What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. It can appear as:

• Whiteheads

• Blackheads

• Pimples

• Cysts or nodules (in more severe cases)

It usually affects the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and can affect people at any age, not just during teenage years.

🔍 What Causes Acne?

• Excess oil (sebum) production

• Clogged pores

• Bacterial overgrowth (especially Cutibacterium acnes)

• Hormonal changes (especially during puberty, menstrual cycle, or stress)

• Diet & gut imbalances

• Use of comedogenic products (pore-blocking)

💡 How Do We Treat Acne?

Effective acne treatment is multifactorial, meaning it often combines different approaches depending on the type and severity of acne.

1. Topical Skincare:

• Cleansers: Gentle, non-stripping, sometimes with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

• Exfoliants: AHAs/BHAs to clear dead skin cells.

• Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and unclog pores.

• Hydration: Non-comedogenic moisturisers to support barrier health.

2. Internal Support:

• Diet: High-glycemic and dairy-heavy diets can trigger breakouts in some.

• Gut health: Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation that shows on the skin.

• Supplements: Zinc, probiotics, omega-3s, and certain herbs (like DIM or spearmint) may help regulate hormones and inflammation.

3. Professional Treatments:

• Chemical Peels – exfoliate and resurface the skin.

• Extractions – remove blackheads and whiteheads.

• Laser & Light Therapies – reduce bacteria and inflammation (more below).

💡 How Does IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Help Acne?

IPL is a non-invasive light-based treatment that targets the underlying causes of acne.

How IPL Helps:

✅ Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria: The light targets P. acnes bacteria, reducing active breakouts.
✅ Reduces Redness & Inflammation: Helps calm irritated, inflamed skin.
✅ Regulates Sebum Production: Can shrink oil glands to help control future breakouts.
✅ Improves Skin Texture & Scarring: IPL can help fade post-acne marks and boost collagen over time.

IPL is ideal for:
✔ Mild to moderate acne
✔ Red or inflamed acne
✔ Clients looking for non-invasive, no-downtime treatments

🧠 The Gut-Skin Connection

Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside. An unhealthy gut can trigger or worsen acne due to:

• Inflammation

• Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)

• Hormonal imbalances

• Poor nutrient absorption

Supporting gut health through probiotics, fibre-rich foods, and anti-inflammatory nutrition can be a game-changer for skin health.

💧 Skin Barrier & ACIS (Acne-Causing Internal & Skin Factors)

Think of your skin barrier as your skin’s "shield." When it's weak, acne can worsen. That’s why we support:

• Hydration

• Balanced pH

• Barrier-repairing ingredients (like ceramides, niacinamide, etc.)

ACIS refers to both internal and external factors causing acne, including:

• Hormones

• Inflammation

• Skin products

• Lifestyle habits

We address holistically—treating acne not just from the outside, but also by understanding what your body tells us from the inside.

✅ Summary: Our Approach

✨ Cleanse & Treat the skin
✨ Strengthen & Protect the barrier
✨ Balance hormones, oil production & gut health
✨ Boost skin clarity with IPL and targeted treatments

Acne laser treatment works in two ways, firstly laser light heats up the capillaries that supply the sebaceous glands with excess oil production and essentially makes them dormant so an over-supply is not created. The heat also kills P acne bacteria to stop the spread of the acne. The laser also exfoliates the skins surface making acne build up finer and smoother. This treatment works by penetrating the dermis and epidermis (top and middle layers of the skin) for an instant results as well as reduced acne within the future.

Course of 4 sessions with 3 week interval is recommended for the best results.

Depending on severalty of acne skin might need to be exfoliated before treatments

If acne is very severe ask your GP to prescribe REDAP cream, this helps to aid the light into the skin.

Results :

Reduced acne

Oil production reduced

Smaller pores

Less pigmentation in treatment area

Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or hydroxy acids 5-7 days prior to the treatment. .

No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5 days prior.

Avoid unprotected sun exposure or sunburn before treatment.

Do not shave the face the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation.

Keep makeup to a minimum day of the treatment if possible and do not experiment with new products before the treatment.

Aftercare

Try to stay out of excessive sun exposure such as tanning and sunbathing for at least

10 days to avoid risk of hyperpigmentation and sensitizing the skin.

2. Do not apply makeup immediately after treatment. Continue to wear SPF 30+ daily.

3. Gently cleanse your face before bedtime day of the treatment with a gentle cleanser

and tepid water.

4. Use serums and the recommended skin care products per your skin therapists’ directions.

5. Avoid sweaty exercise, saunas, and swimming for at least 48 hours after treatment.

6. Avoid immediately using active skin care (including AHA/BHAs, exfoliants, Vitamin A, Retinol,etc.)

for at least 3-5 days