Acne Treatment and Prevention
Acne is a condition that troubles many people across a wide range of ages and genders.
It is aggravated by a variety of influences, including lifestyle habits, diet, hormone therapy, cosmetics and skincare products.
We can provide acne treatment and prevention for people of all genders.
Please select the section to jump to.
Note that the prices indicated in this page are all inclusive of tax.
For those living far away, we offer telephone consultations and a delivery service.
Even stubborn acne that appears in trans men during testosterone therapy can be improved and prevented without discontinuing testosterone therapy.
In trans women, acne may improve as estrogen plus anti-androgen therapy reduces sebum.
For cis women, acne treatment and prevention can be carried out at the same time as treatment for hair loss (FAGA).
If you are undergoing hormone therapy, please tell your doctor.
In order to provide medical services that accommodate the varied needs, prescribing schedules and underlying causes of our patients, all acne treatment is prescribed as self-pay care.
For those concerned about post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma or dullness following acne treatment, we also offer a brightening oral package and Bifloxin combination tablets (vitamin B2 + B6).
Types of Acne
Acne is formally known as acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory condition arising in pores accompanied by sebaceous glands.
The symptoms progress in stages and are divided mainly into 4 types.
Also called closed comedones, these are the bumpy white spots of acne that form when pores become clogged and the skin feels rough.
There are no subjective symptoms.
Also called open comedones, these are spots of acne in which the pore becomes clogged and the follicular opening is exposed, and melanin moves into the keratinocytes so that the spot appears black.
In most cases there are no subjective symptoms, but they may occasionally become very large.
A state in which inflammation has developed in a comedone and progressed into a red papule.
This is the type of acne that most often prompts patients to visit the clinic, because it hurts when pressed or turns red.
A state in which inflammation of a red papule (red acne) has progressed further and pus is present.
In many cases the area around the skin lesion becomes swollen, and taking antibacterial medication, etc., is required.
Acne can be prevented from recurring by carrying out appropriate maintenance-phase treatment after treatment of the acute inflammatory phase (red acne and yellow acne).
We can treat not only the above 4 types of acne (comedones, red papules and pustules) but also provide acne prevention.
Causes of Acne
The causes of acne fall broadly into 4 categories. In many cases, several factors overlap to bring it on.
This is caused by puberty or by disruption of the hormonal balance (including cases where male hormone therapy is being carried out). The amount of sebum secreted is said to correlate with the severity of acne.
This occurs when the pores become clogged due to thickening of the stratum corneum. It is said to occur most often on the face, upper chest and upper back.
Acne is not an infectious disease, but a resident bacterium called C. acnes is said to be deeply involved.
Lack of sleep, diet and stress are said to make acne worse.
Acne Treatment
Acne treatment is carried out in stages according to the symptoms and severity.
– Topical medication: We use antibacterial agents and agents with a keratolytic action.
– Oral medication: When symptoms are severe, antibacterial medication is taken or hormone treatment is adjusted.
– Skincare guidance: We give each patient careful advice on aspects that can be improved through face washing, moisturizing and lifestyle habits.
By combining several agents or combining different types of treatment according to each patient’s symptoms, these treatments make it possible not only to treat acne but also to prevent it from recurring.
Topical Medication
If you develop marked redness, a stinging sensation, itching or erosion, stop using the product and seek a consultation.
Effect: There is evidence that it normalizes keratinization of the infundibulum of the hair follicle and prevents new acne.
How to use: Apply once daily, gently rubbing it into the face and trunk. A stinging sensation often appears within 1 to 2 weeks after starting use, but beyond 2 weeks the symptoms improve. Using it together with a moisturizer reduces the stinging sensation.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1 tube | 1,200 |
| 3 tubes | 3,000 (1,000/tube) |
| 6 tubes | 5,000 (833/tube) |
Effect: It has a keratolytic (peeling) action and can be expected to have a bactericidal effect through oxidation, and it is also effective against inflammatory skin lesions (red acne and yellow acne). Another feature is that it does not induce resistant bacteria.
