Skin Concerns
Acne
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition where there is inflammation around sebaceous glands. There are many types. Acne affects males and females of all races and ethnicities. It is prevalent in adolescents and young adults, with 85% of 16 to 18 year-olds affected. However, it often affects us in adulthood.
There are many potential causes including genetics and hormones. The approach to this medical condition depends on identifiable causes and severity.
It is important to diagnose severe acne early and seek the relevant medical therapies early to reduce long -term scarring.
Where should I start?
A careful consultation including an Observ 520x skin scan with one of our team will help guide you on your first steps to improving your skin concern.
Skincare Options:
Home skincare is always most important and will be key to improving your skin, as long as your products suit your skin and its current condition.
It’s easy to fall for marketing, bold social media claims & ‘magic’ cures, we’ve all been there. Refocusing your time, commitment and budget to what will most likely work over time is a good place to start.
The Fitzgerald Private Clinic team is here to guide you through the process, often changing only one or two products initially, and gradually advancing your routine as long as your skin is responding well.
Skincare routines don’t need to take hours, we find the simplest, easiest to follow regimes with the correct choice of results-driven products work best.
Our Obagi Clenziderm and Environ ranges with or without prescription tretinoin may help in mild/moderate acne.
Barrier repair with a gentle cleanser, simple moisturiser & sunscreen (ideally mineral-based) may be required initially so the skin tolerates the active prescription skincare better.
Supplements:
We don’t believe in spending money on unnecessary oral supplements. Diet and healthy lifestyle will always be the most important approach for each of us. With recent research, however, we are learning more about the gut-skin and gut-brain health axis, as well as some supplements that may reduce inflammation within the body.
Consideration should be given to commencing good quality Omega3 & Probiotics eg Skin Clear Biome. Some find benefit from SkinAccumax.
In-Clinic Treatment Options:
These are not ‘one size fits all’ treatments so you can discuss your goals, downtime preferences and what will suit your skin best at your consultation. Options will extend over time too as your skin health improves.
The Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is a great option for acne as it contains a blend of concentrated salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid.
SkinPen or Morpheus8 may be of benefit later to assist with treatment of scarring.
Dermalux LED light therapy is definitely worth considering, either as a standalone treatment or an add-on to your peel, SkinPen or Morpheus8.
Injectable Options:
Injectable treatments are not for everyone, but it’s good to know what’s out there for potential future options.
Profhilo can help gently plump the skin.
Gentle subcision and dermal filler placement can be used in some situations.
Other Options & Advice:
If you are aware of all current treatment options available, either in our clinic or elsewhere, you can make the best-informed decisions about the pathway that best suits you. If we feel your particular concern may be better treated by other devices, medications, specialist opinions or surgical approaches we will be happy to let you know. We will always stand by our ethical medical aesthetic approach.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is the gold standard for the treatment of scarring or cystic acne.
Total resurfacing laser (C02 or erbium) can help with the treatment of deeper scars after acne settles.