Acne Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition which frequently affects teenagers and young adults alike of both sexes. However, adults of all ages from mid twenties through to mid fifties are increasingly affected and troubled by congested skin, blocked pores and skin blemishes. You don't have to let acne spoil your life. The Skin Clinic offers a range of successful acne treatments and products to help you.
What Causes Acne?
The presence of acne is often influenced by the following factors:
Hormones
For the majority of acne sufferers, outbreaks begin at puberty because the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, which is a natural part of the body's development, but for acne sufferers these glands are over stimulated Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy.
Oily Skin
When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum (oil). Sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging and can cause acne. Stress levels can also affect sebum production and therefore increase the severity of acne.
Bacteria
The bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes for short), is present on all skins and is part of the skin’s natural sebum maintenance system. Once a follicle is blocked, P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, creating the chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.
Inflammation
When you are exposed to unwanted bacteria your immune system sends in an army of white blood cells to attack. This is why pimples can be red, swollen and painful. The inflammatory response is different for everyone, but studies have shown that it is especially strong in adult women.
There are many kinds of acne treatments available. Like you, acne is highly individual and response to treatments does vary from person to person. All acne healing treatments offered at our clinic can be carried out as stand alone therapies or in combination with other acne treatments for maximum benefit. We will advise on the most suitable course of action for you and your skin.
For acne scarring please refer to Titianium Dermaroller Skin Needling and Mosaic treatments.
An effective acne combination therapy may include one or all of the following clinically proven treatments:
IPL Acne Treatment reduces the P.acnes bacteria creating the spots and minimizes it’s ‘food supply’, whilst reducing inflammation and increasing the skins ability to heal itself (collagen production), and therefore reducing scarring.
A Gel Peel removes the surface 3-5 layers of dead skin cells allowing the skin to breathe and function more readily, with better absorption of products. Whilst on a deeper level increasing collagen production, breaking down pigmentation, calming and hydrating the skin.
Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin, clearing any debris, unclogging the pores and smoothing away areas of acne scarring. Only suitable for when no active outbreaks are present.
How does IPL work for Acne?
For areas of acne the IPL system emits pulses of filtered light to the affected area, with yellow light destroying the bacteria that cause acne and red light targeting the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands, reducing inflammation and swelling. Areas of acne respond well to IPL.
What does treatment feel like?
For acne treatment using IPL merely creates a feeling of warmth, although a pinprick sting or flicking of an elastic band sensation can be felt over some areas of congestion.
How will my skin look after treatment?
For most people the skin is calmed and the inflammation surrounding individual spots is also reduced. Occasionally you may experience some slight redness in the skin however this should be minimal and only last for up to a few hours.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimum results we recommend a combination of IPL and Gel peels initially, alternating on a fortnightly basis. Like you, acne is highly individual and response to treatments does vary from person to person.
Are there any side effects? There is the possibility of some minor side effects, like redness or possible hair loss, which are discussed in detail and put into the correct perspective during your consultation. Risks are specific to you as an individual and these are discussed during your consultation.
More specific advice and information is given during your consultation.
On your first visit, your clinician will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment before recommending a treatment plan to suit your individual requirements. Your clinician will also demonstrate the equipment and answer any questions.
We follow best practice with treatment policies, procedures and protocols, only employing properly, highly trained clinicians and operating under the clinical supervision of our medical director, on order to maintain the highest clinical standards of clinical excellence.
We value the comfort and safety of our clients very highly and will take the greatest care to ensure that you feel at ease about every aspect of your treatment.
Before your IPL treatment
For 1 week before treatment
- Do not wax, (unless advised by your clinician), pluck, or undergo electrolysis, in the treatment area
- To avoid skin sensitivity, do not bleach or use depilatory cream in the week before your treatment
You should avoid sunbathing, sun-beds and self-tanning products, as treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin.
Treatment day
- Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise
- Do not use cosmetics on the treatment area
After you IPL treatment
For 2 days after treatment
- Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds and self-tanning products
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms
- Baths and showers should be tepid rather than hot
- Avoid vigorous exercise and swimming
- Avoid using perfumed products and make-up on the treated area
For 1 week after treatment
If your face has been treated, then avoid facials, and any other forms of exfoliation in the treated area.
Important facts to remember while you are undergoing treatment
If your face has been treated, then avoid facials, and any other forms of exfoliation in the treated area
Important facts to remember while you are undergoing treatment
- Treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin. A fake tan of any kind has the same implications as a natural tan
- You must use a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection of SPF30 or higher on the treated area, or as advised by your clinician
- Please arrange your treatment at least one week before a holiday, and allow a minimum of four weeks after your return for any tan to fade. Please advise usif your tan has not faded as we will not be able to treat you and we will happily rearrange your next appointment
- Please allow at least one week after a local anaesthetic and at least one month after a general anaesthetic, before continuing with treatment. Your clinician can advise you accordingly
- Please advise us of any change in medication well in advance of your treatment day
| Consultation | £0* | BOOK ONLINE |
| IPL treatments |
From £85 | BOOK ONLINE |
| Gel peels | From £68 | BOOK ONLINE |
* Consultation currently FREE.