How to use: Apply once daily, gently rubbing it into the face only. A stinging sensation, and rarely contact dermatitis, may appear from shortly after use to within a few months.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1 bottle | 2,500 |
| 3 bottles | 7,000 (2,333/bottle) |
| 6 bottles | 13,000 (2,167/bottle) |
Effect: This is a topical medication that combines the antibacterial action of clindamycin with the keratolytic (peeling) and bactericidal action of benzoyl peroxide. By suppressing the proliferation of acne bacteria while improving clogged pores, it has been confirmed to be highly effective against inflammatory acne such as red acne and yellow acne. Another feature is that resistant bacteria are said to be less likely to arise.
How to use: Normally, apply once daily, spreading it gently over the areas prone to acne on clean skin after washing the face. If you feel stinging or dryness, reducing the amount or frequency of application, or using a moisturizer alongside it, may ease the symptoms.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1 tube | 3,000 |
| 3 tubes | 8,000 (2,667/tube) |
| 6 tubes | 15,000 (2,500/tube) |
Effect: This is a topical medication that combines the action of adapalene in normalizing keratinization of the infundibulum of the hair follicle with the keratolytic and bactericidal action of benzoyl peroxide. It has been shown to be effective both in preventing new acne and against inflammatory acne such as red acne and yellow acne. Because a wide area can be treated with a smaller amount applied compared with single agents, ease of treatment and ease of continuing are also advantages.
How to use: Apply once daily, normally at night after washing the face, spreading it thinly over areas prone to acne such as the whole face. Irritation symptoms such as dryness, stinging and redness may appear, mainly during the first 1 to 2 weeks after starting, but in most cases these gradually improve. Using a moisturizer alongside it may ease the irritation.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1 tube | 4,000 |
| 3 tubes | 11,000 (3,667/tube) |
| 6 tubes | 20,000 (3,333/tube) |
Effect: This is a quinolone topical antibacterial medication containing ozenoxacin 2 percent as its active ingredient. It suppresses the proliferation of bacteria such as acne bacteria and staphylococci, and is effective in improving acne accompanied by inflammation, such as red acne and yellow acne. It is also used for superficial skin infections accompanied by suppuration.
How to use: Normally, apply thinly once daily to clean skin after washing the face, centered on the inflamed acne areas. If the acne is over a wide area, spread it gently over the whole affected area. Avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, mucous membranes and injured areas. Because it is a topical antibacterial medication, follow your doctor’s instructions and do not continue it for a long period at your own discretion.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1 bottle | 1,800 |
| 3 bottles | 5,000 (1,667/bottle) |
| 6 bottles | 9,000 (1,500/bottle) |
Effect: Effective for moisturizing and for preventing post-inflammatory pigmentation. It can also be used as a moisturizer.
How to use: Use as appropriate according to the area you wish to moisturize and the purpose.
Price:
| Size | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 25g (cream) | 800/tube |
| 50g (lotion) | 1,200/tube |
Oral Medication
Effect: In addition to suppressing the proliferation of acne bacteria, it also has an anti-inflammatory action, so it is widely used in particular for treating red acne and yellow acne. It is used for moderate to severe acne.
How to use: Take once daily after a meal.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 30 tablets | 4,000 |
| 90 tablets | 9,000 |
Effect: A vitamin A derivative that is effective for severe and refractory acne. It suppresses sebum secretion and works to improve clogged pores and inflammation, and it is regarded as the first-choice medication for acne treatment in Europe and the United States.
How to use: Normally taken 1 to 2 times daily after meals. Because of effects on pregnancy and because there are medications that interact poorly with it, it is prescribed under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Price:
| Strength | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 10mg | 7,000/30 tablets 13,000/60 tablets 18,000/90 tablets 23,500/120 tablets 29,000/150 tablets 34,000/180 tablets |
| 20mg | 10,000/30 tablets 18,000/60 tablets 26,000/90 tablets 34,000/120 tablets 42,000/150 tablets 49,000/180 tablets |
Effect: In cis women and trans women, it suppresses androgen action and reduces sebum, thereby improving acne in adult women. It is also positioned as an oral option in the guidelines. Spironolactone is also effective for hair loss in cis women (FAGA).
