June is acne awareness month which, for those unfortunate sufferers, is an important campaign to educate about treatments and reduce the social stigma associated with the condition. For many sufferers out there, acne can have devastating physical and psychological effects.
In this month’s Blog, our Training and Development Manager, Erin, discusses some common protocols for treating acne and other inflammatory skin conditions….Read on to find our more…
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, which is characterised by comedones (bumps or blemishes on the skin usually containing a plug of sebum in blocked pores). In severe cases, the after-effects of active acne can leave behind scar tissue. Both the acne itself and the subsequent acne scarring are conditions that can have a long-lasting impact on the sufferer’s self-esteem and confidence.
Sadly, acne is a lot more common than most people think…
So, if you are suffering with acne, you are most definitely not alone! In the UK, approximately 95% of people aged 11-30 have been affected by acne to some extent. About 3.5 million consultations are carried out by GP’s annually for acne.
Acne usually develops on the face, back or chest:
- Face – this is the most commonly affected area. Almost every acne sufferer presents with acne on the face
- Back – around 50% of people with acne present with acne on their back
- Chest – this affects an estimated 15% of acne sufferers
Many people can suffer for years, on and off, with recurrent symptoms, which can have damaging consequences for their self-esteem. Acne usually starts to disappear when a person reaches their mid-20’s but, in more severe cases, acne can continue into adulthood. This affects around 3% of people who still suffer with acne over the age of 35.
Thankfully, nowadays, there are lots of treatments available to help. However, that can also cause its own issues in that some people will try out anything and everything in the hope of alleviating their symptoms. It’s important not to overdo things or do anything that could make your acne or inflammation worse. Whilst we understand how frustrating it can be, there are no instant cures – be patient and try one thing at a time. Treatments may take a few months before you start to see results but, once they start to work, dramatic, skin health transformations are achievable. If you or someone you know is suffering with physical or psychological effects of acne, then the most important advice is to seek professional advice sooner rather than later. If you leave it until the acne is severe, you are more likely to have longer-term issues with acne scarring and/or hyperpigmentation. So, it is really important to have a medical consultation, in the first instance, to seek help for your specific skincare needs.
Treating Acne with ZO® Skin Health
In this short video, Erin takes a closer look at some of the products that she regularly recommends from the ZO® Skin Health range for the treatment of acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Watch Erin’s video to find out more.
Active Ingredients – Prevent + Correct – Benzoyl Peroxide
Products containing Benzoyl Peroxide, like ZO® Skin Health’s Acne Control will help dry out breakouts rapidly and is a lifeline for those suffering with active acne.
ACNE CONTROL
Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and botanical blends, Acne Control addresses sebum-induced inflammation by minimising excess surface oil and clearing clogged pores.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Prevents and treats acne lesions
- Normalises surface oil
- Neutralises bacteria
- Replenishes hydration
- Prevents inflamed, irritated skin
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for moderate to severe acne prone skin
Active Ingredients – Prevent + Correct – Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid targets a host of skincare concerns including dull, acne prone and inflamed skin.
An over-production of oil and inadequate shedding of dead skin cells allows a thriving environment for bacteria. This causes oily skin to become congested and inflamed, leading to breakouts. Salicylic acid is the key ingredient in this Getting Skin Ready® protocol to gently exfoliate and help remove the build-up of dead skin cells.
These products are formulated containing Salicylic acid to help remove pore clogging dead skin cells and keep blemish-prone skin clear:
COMPLEXION RENEWAL PADS
Minimise surface oil and exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin cells, dirt and other debris for a clearer complexion.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Reduces surface oil
- Exfoliates pore-clogging dead skin cells
- Prevents breakouts
- Replenishes hydration
- Provides antioxidant and anti-irritant benefits
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for normal to oily skin.
OIL CONTROL PADS
Provides maximum strength acne prevention treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Prevents acne and breakouts
- Exfoliates pore-clogging dead skin cells
- Minimises excess oil
- Tightens pores
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for oily to acne prone skin
EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
Targets surface oil, leaving the skin feeling clean but not stripped and dry.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Cleans away debris, oil and makeup
- Helps remove skin-clogging cells
- Exfoliates and decongests skin
- Helps reduce inflammation
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for normal to oily skin.
