Treatments

Despite what you may think from reading that, acne cannot be ‘cleaned’ away. Most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin does not affect your acne. You may even be over cleaning your skin if you wash it more than twice a day.

Acne can be extremely distressing and it is important to seek advice from your GP, ask for a referral to a dermatologist or, if you can, seek to find a private dermatologist.

Topic treatments for acne include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (clindamycin and erythromycin), combinations of benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics, tretinoin and adapalene are topical retinoids, and acids like salicylic and azelaic acid. Sites like Get Harley and Dermatica can help you to access ingredients that you can’t buy over the counter.

Topical acne treatments should be used on the entire face (so even on areas where you don’t have spots) and not as a spot treatment. Topical acne treatments work in various ways to reduce inflammation, reduce sebum secretion and ‘unstick’ the cells that are clogging the hair follicles.

Generally, topical acne treatments need at least 12 weeks of consistent use before fully understanding if they don’t work.

When seeking a referral to a dermatologist in the NHS, generally a GP may advise you to use a combination of topical acne treatments and suggest a course of antibiotics or the contraceptive pill for women. In some cases, isotretinoin will be prescribed by a dermatologist.

However, the waiting list for the NHS has hit record highs (something I’ve experienced when seeking help for my adult acne). If you’re in this frustrating period, then stick with it but don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a facialist. Whilst a doctor is your best best bet to clearing up your acne, facials can help you manage your condition, provide relief and act as a support system for you to understand if certain products are triggering your flare ups. To relieve the symptoms and prevent scarring, facials using chemical peels and blue light therapy can help alleviate problems.

How do you clear up acne at home?

Whilst we would always advice you to seek medical help, there are steps you can take to manage the condition at home. The best place to start is with a good skincare routine made up of cleansing your skin, using a topical treatment as instructed by your doctor or dermatologist, following up with a moisturiser an wearing SPF.

Simplifying your routine is the best chance of clearing up your skin if you’re experiencing active breakouts as you may be exacerbating the problem by layering too many products and affecting the PH levels of your skin.

Avoid overwashing and harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin. Find a cleanser that doesn’t feel stripping on your skin after you’ve washed. We recommend you double cleanse in the evening. Oil-based cleansers can be great for acne prone skin.

The link between diet and acne is still a topic of research. However, some studies suggest that high glycemic index foods (like sugary snacks and white bread) and dairy products may exacerbate acne in some people. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is recommended for overall skin health.

It is also important to stay hydrated and limit alcohol consumption. Exercise can also help to improve skin health and reduce stress levels.

Which facial works best for my acne?

The treatments we offer you will depend on the grade* of your condition, from mild to severe, including inflammatory acne, lesions, nodules or cystic acne. We also treat acne scarring too.

If your acne is too painful and severe to treat, we will recommend you speak to a dermatologist or doctor, who will recommend the best treatments and skincare that works for you, your skin type and the acne you’re suffering with. They can also prescribe medication if required.

The Signature Facial is recommended as a first facial for anyone new to treatments at Aion. The Signature Facial tailored to your skin concerns, including facials for acne which include light therapy, chemical peels, and extractions to help clear the skin. Our light therapy uses Dermalux, a certified medical device using clinically proven wavelengths with blue light and red light to help reduce inflammation and bacteria. Chemical peels can help to reduce the appearance of acne, while extractions remove blackheads and whiteheads.

*Acne is classified into three different types:

• Mild – Whiteheads and blackheads are common.

• Moderate – Whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. A papule is a small red bump, a pustule is a small bump on the skin that contains fluid or pus.

• Severe – Many large, often painful, papules and pustules, as well as nodules or cysts. There may also be scarring.

Acne can vary hugely from person to person. We work on a bespoke treatment plan and recommend a skincare programe to maintain at home to help you to manage your condition.

Contact us at hello@aion-aesthetics.com if you have any questions.