Acne Treatment

Acne Treatment

While acne and blemish-prone skin is usually associated with adolescence, many people continue to suffer from excess oil and imperfections well into adulthood. At our award-winning skin clinics, located in Dublin, Mullingar and Athlone, we are confident that we have the perfect combination of proven cosmeceutical products, acne treatments and homecare skin regimes to help get your acne under control.

Obagi Blue Radiance
Image Beta Peel
Image Perfection Lift Peel
The Perfect Peel
TCA Peel
ICON IPL Laser

The Laser and Skin Clinic’s experienced team of nurses and aesthetic therapists have been successfully treating acne and acne scarring for the past 17 years, helping to boost the confidence of hundreds of clients. We understand it can be daunting for clients to find the best acne treatment, especially with the volume of information available online. Buying the correct products to treat acne can be equally as confusing. Fortunately, with our many years of experience treating acne, we can give you the correct advice. Our skin specialists will recommend starting your journey to clear skin with the right cosmeceutical skincare that you can use at home, in between treatments and after the course of your acne treatments to keep acne breakouts under control.

Over the counter cosmetics commonly do not contain the correct percentages of key ingredients needed to control acne. Cosmeceutical products, however, can penetrate deeper into the skin and contain higher percentages of proven acne-fighting ingredients. We stock a wide range of exclusive cosmeceutical skincare ranges from Obagi, ZO Skin Health, to Skin Ceuticals and Agera. After 2-3 weeks of using your recommended acne skincare products, you can commence treatments specifically designed to target and treat acne.

We recommend a course of Salicylic Skin Peels or Chemical Peels as an effective acne treatment. The treatment will depend on the extent of your acne and will be discussed in full once your skin has been assessed at your initial consultation. The Laser and Skin Clinics are experienced in treating all acne-related skin conditions from congestion to mild, moderate and severe acne with several clinically proven acne treatments to consider. At our skin clinics in Dublin, Mullingar and Athlone, we can provide you with the best combination of acne treatments and cosmeceutical products to actively manage acne.

Available Treatments for Acne

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredients

  • Salicylic Acid: used to unclog pores, resolve and prevent lesions and to correct any abnormal shedding of your skin cells.
  • Topical Antimicrobials – help disinfect the skin including Benzoyl Peroxide – used to clear away oils and dead cells from the skin.
  • Topical Retinoids – derived from Vitamin A and is used to unclog pores preventing whiteheads and blackheads from developing.

Acne Product Ranges Products containing exfoliating ingredients known as alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA’s) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) i.e. Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid help prevent blackheads and spots. At The Laser and Skin Clinic we combine all of the ingredients above from different cosmeceutical ranges to treat acne, depending on each individual skin type. Therefore, a consultation is necessary to determine an acne treatment program for you. See Acne Products at our online skin shop.

No. The majority of our product ranges are to exclusive medical led skin clinics. We only use cosmeceuticals that are proven to penetrate further than the epidermis, to deliver key ingredients and treat active acne. See Acne Products at our online skin shop.

  • Avoid mineral oil, which is found in many cleansers and moisturisers.
  • Avoid oil based makeup, makeup containing artificial colour, all powders and makeup containing talc.
  • Avoid fake tan. Most fake tans contain artificial colour (as a guide colour) and contribute to blackheads and blocked pores, so it’s imperative not to use a fake tan on the face that has a guide colour.
  • Lanolin is another common ingredient in cosmetics that clog the skin and should be avoided.

Your skin releases sebum (oil) daily and the pores can get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. For this reason, it is essential to remove excess oil and skin cells with a cleanser containing active ingredients to avoid congestion and infection.

Use foundation, bronzers and blushers that contain Iron Oxide as a natural colorant. Mineral makeup contains Iron Oxide natural colorant which is very pure and won’t clog pores. We have stocked gloMinerals makeup for the past 14 years as it provides fantastic coverage yet it doesn’t block your pores.

At The Laser and Skin Clinic we recommend Skin Peels as a proven, save and effective treatment for acne. Most clients require an average of 4-6 Skin Peels at 2-4 week intervals for optimum results. To assist and prolong the results of your acne treatments homecare products are also necessary. This will be discussed in full at your skin consultation. See Acne Treatments for more information.

When AHA and BHA products are being used, they draw out impurities in the skin, resulting in possible breakouts, but this is a good sign of the skin clearing itself out. These spots would emerge from the skin at a later stage anyway.

Using homecare products to treat acne combined with having a course of acne treatments such as Skin Peels can speed up and provide superior results. Depending on the severity of your acne we can discuss the best acne treatment plan for you at your consultation.

Those with oily skin can sometimes use products to help dry up excess oil, resulting in dehydrated areas of the skin. Some topical antibiotics can also be very drying. It is very important for those with naturally oily skin not to use products for dry skin when some dry flaky patches appear; this is a common mistake that is made.

