multiple treatment sessions.

There are multiple causes of visible pores. ‘Open pores’ are enlarged by excessive sebum production. ‘Blackhead pores’ occur when sebum mixes with old keratin and oxidizes. ‘Sagging pores’ appear elongated and oval due to a reduction in collagen associated with aging. Because the most appropriate treatment varies depending on the cause, it is important to first identify the underlying cause through a consultation.

Blackhead pores (sometimes called ‘strawberry nose’) occur when sebum and old keratin trapped in the pores oxidize and appear dark. Medical treatments such as Chemical Peeling, hydrafacial, and laser toning can be helpful. For at-home care, enzyme cleansers and retinol-containing skincare products may be beneficial, but overusing pore strips can sometimes have the opposite effect.

While the actual size of a pore cannot be changed, it is possible to make pores less noticeable. By addressing the underlying causes of visible pores—such as excess sebum production, sagging, or congestion—pores can appear tighter. Treatments that stimulate collagen production with lasers or Dermapen Microneedling, or that regulate the skin’s keratin layer with peeling, can be helpful.

Pores and acne are closely related. Acne develops when sebum becomes trapped in a pore and Cutibacterium acnes (acne-causing bacteria) proliferates, leading to inflammation. Enlarged or congested pores make it easier for sebum to accumulate, creating conditions that are more susceptible to acne. Appropriate pore care can therefore also contribute to acne prevention.

Sagging pores appear as vertically elongated, oval-shaped openings caused by a decrease in collagen and a loss of skin firmness associated with aging. Treatments that help restore skin firmness can be effective, such as HIFU, RF (radiofrequency) therapy, and fractional laser, all of which stimulate collagen production. For at-home care, the use of retinol or vitamin C derivatives is worth considering.

Acne treatment options include both insurance-covered and self-pay (out-of-pocket) treatments. Insurance-covered options include topical medications (adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics), oral medications (antibiotics, herbal medicines), and comedone extraction, among others. Self-pay options such as Chemical Peeling, laser therapy, photofacial (IPL), and Dermapen Microneedling are considered when insurance-covered treatments have not provided sufficient improvement.

Treatment for acne (acne vulgaris) is covered by Japan’s public health insurance. Consultation fees as well as topical medications (such as Differin, Benzac, Duac, and Epiduo) and oral medications (such as antibiotics and herbal medicines) are available under insurance coverage. For patients with a 30% co-payment, the cost for an initial visit is typically around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000. Treatments such as Chemical Peeling and laser therapy are self-pay (out-of-pocket).

Chemical Peeling is a treatment in which an acidic solution is applied to the skin to remove old keratin and promote skin cell turnover. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are among the agents commonly used. It helps clear clogged pores and can be beneficial for improving and preventing acne as well as addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Each session takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and involves relatively minimal downtime.

Dermapen Microneedling is a treatment that uses ultra-fine needles to create microscopic channels in the skin, harnessing the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production. It can be beneficial for acne scar craters, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture improvement. A numbing cream is applied before the procedure to help minimize discomfort. Some redness and swelling may occur for approximately 1 to 3 days after the session, but these gradually subside.

Fractional laser treatment uses a laser to create a large number of microscopic channels in the skin, regenerating collagen during the healing process. It can be beneficial for acne scar craters, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. Because each session treats approximately 10–20% of the skin’s surface, multiple sessions are typically needed. Downtime is approximately 3 to 7 days, during which redness and a rough skin texture may occur.

The cost of acne scar treatment varies depending on the type of treatment. As a general guide, Chemical Peeling is approximately ¥5,000–¥15,000 per session, Dermapen Microneedling is approximately ¥20,000–¥40,000 per session, and fractional laser is approximately ¥30,000–¥80,000 per session. Since multiple sessions are often required, course pricing plans are also available. Please see the acne scar price list for details, or ask us at your consultation.

Downtime varies depending on the type of treatment. Chemical Peeling involves minimal downtime, with only mild redness lasting a few hours. Dermapen Microneedling may cause redness and swelling for approximately 1 to 3 days. Fractional laser may cause redness, swelling, and skin roughness for approximately 3 to 7 days. For all treatments, sun protection and moisturizing after the procedure are important.

IC Clinic Shibuya is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (closed 14:00–15:00; last reception at 18:30). We are open on Saturdays and Sundays as well, so patients who are busy on weekdays are welcome to visit. Please note that the clinic may be closed on certain days such as year-end and New Year holidays; for the latest information, please contact us by phone or check our website.

IC Clinic Shibuya is located a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station. Our address is New Sansui Building 5F, 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Exit through the East Exit of Shibuya Station, proceed along Meiji-dori in the direction of Ebisu, and the clinic is just past the Shibuya 3-chome intersection.

Our clinic operates on an appointment basis. Please book by phone (0120-335-661) or through our website. Walk-in visits are welcome, but appointment holders are seen on a priority basis, so some waiting time may occur. We set aside time for a consultation for first-time patients, so we recommend making an appointment in advance.

IC Clinic Shibuya specializes in acne, acne scar, and pore treatments. We offer a wide range of options, from insurance-covered acne treatment to self-pay treatments including Chemical Peeling, Dermapen Microneedling, fractional laser, and photofacial (IPL). Same-day surgery for conditions such as epidermoid cysts (atheromas) and lipomas is also performed by board-certified plastic surgeons.

Yes, visits for a consultation only are very welcome. We will listen to your concerns about acne and acne scars, assess the current condition of your skin, and then explain the treatment options and costs best suited to your needs. You will not be pressured to undergo any treatment on the day of your visit, so please feel free to come in and discuss your concerns with us.