How to use: Depending on gender, we start at 50 to 100mg/day and adjust as appropriate while observing the effect. It cannot be used by those who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant. If you have impaired kidney function, or are also taking antihypertensives or diuretics, please consult a doctor.
Price:
| Strength | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 50mg | 2,500/30 tablets |
| 100mg | 5,000/30 tablets |
| 150mg | 7,500/30 tablets |
| 200mg | 10,000/30 tablets |
In trans women, acne may improve as hormone therapy (estrogen plus anti-androgen therapy) reduces sebum. Hormone therapy can be assessed by specialists in our Gender Affirmation care.
Skincare (Clinic-Exclusive Cosmetics)
We stock a range of face washes, toners, moisturizing emulsions, serums and beauty creams that are effective for acne treatment and prevention.
<Face Wash>
Tea Tree
Price: 500 JPY / 2,750 JPY
Size: 15g / 135g
Features: contains AHA 1.0 percent, tea tree oil and vitamin A derivative
Daily washing rinses away old dead skin cells and excess sebum, keeping the skin clean.
Recommended for those concerned about acne or who want to prevent acne.
<Toner>
Essence
Price: 4,950 JPY
Size: 100ml
Features: Contains 3 moisturizing ingredients and 2 skin-conditioning ingredients
It has a moist, hydrating feel and is packed with beauty ingredients.
It combines the functions of a toner and a serum, making it easy to use.
It supports the skin's natural barrier function and keeps the skin in a state where acne is less likely to form.
<Moisturizing Emulsion>
Price: 4,950 JPY
Size: 30g
Features: A gel containing moisturizing ingredients such as placenta
Cares for everything from acne prevention to dullness after acne care.
Recommended both for moisturizing the whole face and for concentrated care on specific spots.
A gentle, fresh and hydrating gel.
<Serum>
Price: 5,000 JPY
Size: 12ml
Features: contains high-concentration vitamin C
Recommended for skin where pores and acne scars are a concern.
Provides hydration and smooths the skin.
A transparent type that blends easily into the skin.
Price: 2,200 JPY
Size: 3ml
Features: A serum containing hydroquinone
It penetrates deep into the stratum corneum and is effective for treating acne scars.
A serum type that blends easily into the skin.
It can also be used by those with sensitive skin.
<Beauty Cream>
Price: 2,000 JPY
Size: 15g
Features: contains a high concentration of azelaic acid
Recommended for home skin care for those with acne or oily skin.
Feels moist without being sticky.
Price: 2,200 JPY
Size: 6g
Features: A cream containing hydroquinone
It penetrates deep into the stratum corneum and is effective for treating acne scars.
A light cream type that can also be used by those with sensitive skin.
We stock many cosmetics for medical institutions that are not available through general retail channels. Please see below for details.
Brightening and Pigmentation Care
For those concerned about post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma or dullness following acne treatment, we offer a brightening oral package and Bifloxin combination tablets (vitamin B2 + B6).
Oral medications for brightening and pigmentation are not used for acne treatment and prevention.
For acne treatment and prevention, please refer to the topical medications, oral medications and skincare in the preceding chapters.
Effect: Aims to improve melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. The main ingredient, tranexamic acid (750mg/day), suppresses the plasmin activity that is key to pigmentation, while vitamin C (Cinal, 3 tablets/day) and vitamin E (Juvela, 150mg/day) provide antioxidant support.
How to use: As a guide, take each of them 3 times daily, and evaluate the response every few months. Tranexamic acid may not be usable in those with a history of or at high risk of thrombosis, those on prolonged bed rest, those with severe kidney impairment and similar cases. If you notice anything unusual while taking it, stop and be sure to consult a doctor. Individual items can also be purchased separately.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1-month package | 4,000 |
| 3-month package | 11,000 (3,667/month) |
| 6-month package | 20,000 (3,333/month) |
Effect: A combination tablet of vitamin B2 + B6, intended to support the condition of the skin and mucous membranes in cases such as seborrheic dermatitis and mouth ulcers.