DUAL ACTION SCRUB
Acne treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid. Dual action exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and excess surface oils.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Exfoliates pore-clogging dead skin cells
- Dissolves and removes excess oils
- Destroys acne-causing bacteria
- Replenishes hydration
- Reduces inflammation
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for oily or combination skin.
CORRECT + CONCEAL
Antibacterial treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid. that dissolves and absorbs oil that can lead to acne.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Provides rapid relief of discomfort associated with acne pimples
- Conceals acne lesions
- Helps prevent post-acne marks
SKIN TYPES
Targeted treatment that conceals and inhibits acne.
Complexion Clearing Products
Natural clay-based formula which contains active ingredients like Sulphur and Kaolin and has anti-microbial properties to reduce the build-up of oil and inflammation.
COMPLEXION CLEARING MASQUE
Use as an all-over face mask 2-3 times per week for moderate to severe acne. Absorbs surface oils and removes debris to help keep pores clear.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Can be used as a spot treatment on blemished areas
- Reduces sebum and appearance of shiny skin
- Calms irritation
- Replenishes hydration
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for oily congested skin
COMPLEXION CLEARING PROGRAM
A complete program formulated to treat clogged pores, blackheads (comedones), papules and pustules (pimples) and cysts. Can also be prescribed as a preventative treatment for acne and breakouts.
- KEY BENEFITS
- Controls excess oil production
- Removes pore-clogging dead skin cells
- Stimulates healthy cell renewal
- Calms and soothes inflamed and irritated skin
SKIN TYPES
Suitable for oily congested skin
ZO® Skin Health Programme
ZO® Skin Health is a world-leader in skin care, renowned for using the best active ingredients and superior skin health science to bring optimum results. As the ZO® Skin Health range comprises of medical grade products, you firstly need to have a Skin Health Consultation to make sure that you are prescribed the correct protocol for you, whether you want to restore or maintain your skin health.
Acne Treatments at Clinetix
Clinetix can offer a wide range of treatments which are backed by clinical results. Medical grade skincare is often used in combination with other therapies for the treatment of acne or acne scarring. The correct treatment protocol for each individual will vary depending on the severity of the skin condition – whether light, moderate or severe and will often involve a combination approach. For instance, where medical grade topical skincare is used alongside other in-clinic treatments such as IPL, LED Phototherapy, chemical peels or facials, specifically targeted for acne.
How do I go about getting treatment for my acne?
If you are suffering with moderate to severe acne, we would initially recommend that you make an appointment with your GP who would be able to provide a diagnosis and/or possibly refer you to a Dermatologist. Once your GP and/or Dermatologist has provided a diagnosis, Clinetix would be happy to help if topical prescription products or in-clinic therapies are advised.
Clinetix is a medical practice, regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. As such, we are unable to provide consultations or treatments to patients who are under 16 years old. We can provide Skin Health Consultations if you are over 18. If you are aged between 16 and 18 and have a medically diagnosed condition, you would be able to book in for a Medical Consultation with our Clinical Director, Dr Simon Ravichandran MBChB MRCS.
If you would like to arrange a one-to-one, no obligation, consultation with one of our experts, simply click the Book a Consultation link below to book a convenient appointment.
Book a Consultation
Centre of Excellence in Aesthetic Medicine
Clinetix is a Centre of Excellence in Aesthetic Medicine. To find out more about Clinetix, our ethos and our practitioners, please visit:
About Erin Anderson
Erin Anderson is our dedicated Training & Development Manager. Erin originally gained her HND certificate in Aesthetics with Distinction in Scotland before moving to London for further education and training. Before joining the team at Clinetix in 2015, Erin initially trained at London’s famous Harley Street. Erin has a deep passion for education and works closely with the Clinetix Clinical Directors to ensure the team’s knowledge and skills remain at the forefront of the aesthetic industry. Erin combines her continuous professional development role with still being ‘hands on’ as an expert skin therapist. Erin’s expertise and role help ensure that Clinetix continues to offer the best, most cutting-edge treatments and protocols in the industry.