Mackay Skin Clinic

Acne Treatments in Mackay

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Comprehensive Range of Advanced Solutions

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Our Range of Acne Treatment Options


At Mackay Skin Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to helping clients achieve clearer, healthier skin. Our clinic provides a range of acne treatment options tailored to your unique skin type and condition, including IPL treatment, the Herbal Aktiv Peel, Blue Light Therapy, and Topical Aminolevulinic Acid. Each treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.


IPL treatments target acne by using light energy to reduce bacteria and inflammation, promoting clearer skin. The Herbal Aktiv Peel is a natural resurfacing treatment that helps reduce acne scars and improve skin texture. Blue Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria, helping to reduce active breakouts. For more severe cases, Topical Aminolevulinic Acid can be applied to target deeper acne lesions.


In addition to our acne treatments, we offer a full range of skin services, including skin rejuvenation, skin pigmentation treatments, skin analysis and comprehensive pre- and post-treatment care. Whether you're in Mackay or nearby areas such as Airlie Beach, Bowen, Proserpine, Hamilton Island, Sarina, Nebo or Moranbah, our team is here to help. For more information or to book a consultation, contact us at (07) 4953 3122.

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Acne


Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder that is caused by hormone action on the sebaceous glands of the skin, it affects more than 80% of young people. The oil secreted by these glands builds up in the hair follicle, leading to clogged pores and lesions, which we commonly call pimples. These usually form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Even though acne does not lead to a serious health problem, it can cause emotional disturbances such as low self-esteem. When it is severe, acne may leave behind permanent scars.


The most common types of pimples include:

  • Whiteheads: Form under the surface of the skin and appear as a small white bump.
  • Blackheads: Form on the skin surface and appear black in colour.
  • Papules: Small pink bumps that can be painful to touch.
  • Pustules: Appear red at their base and are filled with pus.
  • Nodules: Are large, painful, solid pimples.
  • Cysts: Are deep, painful, pus-filled pimples and may cause scars.

A combination of both skin treatments and medication is often beneficial. A consultation with our doctors is required for a medical opinion and treatment plan. For a skin analysis, please call Mackay Skin Clinic at (07) 4953 3122 to make an appointment.

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IPL Acne Treatment


IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is a safe and effective option for dealing with acne. IPL is designed to control existing acne outbreaks and reduce future acne outbreaks. Utilising Intense Pulse Light Technology, our trained nurse will deliver pulses of broad-spectrum light directly into the affected area. Our IPL system generates high-energy pulses that are filtered to emit specific frequencies of wave-lengths of light. One of these frequencies causes porphyrin, a naturally occurring molecule in the oil glands, to release oxygen. As acne bacteria are anaerobic, they are killed by the oxygen. A second frequency disables the overactive oil glands, causing them to shrink. This controls sebum (oil) overproduction to help prevent later outbreaks.


At Mackay Skin Clinic, we offer acne management programs for clients:


  • Results will vary, but most people will see a significant improvement in skin condition, especially if they combine treatment with the recommended AHA, Vitamin and anti-oxidant skin care, and appropriate medication as prescribed by the Doctor.
  • A series of regular treatments are needed to obtain optimal results along with other associated treatments, as advised by our team.
  • Treatments should be approximately one or two weeks apart.
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Herbal Aktiv Peel


The Herbal Aktiv Peel is a natural and effective solution for treating acne and other skin conditions. This peel utilises a blend of dried and crushed herbs, which works to resurface the skin without the use of acids, harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Ideal for addressing acne and pimples, this treatment is also beneficial for reducing scarring and improving overall skin texture. In just five days, the Herbal Aktiv Peel promotes clearer, healthier skin by stimulating natural regeneration.


Unlike chemical peels or dermabrasion, this treatment doesn't rely on causing injury to the skin, making it a gentler alternative for those with acne-prone skin. Whether you’re dealing with active breakouts, acne scars or enlarged pores, the Herbal Aktiv Peel offers an all-natural approach to rejuvenating your skin. For individuals looking for a more natural solution to acne treatment, this peel can deliver significant improvements without the harshness of some other methods.


At Mackay Skin Clinic, we offer the Herbal Aktiv Peel as part of our specialised acne treatments. Contact us today at (07) 4953 3122 to learn more or schedule a consultation.

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Blue Light Acne Treatment


Narrow-band, high-intensity blue-light therapy works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, P. acne, and is used to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris as an alternative for, or in addition to, antibiotics.



The Blue Light is a 420nm wavelength which does not damage skin as it does not contain ultraviolet light. Patients receive blue-light therapy in a managed program.


Blue light therapy must be accompanied by appropriate skin care and the wearing of sunscreen is essential. Blue Light treatment is safe with very little, if any, downtime and may be recommended when other treatments are inappropriate.

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ALA (Topical Aminolevulinic Acid)


At Mackay Skin Clinic Cosmetic we offer ALA Photodynamic Therapy as our most effective acne treatment. This involves applying ALA solution to prepared skin, followed by a period of incubation and subsequent activation of the ALA with blue or red light.


Propionibacterium acnes and sebum secretion play major roles in the pathogenesis of acne. Topical and systemic antibiotics are mainstays for the treatment of acne, but the success rate varies in part due to the gradual resistance to antibiotics.


Sun exposure has a well-known beneficial effect on acne, which is not true for ultraviolet exposure. Studies show that the bacteria produce porphyrins, which are activated by visible light, inducing a photodynamic reaction that subsequently kills the pathogenic bacteria, reduces the overproduction of sebum and shrinks the oil glands.


We recommend you avoid sun exposure on the treatment area for at least six weeks pre- and post-treatment. At all times, use a 30+ sunscreen. You will have a period where the treated area will be quite red, and peeling will occur.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are my treatment options?

    At Mackay Skin Clinic, we offer a range of treatments for acne. These include the Herbal Aktiv Peel, which is a natural treatment that can provide new skin in five days, with only herbs and not with the use of acids or chemicals. We also offer IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment, which is designed to control existing acne outbreaks and reduce future ones. Additionally, we provide ALA (Topical Aminolevulinic Acid) Photodynamic Therapy for acne. Lastly, we have the Blue Light Acne Treatment, which uses narrow-band, high-intensity blue light to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris.

  • How long will it take to see results?

    The duration to see results can vary depending on the treatment, your skin condition and what might be going on internally. Regular treatments, approximately one or two weeks apart, are recommended. Book a consultation with our beauty consultants and if they recommend you need to see a doctor, that can be arranged.

  • How does your skin clinic ensure the effectiveness of treatments?

    At Mackay Skin Clinic, our doctors deliver treatments using advanced technology and offer acne management programs tailored to individual needs. We can combine treatments with skincare products and, if necessary, appropriate medication.

  • Why is it recommended to attend a consultation prior to a skin treatment at Mackay skin clinic?

    A consultation is important to provide a medical opinion and a tailored treatment plan. Acne is a complex skin disorder and its causes and manifestations can vary from person to person. Our doctors can recommend treatments to address your specific skin conditions. Book a consultation for more information.

  • How does the IPL acne treatment work?

    Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is designed to control and reduce acne outbreaks. The treatment uses high-energy pulses of light that are filtered to emit specific frequencies. One of these frequencies prompts a naturally occurring molecule in the oil glands, known as porphyrin, to release oxygen. Since acne bacteria are anaerobic, the released oxygen kills them. Another frequency targets the overactive oil glands, causing them to shrink, which helps control the overproduction of sebum (oil) and prevent future outbreaks.

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