Thi used a medicinal alcohol product, advertised by the seller as a "fast acne cure." Initially, his skin peeled and acne lessened, but his condition later worsened, leaving deep scars.

Doctor Thach Thi Hoang Dung, from the Dermatology - Skin Aesthetics unit at Tam Anh General Clinic Quan 7, stated that unverified products may contain corticosteroids, alcohol, or exfoliating agents. These ingredients can quickly reduce inflammation, leading to a false impression of effectiveness. However, prolonged use weakens the skin barrier, making skin thin, easily irritated, and increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation and pitted scars, especially when acne is self-extracted incorrectly.

Doctor Dung explained that Thi's acne scars resulted from hormonal factors and prolonged, improper skincare. His cheek areas showed various types of deep pitted scars with fibrous bases, and his skin surface was uneven and lacked smoothness. The doctor devised a comprehensive treatment plan combining multiple advanced technologies and methods for scar treatment, including two sessions of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to reduce inflammation, limit prolonged redness and irritation, and optimize skin quality.

Once his skin achieved appropriate stability, the doctor applied radiofrequency microneedling, a method using ultrafine needles combined with RF wave energy to directly target the dermis. This creates controlled micro-injuries, stimulating collagen and elastin regeneration. Through this subcutaneous tissue restructuring mechanism, the depth of pitted scar areas gradually improved, making the skin surface firmer and more even over time.

Additionally, the doctor prescribed oral and topical medications to help control inflammation, prevent acne recurrence, and optimize skin recovery. After the second radiofrequency microneedling session, his skin surface improved, scar areas became shallower, and his overall complexion appeared brighter and more even than before.

Bac si su dung vi kim RF dieu tri seo mun cho Thi. Anh: Phong kham Da khoa Tam Anh Quan 7

According to Doctor Dung, pitted scars in men can be entirely prevented if inflammatory acne is treated correctly from an early stage. Self-treatment using methods circulating on social media or inappropriate interventions can prolong inflammation, increasing the risk of pitted scar formation.

Individuals who have used medicinal alcohol or unverified skincare products often have a weakened skin barrier, making their skin easily irritated and slower to respond to treatment. Therefore, in addition to clinic treatments, patients must stop using unverified products and limit self-intervention at home to help skin recover and reduce the risk of prolonged damage.

If acne persists or shows signs of worsening, patients should consult a dermatology and skin aesthetics doctor at a hospital to accurately assess the cause and receive safe, effective treatment, thereby reducing the risk of pitted scar formation.

Minh Huong

*Character's name has been changed