【Bangkok, Thailand】Causes of Acne and Medications | Topical Treatments and Zinc Supplements Available at Pharmacies
Acne is a skin concern that troubles many people, regardless of age or gender.
Especially in hot, humid environments with strong UV rays, like Bangkok, Thailand, sebum production tends to increase. We often hear from customers that they’ve “started getting more acne since coming to Thailand.”
- Can you buy acne medication in Thailand?
- Should you visit a dermatologist in Bangkok?
- What acne medications can you buy at pharmacies in Thailand?
In this article, we explain acne care strategies in Thailand, covering:
✔ The causes and types of acne
✔ Acne medications available at pharmacies in Thailand
✔ Zinc supplements to support skin health from within
-
Why is Acne More Common in Thailand?
In Thailand, several environmental factors may contribute to acne:
- Increased sebum production due to high temperature and humidity
- Skin stress from strong UV exposure
- Dryness and disrupted skin turnover caused by air conditioning
- Changes in diet
As a result, these factors may increase the likelihood of clogged pores and inflammation.
Causes and Types of Acne
Main Causes of Acne
Acne typically occurs when three main factors combine:
①Increased Sebum Production
Hormonal changes or stress can cause excessive sebum secretion, leading to clogged pores.
②Clogged Pores
When the skin turnover cycle (the process of old skin shedding and new skin replacing it) is disrupted, dead skin cells can block pores.
Overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes
Cutibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria normally present on the skin. However, it can multiply in pores filled with sebum, causing inflammation and worsening acne.
Types of Acne
Acne is categorized by its progression as follows:
1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Characteristics：
- Pores clogged with sebum, forming a whitish bump.
- No inflammation, usually painless.
- Commonly appears on the T-zone (forehead, around the nose) and chin.
2. Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Characteristics：
- A condition where whiteheads oxidize and turn black.
- Often appears on the nose and T-zone, causing “strawberry nose.”
3. Papules (Inflamed Acne)
Characteristics：
- Inflammation occurs within the pore, causing redness and swelling.
- Can be painful; if it worsens, it may develop pus.
- Commonly appears on the T-zone and U-zone (jawline, facial contour).
4. Pustules (Acne with Pus)
Characteristics：
- Papules worsen and develop pus.
- Besides Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus may also multiply.
- If severe, can leave acne scars.
Acne Medications (Topical) Available at Blez Pharmacy
The appropriate treatment varies depending on the type of acne. At Blez Pharmacy, we carry acne treatments containing the following active ingredients:
1.Active Ingredient: Clindamycin
An antibacterial topical agent that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria that worsen acne) and suppresses inflammation. May help improve inflamed papules and pustules with pus.
2.Active Ingredient: Adapalene
A retinoid that improves clogged pores by promoting skin turnover. Works on whiteheads (pores clogged with sebum) and blackheads (oxidized, darkened sebum) in the pre-inflammatory stage. It also has a mild peeling effect and can help improve strawberry nose caused by dark sebum in pores.
3.Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide
Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus. It also helps improve clogged pores by removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and has anti-inflammatory effects. May be used for various stages of acne, from whiteheads to pustules.
Caution: This ingredient has a bleaching effect, so avoid contact with hair, eyebrows, and clothing. It may also cause irritation; using sunscreen during the day is essential.
4.Active Ingredient: Azelaic Acid
May help support overall skin condition and maintain balanced skin. It also has antioxidant and melanin-suppressing effects, may help improve skin tone appearance. Therefore, it is commonly used in skincare routines for acne-prone skin, including whiteheads and papules. While not as fast-acting as some other treatments, it may be suitable for individuals with dry or sensitive skin as it causes less irritation and dryness.
Support from Within: Acne Prevention Assistance
For recurring acne, it’s important to review nutritional balance, not just skincare and topical treatments.
VISTRA Zinc Supplement
Contains a zinc-amino acid chelate formulated for better absorption.
May be suitable for individuals who:
✔ Experience recurring skin concerns (Acne)
✔ Have oily skin
✔ Are concerned about hair loss or weak nails
✔ Experience high levels of stress
In Thailand, minerals are easily lost through sweat, so some people take this as a nutritional supplement.
When to Seek Acne Treatment in Thailand
Please consider consulting a dermatologist in the following cases:
- Severe swelling or pain
- Inflammation spreading over a wide area
- When there is a risk of acne scars
- When symptoms do not improve over a long period
Summary
The appropriate approach to acne depends on its type and stage.
Acne care in Thailand generally involves a combination of:
✔ Using topical medications suitable for the type of acne
✔ Protecting against UV rays and managing sebum
✔ Nutritional support, such as with zinc
If you are looking for acne medication in Thailand or want to know more about zinc supplements, you can consult with our pharmacist.
If symptoms do not improve with self-care, please consider visiting a medical institution.
・Consult directly at a Blez Pharmacy store.
-
Contact us via Blez Pharmacy’s official LINE.
Supervised by: Blez Pharmacy
This article was created under the supervision of Blez Pharmacy, which operates numerous stores primarily in Bangkok, Thailand. At Blez Pharmacy, we strive to provide an environment where Japanese customers can feel secure purchasing pharmaceuticals and seeking advice, including at our Asoke and Soi 33/1 stores which have permanent Japanese-speaking staff. Trusted for over a decade by both residents and travelers for the “peace of mind of being able to communicate in Japanese.”
Additionally, the Blez Group has clinics attached in Asoke where Japanese-speaking staff are on hand to facilitate easy consultations. If you have any health or medication concerns, we are here to support you from both the pharmacy and clinical perspectives.
