Acne Treatment in Abu Dhabi

Acne is a medical condition, not a cosmetic one. It responds to treatment — but only when the type of acne is correctly identified first. At Central Clinic, acne is assessed and treated by a Specialist Dermatologist, not a beauty therapist.

We are on Hamdan Street in central Abu Dhabi, next to Marks & Spencer, and open seven days a week.

Why Acne Comes Back

Most patients who come to us have already tried three or four things: a face wash, a pharmacy cream, a facial, perhaps a course of antibiotics from years ago. Some of it worked briefly. None of it lasted.

The reason is usually that the underlying driver was never identified. Hormonal acne, bacterial acne, acne caused by a medication, and acne triggered by skincare products all look similar on the surface and need different treatment. Treating the wrong one produces short-term improvement and long-term frustration.

Types of Acne We Treat

• Hormonal acne — typically along the jawline and chin, often linked to the menstrual cycle or PCOS
• Inflammatory acne — red, painful papules and pustules
• Cystic and nodular acne — deep, painful lesions that scar if untreated
• Comedonal acne — blackheads and whiteheads
• Adult-onset acne — appearing for the first time in the twenties, thirties or later
• Acne scarring and post-inflammatory marks
• Back and chest acne

How We Treat It

Treatment is chosen after assessment, not before. Depending on the type and severity of acne, a plan may include:

• Prescription topical treatments
• Oral medication where appropriate, including hormonal management
• Chemical peels
• RF microneedling for acne scarring
• Investigation of hormonal causes, including bloodwork where indicated
• Guidance on skincare and products, including what to stop using

Acne treatment takes time. Most patients see meaningful improvement within eight to twelve weeks. Anyone promising to clear acne in a single session is selling something else.

Acne Scarring

Scarring is treated separately from active acne, and only once the acne itself is controlled. Treating scars while breakouts continue produces poor results.

Once acne is settled, options include RF microneedling, chemical peels and other resurfacing treatments, chosen according to the type of scarring. Rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars respond differently. Your dermatologist will explain what is realistic for your skin.

Acne and PCOS

Persistent adult acne along the jawline, especially alongside irregular periods or excess hair growth, can point to polycystic ovary syndrome. Central Clinic has both dermatology and gynaecology on site, so patients can be investigated and treated without being sent elsewhere.

Is Acne Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Medical acne treatment is covered by most insurance plans we accept. Cosmetic procedures for scarring are usually paid directly. Check our list of insurance providers, or ask us when you book.

Book a Consultation

WhatsApp: +971 54 999 3859
Call: +971 2 632 3497
Address: 204, EMI State Tower, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi — next to Marks & Spencer

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before I see results?

Most patients see clear improvement between eight and twelve weeks. Some treatments cause a temporary worsening in the first few weeks before improvement begins — this is expected and your dermatologist will warn you.

Will I need to be on medication forever?

No. Most patients complete a course of treatment and then move to a maintenance routine. Hormonal acne sometimes requires longer-term management.

Can facials clear my acne?

Facials can help with comedonal acne and skin texture. They do not treat inflammatory, cystic or hormonal acne, and applied to the wrong type of acne they can make it worse.

Do you treat teenagers?

Yes. Our dermatologist has specific experience in paediatric and adolescent skin.

Should I treat my acne or my scars first?

Acne first, always. Scar treatment on actively breaking-out skin gives poor results and can cause further marks.