Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne occurs when excess oil production traps dead skin cells in skin pores, clogging the pores. When these clogged pores become infected with bacteria naturally occurring on the skin (Cutibacterium acnes), the pores can become inflamed, red, and often very painful.

Acne usually appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back, or shoulders. The reason for this is that these areas of the skin have the most oil glands which are connected to your hair follicles.

The factors that trigger acne are natural parts of every human body, however, there are certain elements that can worsen or aggravate acne. Those triggers are

• Hormonal changes – During puberty, androgen hormones increase in both boys and girls. This causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Adults are not immune as hormonal imbalances throughout your life can also trigger acne. This is especially true for women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or who are going through menopause.
• Various medications – Medicine that contains corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium can worsen acne breakouts.
• Certain foods – There is evidence to suggest that certain food groups negatively affect breakouts. These food groups include fast food (obviously), carbohydrate-rich foods (think bread), certain dairy products and some sweets. A bad diet can negatively affect your skin’s health.
• Stress – Due to changes in hormones, such as cortisol, being stressed can trigger extra oil production and a resulting acne flare-up.

Acne scars are usually the result of the skin failing to repair lesions on the skin caused by various types of acne (inflammatory types of acne are most likely to cause scars). This can happen when there is a deep break in the wall of a pore. The infected material can spill out into the surrounding tissue, creating a deeper lesion. The skin attempts to repair these lesions by forming new collagen fibres, but when a lesion is too deep these repairs aren’t as smooth as the original skin, resulting in scarring.

Acne, a common skin concern, is often characterised by pimples, blackheads, and redness. Treating acne effectively requires a targeted approach that considers the individual’s unique skin requirements.

Utilising a range of solutions like the Acnelan Peel and the 3D Bespoke Treatment, just to name a few, we address diverse acne concerns with tailor-made strategies. Seeking a clearer, revitalised complexion? Consult our team to craft a personalised approach that suits your unique needs.

Addressing acne scars often requires a comprehensive strategy. First and foremost, diligent skincare routines paired with specialised products can minimise the appearance of scars. However, for pronounced acne scars, a blend of topical treatments and advanced procedures becomes essential.

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we employ treatments like the TCA Chemical Peels and Erbium IPIXEL Pro, among others, to effectively treat acne scars. Additionally, options such as Vampire Facials and Medical Skin Needling further enhance our ability to refine and rejuvenate scarred skin. To determine the most suitable treatment for your specific scars, we recommend booking a consultation with our dedicated team.

Hormonal acne often stems from fluctuations and imbalances related to hormonal changes. Employing acne medication, medicated creams, and targeted acne serums can be effective strategies to combat these breakouts. Addressing the root hormonal shifts alongside topical treatments provides a comprehensive approach to maintaining skin clarity.

Utilising tools like the VISIA Skin Analysis, our specialists can provide a detailed assessment of the signs and extent of acne and its underlying causes. This in-depth insight allows for a more targeted and effective treatment plan, catering specifically to the individual’s skin concerns.

Preventing acne involves a blend of consistent skincare, mindful dietary choices, and stress management. Opt for non-comedogenic products, cleanse gently, and exfoliate regularly to keep pores clear. A balanced diet, rich in antioxidants, can ward off inflammation, while managing stress helps regulate skin-aggravating hormones. Regular consultations with skincare specialists can guide you in maintaining healthy skin and averting future breakouts.

When treating acne at home, it’s essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Start by cleansing the face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Over-the-counter medications and products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid can be effective in managing breakouts. Avoid popping or squeezing pimples, as this can lead to further inflammation and scarring. Regularly changing pillowcases and keeping hands away from the face can also help minimise the spread of bacteria and reduce future breakouts.

There isn’t a single best treatment for acne, but acne and acne scarring can be treated very successfully if done by an experienced professional in a controlled environment after a comprehensive consultation.

The approach to the treatment of acne and acne scarring will, however, depend on the severity of the condition. 

The following acne and acne scarring treatments have delivered excellent results:

3D MD PRP (aka Dr Vampire)

Our 3D PRP MD bespoke treatment utilises our platelets’ regenerative power to combat acne, stimulate collagen, and revitalise the skin’s appearance.

Acnelan Peel

The Acnelan Peel is an intensive treatment for acne-prone and seborrheic skin, deeply cleansing blocked pores, removing impurities, and enhancing skin texture and tone.

Medical Facials

Medical facials use medical-grade ingredients to target your specific skin concerns, such as the treatment of acne. 

Acne scarring, like acne, can be addressed through various methods. Non-invasive treatments have gained prominence for effectively reducing the appearance of scars, improving texture, and reviving the skin’s natural glow. Some of the standout treatments for acne scars include the Acnelan Peel, Morpheus8™, 3D Medical Skin Needling, and Medical Facials.

In a one-one consultation, our skincare specialists assess scar patterns and personal skincare aspirations, ensuring a bespoke treatment strategy that directly tackles acne scarring and associated skin challenges.

Always start with a professional consultation with qualified and experienced specialists for an in-depth analysis of your facial features and to reach a good understanding of your skincare concerns and goals.

Our unique and comprehensive aesthetic couture consultation is available for you to discuss and analyse your concerns and goals and for our team of specialists to provide bespoke advice for your acne and acne scarring concerns.

Schedule your aesthetic couture consultation today!