Yasmin
Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol
3/0.03mg
Indicated for hormonal contraception, formulated to inhibit ovulation and to support the management of acne by stabilizing androgen levels in women.
From $1.33 / tablet View
Acne
Acne develops when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, creating whiteheads, blackheads and sometimes deeper, tender nodules. Most common in teenagers, it also affects many adults, particularly along the jaw and chin. Across Southeast and East Asia the combination of heat and humidity makes blocked pores a year-round problem.
Medicines used to treat Acne
Vibramycin
100mg
Indicated to manage bacterial infections to support recovery and skin health.
From $1.11 / tablet View
Terramycin
250mg
Formulated to treat bacterial infections, utilized to support the eradication of pathogenic microorganisms.
From $0.40 / tablet View
Retin-a Gel
0.01 · 0.025%
Formulated to target acne lesions to support skin renewal.
From $7.54 / tube View
Retin-a Cream
0.025 · 0.05%
Formulated to alleviate acne vulgaris and designed to support skin texture improvement.
From $12.35 / tube View
What is actually driving it
Three factors converge: excess sebum, a blocked follicle and the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Hormones amplify all three, which is why breakouts often track the menstrual cycle or periods of high stress. Contrary to a persistent myth, oily food and poor hygiene are not direct causes, and vigorous scrubbing irritates the skin barrier without clearing pores.
How acne is treated
Treatment is matched to severity. Topical tretinoin is a mainstay for mild to moderate acne, speeding cell turnover so pores stay clear. Inflamed acne often requires an oral antibiotic from the antibiotics category, with doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline all commonly used. For women whose acne has a hormonal pattern, a combined pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol can reduce breakouts significantly. All acne treatments need six to eight weeks to show full results, so consistency matters more than frequent product changes. The full skin care range on ZoneMD covers topical and systemic options.
Marks versus scars
In darker skin tones, which are prevalent across South and Southeast Asia, healed acne spots frequently leave brown or reddish patches rather than true scars. These are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks. Treating acne early and wearing daily broad-spectrum SPF are the most effective ways to limit how dark and long-lasting those marks become.