Myth busting

Despite acne being so common, there are many misconceptions regarding its causes.

Just wash your face?

A lot of people are under the impression that poor hygiene and skin cleanliness is the explanation for acne. This couldn't be further from the truth, as most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin and not on the surface. Washing your face more than twice a day will not only aggravate your skin, but worsen your acne.

Just pop it?

No matter how tempting it may be to pop your acne, avoid it at all costs. This is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Doing this will result in scars that are a lot harder to treat than acne.

Sunbathing and sunbeds will do the trick!

There is no conclusive evidence to support that sun exposure improves or gets rid of acne. Taking this route will leave your skin permanently damaged and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Treating your acne

Knowing when and where to start treating acne is crucial, especially in the early stages.  We offer a range of great acne treatments teamed with great results here in the clinic along with professional advice.

Treatment options include:

Always begin with a cosmeceutical medical grade home care regimen;

In the morning

1. Apply a cleanser with salicylic acid 

2. Apply a serum and oil free moisturiser recommended for your acne

3. Always finish with a generous layer of SPF. 

The benefits of SPF tend to be overlooked but it's the key preventer to slow down the ageing process. 

In the evening:

1.  Apply a cleanser with Salicylic acid

2.  Apply a topical retinol (Vitamin A) Always use a retinol at night. Build it up slowly, commencing it 1-2 times per week to begin with. You will notice your skin shedding on day 2/3. Wait for your skin to normalise again before reapplying it. Always use a moisturiser with retinol as your skin will become dryer. Always use an SPF during the day for protection as your skin will be more sensitive while the cell renewal process is taking place.

3. Lastly apply your recommended oil free moisturiser 

The benefits of Retinol and why you need this skin saver:

Acne before & after retinol

Dermatologists advise introducing retinol to your skincare routine in your mid 20s, and especially if you suffer from acne and pigmentation.

As retinol increases the cell renewal process It's best to try it for three months and then have a three month break as research suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after three months of usage. 

It’s imperative you are vigilant with your SPF when using retinol as it increases your skin's sensitivity to light. Due to the increase in your cell turnover it can also temporarily make your skin thinner and more fragile, so don’t forget to apply that extra layer of factor 50!

Retinol to the rescue!

Retinol keeps dead skin cells on the move, stimulates collagen and can help to keep pores clear and open so other topical acne medications can penetrate effectively. Retinols are usually only part of a more comprehensive treatment plan for acne.

Advanced treatment options :

At the clinic we offer various top of the range treatments to combat stubborn acne. You can find further information on each specific treatment on our website.  You can be assessed online, in the comfort of your own home. You can also pop in for an in person consultation. This is all down to your personal preference.

IPL for acne before & after

• Professionally done extractions

• A series of skin peels

• Chemical peels

• A course of IPL (Intensed Pulsed Light Treatments), kills the acne bacteria. Plus, more and more doctors are recommending IPL photofacials for patients with severe acne or acne scarring, as well as other conditions like sun spots and age spots, and fine lines.

• Dermalux LED blue light therapy

• Supplements (Oral Vitamin A, Advanced Nutrition programme Accumax) accumax synergises vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and phytonutrients to work from the inside out to support healthy skin.

• Nutritional advice- your skin may be a reflection of your diet. Avoid acne inducing foods (dairy, fast food)

Other options include:

• OCP(oral contraceptive)

• A course of antibiotics e.g. Doxycycline 

All of which you can attend your doctor for.

If all else fails…

Roaccutane (provided on a prescription basis)

Deemed as one of the most effective drugs in treating acne, it has a 95% success rate in clearing up acne in four to six months and around 70% of those who take it say they never suffer from acne again.

If you’re interested in making an appointment, you can book with Ciara through our website under the ‘book’ tab.