Acne

Acne is driven by four factors working together: excess oil production in the sebaceous glands, abnormal shedding of skin cells inside the pore, colonisation by *Cutibacterium acnes* bacteria, and the inflammatory response your immune system mounts in reaction. Hormones, genetics and stress influence all four. Diet plays a role only at the margins, high-glycaemic foods and skimmed dairy can aggravate flares in some patients, but they are not the underlying cause.

It depends on the type and severity of your acne, your skin type and your tolerance for downtime. Active inflammatory acne with papules and pustules usually responds best to Acnelan plus LED light therapy. Congested skin with blackheads and whiteheads suits salicylic-acid chemical peels. Scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation left behind after active acne has cleared are addressed with Dermapen microneedling and chemical peels in a separate, later phase. We confirm the plan at your free consultation.

Most patients see a noticeable calming of inflammation within two to four weeks of starting the in-clinic phase, with the most meaningful change in active spots and oiliness over six to eight weeks. Scarring and texture work in phase two builds gradually across three to six months, because collagen remodelling is a slow process. Photographs are taken at the start of the course so progress can be tracked objectively rather than estimated.

We do not deliver in-clinic acne protocols, peels or microneedling to patients currently on isotretinoin or within six months of finishing a course. Isotretinoin profoundly changes how the skin heals and reacts to active treatments. If you are on a course, finish it and wait six months before booking; we are happy to plan ahead from a consultation, and pigmentation and scarring work can be scheduled for once the wait has cleared.

Some patients experience a brief flare in the first one to two weeks as deep congestion is cleared to the surface, particularly after the first Acnelan peel. This is normal and usually settles by the second session. Mild redness, light flaking or temporary purging are expected and self-limiting. We walk you through what to expect at consultation so there are no surprises, and we adjust the protocol if your skin reacts more strongly than expected.

Pricing depends on which treatments are matched to your plan and how many sessions are agreed at consultation. Individual treatment prices are shown on each treatment page, for example, LED light therapy and chemical peels start from session prices, while Acnelan is sold as a structured course. The full course price is confirmed in writing at your free consultation before any session is booked. There are no upsells in the chair.

Acne is a chronic condition, not a one-time problem. The in-clinic phase typically clears active spots and reduces oiliness substantially. Long-term control depends on maintenance, the home regime we agree with you, a barrier-supporting routine, daily SPF, and a quick top-up session every two to three months for patients with persistent oil production or hormonal patterns. We will be honest about whether your acne pattern needs ongoing maintenance or whether a single course is likely to hold.