Why is my acne worsening in spite of my skincare routine? (photo)

Thank your for your questions. Your acne skincare regime sounds like a decent acne prevention skincare for any average person, but it's important to understand that a good acne skincare regime depends on your individual skin type and acne severity. It is impossible to give you skincare advise without acne proper assessment.

Furthermore, from what you have described, you may have acne nodules or cysts below the skin surface. These may require medications, injections or even lasers to the tackle the problem.

Please see your skin/aesthetic doctor for assessment and treatment. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your photo. From your description and photo, you should seek urgent medical attention. There may be a bacterial infection over the red patch, which may be associated with an underlying acne nodule or cyst.

You may well require antibiotics and some changes to your skincare routine. As you rightly suggest, it is best to treat early to prevent any scar formation. Do see a trusted dermatologist or doctor for some advice. Hope you get well soon.

Best regards

Stephanie Ho, Dermatologist

My other colleagues have answered well and indeed, it appears that there is a cystic lesion underneath and the evidence of discharge suggests you need urgent medical attention.

Steroid injection and antibiotics should probably be the mainstay of the therapy.

In terms of other changes to your skin care, please ensure you are using a light gel based moisturiser in view of the oily skin, and please use the appropriate concentration of rectanyl(and don't be overly generous as what my patients love to do unilaterally).

There is such a thing as overdoing it and leading to excessive peeling and thus removing the natural skin barrier against bacteria entry.

Pls see your doctor early!

Winston