For many sufferers of acne, the journey to smooth and clear skin is not an easy one. Many people go through years of trial and error to discover what’s really going on beneath the surface of their skin, trying to pinpoint triggers, and experimenting with various treatments and products. My team are here to make that journey a whole lot easier and below I will share how we can help you minimise your acne concerns…
Common acne causes
Every acne suffer is different – what causes breakouts and flare-ups in one person may have zero effect on another. And that is why I believe it is so important to treat each patient as an individual.
The truth is that acne is an extremely complex skin problem linked to a range of factors including genetics, hormones, environment, lifestyle, diet and stress. Plus factors such as lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, food intolerances, and damage to the skin barrier can trigger acne breakouts.
That said - you may have heard of ‘acne face mapping’ which claims that breakouts in certain areas of the face are directly linked to physiological problems elsewhere in the body – for example, spots on the chin are said to be related to hormones and pimples on the cheeks are said to be the result of digestive issues – however there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
Getting to the root of your acne problem
Before commencing any treatment plan, it is essential to have a skin analysis to help assess the full extent of the problem. As well as highlighting any areas of active acne, this will also reveal any areas of scarring. Using your results my team can then recommend suitable treatments, supplements and skincare to minimise acne flare-ups.
Top treatment for extracting impurities: HydraFacial® Extract
A great starting point is to clear out your pores and revitalise your skin to create the foundation for a glowing complexion. The HydraFacial® Extract treatment achieves this by using a combination of salicylic and glycolic acid, with vortex extraction, to remove blackheads, dirt, excess sebum and impurities to reduce enlarged pores. An antioxidant serum is then applied to calm your skin and the Dermalux®'s special blue light therapy is used to destroy the bacteria that cause spots, prevent breakouts and balance sebum production to improve skin clarity.
Top treatment for tackling acne scarring: Microneedling
Microneedling is highly effective at minimising the appearance of acne scarring, resulting from previous breakouts, by targeting scar tissue and stimulating collagen to create a smoother skin texture. However, it is important to note that it is not a treatment suitable for those with active acne.
It works by using ultra-fine, sterile needles to create micro channels into your skin. These micro channels stimulate your skin's natural healing response to renew your skin cells. As your skin repairs, it creates new collagen and elastin to form healthier skin layers that tighten your skin and give you a fresher, more even complexion. The treatment can be combined with RF and PRP to enhance results.
Acne skincare
I have launched a brand new skincare range, specially formulated to tackle acne, which is available at the clinic. Here I explain some of the key ingredients and their benefits:
- DRVICTORIA™ REMOVE Oil Control Pads: Pads infused with a potent blend of deep cleansing, oil reducing and pore refining ingredients, which are designed to help prevent breakouts and create a smoother and clearer, shine-free complexion:
- Salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores to combat excess oil and prevent breakouts at the source.
- Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells refining your skin’s texture and minimising the appearance of pores.
- Phytic acid helps to neutralise free radicals while supporting your skin health.
- Mandelic acid further aids in reducing inflammation and redness, promoting a calmer complexion.
- Witch hazel tightens your pores and helps keep excess oil at bay without over-drying the skin.
- DRVICTORIA™ CONTROL Oil Control Serum: This potent serum combines a formulation of the key ingredients in the control pads with a new hero ingredient.
- Myristoyl hexapeptide-23 is a breakthrough peptide that reduces inflammation and redness, while stimulating collagen production to heal and repair damaged skin. It is also a broad spectrum antimicrobial which is highly effective in reducing P.acnes bacteria a common trigger for acne flare-ups.
- DRVICTORIA™ ZAP Blemish Control Pen: Simple to use spot applicator, to put in your handbag, with the above formulations so you can zap a spot on the go.
Feedback from my team
As with all treatments and skincare - we test them before making them available at the clinic. So, here arre a few statement from the team on the new products...
“The Oil Control Pads are really good. They’re so easy to use and you can actually feel them getting to work and removing excess oil”, said Rachael.
“I use the Oil Control Pads before applying make-up as they’re really good for helping with oily skin and preventing my make-up from sliding off!”, said Mhairi.
“The ZAP Blemish Control Pen is so convenient. If you’re out and about or at work, you can just apply it whenever you need it”, said Hannah.
How to get the most out of these products
To maximise results, there are three things I would recommend:
- Using the correct skincare is essential. Be patient, be consistent and you will see results. You need to use a skin regime for at least 3 months for the active ingredients to have an effect on your skin.
- Support your skincare regime with professional skin treatments which elevate and accelerate your results.
- Support skincare and treatments with a healthy and nutritious diet. If your lifestyle is hectic and you struggle to plan healthy meals then consider a top grade supplement such as Skin Accumax™.
Top supplements: Skin Accumax™
Skin Accumax™, available at the clinic, is a supplement that contains DIM, a highly active plant compound sourced from broccoli which is shown to reduce breakouts. Just one dose of Skin Accumax™ is equivalent to 10 florets of broccoli! It also contains vitamins A, C and E and just one capsule per day can make a noticeable difference to your complexion.
Start your journey to smooth and clear skin today
If you would like a personalised treatment plan to control your acne, book a skin analysis with my team to start a conversation. If you are going through the menopause and experiencing hormonal acne then book a BHRT consultation with myself.
Dr Victoria
Author's experience
Dr Victoria has over 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics and over 7 years in menopause services. She was one of the first practitioners in Scotland to introduce microneedling to treat skin conditions and acne scarring.
Resource links:
- Harvard Health: Acne: What you need to know, Campos, 2021
- British Journal of General Practice: GPs’ perspectives on acne management in primary care: a qualitative interview study, Platt, Muller, Sufraz, Little and Santer, 2021
- National Library of Medicine: Acne: more than skin deep, Ayer Burrows, 2006
