What causes acne?

The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, which is present in both men and women. This causes the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil is visible) and whiteheads.

The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but, in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

What does acne look like

The typical appearance of acne is a mixture of the following: an oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads, red spots and yellow pus-filled pimples, and scars. Occasionally, large, tender spots or cysts may develop which can either eventually burst and discharge their contents or may heal up without bursting.

• Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small
• Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help
• Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink
• Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top
• Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin
• Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.

Acne is often considered a predominantly teenage affliction, but it can also affect many people long into adulthood. People can suffer from adult acne into their twenties, thirties and even as late as their forties. In such cases the effect on self-esteem and self-confidence can be devastating.

Adult acne is caused by excess oil production which clogs the pores and causes a reaction in the skin. It can also be caused by an increase of testosterone. Acne normally appears during puberty and decreases over time, but this is not always the case. Sometimes it can carry on into adulthood, which can be a cause of great distress. Many adults are also left with acne scars even when the condition has improved, and this can be just as difficult to deal with as the acne itself, leading many people to seek out effective adult acne treatment such as IPL/Laser, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Skin Peels combined with LED Lights.

One of the lasting signs that you have suffered from Acne are the resulting scars that remain after the comedones and pustules have cleared. Although discolouration can fade with time, the tissue damage that leaves skin uneven and pitted remains.

The effects on personal appearance caused by acne and the resultant scarring can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.

Whilst it is unlikely that a wholly smooth complexion will ever be restored, new treatments and technologies offer improvements in both colour and depth and leave the skin smoother and softer than before.

All the treatments we offer are safe and effective, offering great results without the inconvenience of nasty side effects, letting you continue your normal daily activities and lifestyle.

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How can acne be treated

HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a non-invasive, multistep treatment that removes dead skin cells while bathing the healthy underlying skin with deep cleansing, exfoliating and antioxidant serums meaning that they are worked deep into the skin - exactly where they can take effect. The serums are clinically formulated to improve the appearance of congested pores, hyper-pigmentation and acne-prone skin and are prescribed according to your needs. Treatment is quick, relaxing and effective. After the treatment, the skin is radiantly clean, refined, moist and polished.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an intensive, medical-grade skin exfoliation treatment, which smoothes and removes the top outer layer of skin. It is performed using natural diamond-tipped wands that exfoliate the skin, reducing clogged pores and blackheads, acne and acne scars. It also has the advantage of reducing the visibility of wrinkles and lines and helps to encourage the production of collagen, which keeps skin firm and young-looking.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is clinically proven to provide one of the fastest, safest ways to reverse the visible signs of ageing, clear acne and blemishes and even heal sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. The treatment is completely pain-free, is suitable for all skin types and does not require any downtime. For Acneic skin blue light is commonly used as it has powerful anti-bacterial properties that decongest and purify acne and problematic skin and help to normalise oil production.

Results of LED Phototherapy can be enhanced when used in combination with other skin treatments such as Microdermabrasion, Skin Peels, Micro-Needling and IPL Laser.

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Laser/IPL

Our laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) technology targets sebaceous glands (from where oil is secreted) and redness and pigmentation (which are present during and after breakouts). The light energy destroys some of the sebaceous glands, removes the redness and pigmentation and stimulates the production of collagen (the skin’s support structure) A course 4-6 quick treatments (once every 2-4 weeks) quickly controls symptoms, reduces sebum production, lessens redness, pigmentation and scars, leaving your skin smoother, clearer and less prone to breakouts.

Skin Peels

A course of peels break down oil and surface debris in acneic skin, control inflammation, bacteria, production of oil and slow down skin cell production. Together with Image Clearcell range this provides a fantastic clinical treatment programme for acne.

Plexr

Plexr® treatment uses plasma energy to vaporise pustules and acne causing bacteria. It delivers its energy only on the superficial skin cells, without affecting deeper tissues and carries no risk of scarring.

Dermaroller/Dermastamp Microneedling

This treatment is similar to laser resurfacing and chemical peels, but without the side effects and downtime. It works to tighten, lift, and rejuvenate your skin and is highly effective for large pores, acne scarring and the residual pigmentation left after the acne has cleared.

A course of 3 is given on average (depending on scar depth and complexity) which results in smoother softer skin, improved clarity and more even skin tone.

Click here for more information on Dermaroller/Dermastamp Microneedling

Plexr

Plexr® treatment uses plasma energy to vaporise pin-prick size areas of scar tissue. It delivers its energy only on the superficial skin cells, without affecting deeper tissues and is very low risk and has minimal side effects

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