Millions of skin cells die off every minute in our skin. These dead skin cells should ideally fall off the skin allowing new cells to replace the old, however in oily and acne prone skin types these dead cells don’t shed, instead they accumulate on the top of the skin as well as deep within the pores, and in turn the build up of skin cells traps the natural oil secretions of the skin (sebum), trapping the oil deep in the pore causing a blocked pore/blackhead.

Many people feel that sunlight improves their acne and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer, pigmentation and early ageing of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended treatment for acne, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne.

Yes. When we’re stressed there is an increase in adrenaline in our system, testosterone levels rise in the presence of adrenaline, and testosterone increases oil production making oily skins oilier.

Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring. See Acne Scar Reduction treatments for more information.

Often referred to as ‘bacne’, how to get rid of back acne is the same as treating acne on any other area of the body. Depending on the severity of acne a course of Skin Peels or Chemical Peels and homecare acne products may be recommended for best results.

Acne is caused by clogged pores or follicles that contain a hair and sebaceous (oil) gland. It can show up anywhere on the body but it is usually found on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. Follicles become clogged by dead skin cells and oil (called sebum) made in the pore. Humans have hundreds of hair follicles, or pores, on the surface of our skin through which hair grows. Deep inside each follicle is a hair shaft attached to small glands called sebaceous glands. These glands make an oily substance called sebum to moisten our hair and skin. Sometimes when too much sebum is made, it can mix with dead skin cells (that we are constantly shedding) to create a sticky plug. Trapped bacteria grow very fast in these plugged follicles that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Eventually the plugged follicle can burst releasing oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria onto the skin surrounding other follicles.

No matter how old you are, acne can appear when oil glands in your skin secrete too much sebum. When your pores become clogged with excessive amounts of sebum and skin cells, it fosters the growth of the infection-causing bacterium P. acnes. Pimples, nodules, and cysts form as your immune system attacks the infection. Triggers of adult acne can include:

  • Hormones: Fluctuations in female hormones associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause often cause breakouts.
  • Medications: Although combination birth-control pills can help control acne — and are often prescribed for that purpose — progesterone-only pills can make acne worse.
  • Genetics: Research shows that 50 percent of adults with acne have at least one first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) who is affected by acne.
  • Skin Products: Products that contain oil and larger molecules can contribute to congestion in the skin. Always use non-comedogenic, oil free products.

Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne which includes several types of pimples. These acne lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Mild to moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots:

  • Blackheads are similar to whiteheads, but the pore is not completely blocked. The trapped debris reacts with oxygen in the air and turns dark, hence, the name ‘blackhead’
  • Whiteheads occur when the pore gets completely blocked with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, or bacteria. It makes a small white spot on the surface of the skin.
  • Papules are red, inflamed bumps with no head. Since there is no head, do not try to squeeze this type of acne. Squeezing will not help it heal and can lead to scarring.
  • Pustules are also red and inflamed, but they have a yellow or white center. This is the most common type of acne. While you can squeeze this type, it is not recommended because doing so can spread bacteria and cause more pustules.
  • Severe acne vulgaris is characterised by nodules and cysts. Cysts and nodules occur when clogged up pores break under the skin causing bigger and often very painful bumps. If left untreated, these cysts can cause scarring.
  • Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin’s surface. An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled

If you have cystic acne on your face, neck or body it would be advisable to visit your GP for advice on antibiotics and possible referral to a dermatologist. Early treatment can avoid deep scarring.

Acne Treatment Video

Before and After

Before and After

BeforeAfter

The Laser and Skin Clinic IconThe Laser and Skin Clinic

7 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2

4.8 350 reviews

  • Avatar Clare Gorman ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin since completing a course of skin peels before lockdown, I have been using my products religiously and have just re-ordered! I am just so happy with how my skin is looking and feeling I will … More never go back to mainstream skincare. Thanks Laser and Skin Clinic!!
  • Avatar Karen Brady ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    Have been attending the Laser and Skin clinic for over 2 years. The nurses are always so friendly and knowledgeable, make you feel in safe hands. Even over lockdown my skin is improving, I use the recommended products daily and am seeing … More a huge difference. Can’t wait to get back into the clinic for my next skin peel!
  • Avatar Bronwynpugh Pugh ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    Started a course of laser hair removal last year and I’m delighted with the results so far. Have hardly shaved at all during lockdown 🙌🏻 The staff are always so lovely and full of advice. Can’t wait to get back and finish my course when … More they’re open. Would highly recommend

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*Results and benefits can vary and are different for each individual. Therefore The Laser and Skin Clinic cannot guarantee specific results.