How to use: As a guide, take 3 times daily, following your doctor’s instructions. Avoid taking high doses over a long period, and adjust the duration according to the symptoms. With vitamin B6, peripheral neuropathy has rarely been reported when high doses are continued over a long period. If numbness or abnormal sensations occur, stop taking it and seek a consultation.
Price:
| Quantity | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 1-month package (90 tablets) | 1,200 |
| 3-month package (270 tablets) | 3,300 (1,100/month) |
| 6-month package (540 tablets) | 6,000 (1,000/month) |
Prices
The fees for each acne treatment/prevention medication and skin-brightening/pigmentation care are as shown in the table.
All are prescribed as self-pay care.
[Acne Treatment and Prevention]
| Drug Name | Product Name | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| Topical Medication | Adapalene Gel | 1,200/tube 3,000/3 tubes 5,000/6 tubes |
| Bepio Lotion | 2,500/bottle 7,000/3 bottles 13,000/6 bottles |
|
| Duac Combination Gel | 3,000/tube 8,000/3 tubes 15,000/6 tubes |
|
| Epiduo Gel | 4,000/tube 11,000/3 tubes 20,000/6 tubes |
|
| Zeviax Lotion | 1,800/bottle 5,000/3 bottles 9,000/6 bottles |
|
| Heparinoid Cream/Lotion | 25g: 800/tube 50g: 1,200/tube |
|
| Oral Medication | Minocycline | 4,000/30 tablets 9,000/90 tablets |
| Isotretinoin 10mg | 7,000/30 tablets 13,000/60 tablets 18,000/90 tablets 23,500/120 tablets 29,000/150 tablets 34,000/180 tablets |
|
| Isotretinoin 20mg | 10,000/30 tablets 18,000/60 tablets 26,000/90 tablets 34,000/120 tablets 42,000/150 tablets 49,000/180 tablets |
|
| Spironolactone | 50mg: 2,500/30 tablets 100mg: 5,000/30 tablets 150mg: 7,500/30 tablets 200mg: 10,000/30 tablets |
|
| Clinic-Exclusive Cosmetics | Skin Peel Bar Tea Tree (Facial Wash) | 500/15g 2,750/135g |
| AC Clear Watery Essence (Lotion) | 4,950 | |
| AC Clear Gel (Moisturizing Emulsion) | 4,950 | |
| VC Concentrate 15b (Serum) | 5,000 | |
| HQ Brightening (Serum) | 2,200 | |
| AZA Clear (Beauty Cream) | 2,000 | |
| HQ Double Bright E (Beauty Cream) | 2,200 |
[Brightening and Pigmentation Care]
Oral medications for brightening and pigmentation are not used for acne treatment and prevention.
For acne treatment and prevention, please refer to the topical medications, oral medications and skincare under [Acne Treatment and Prevention].
| Item | Size / dosage guide | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| Brightening oral package | — | 1 month: 4,000 3 months: 11,000 6 months: 20,000 |
| Tranexamic acid | 750mg/day | 1 month: 2,000 3 months: 5,000 6 months: 9,500 |
| Cinal combination tablets | 3 tablets/day | 1 month: 1,200 3 months: 3,300 6 months: 6,000 |
| Juvela tablets | 150mg/day | 1 month: 1,200 3 months: 3,300 6 months: 6,000 |
| Bifloxin combination tablets | 3 tablets/day | 1 month: 1,200 3 months: 3,300 6 months: 6,000 |
Consultation Flow
The consultation flow for prescriptions of acne treatment and prevention medication and brightening and pigmentation care at our clinic is as follows.
Medical Interview and Consultation with a Doctor
We will consider a suitable medication in consultation with the doctor.
Prescription and Payment
We hand over your acne treatment and prevention medication and similar items at the reception desk. From the second time onward as well, prescriptions are issued while the doctor checks your condition at a consultation (a consultation fee applies). If you would like only clinic-exclusive cosmetics, please feel free to speak to the reception staff (no consultation fee is required).
We also provide testing and treatment for STIs, vaccine administration of various types (including for those traveling overseas) and consultations regarding gender. For details, please see the page below.