Active Acne Treatment

Over-the-counter products act mostly on surface congestion and mild inflammation. They cannot reach the hormonal drivers, the deeper inflammation or the oil gland activity behind persistent acne. Prescription treatment and device-based options work at those levels, and a physician can combine them in a way that a shelf of individual products cannot.

The consultation itself is complimentary. When you reserve the appointment a booking fee is taken, which holds that specific time with the physician and reduces last-minute no-shows. Our team will confirm the details with you when your appointment is arranged.

An early flare is common when treatment starts increasing skin cell turnover, because congestion that was already forming beneath the surface is brought up sooner. It usually settles within the first few weeks. Tell us if it is severe rather than stopping — the strength or frequency can often be eased instead of abandoning the treatment.

It can change it considerably. Breakouts that flare in the week before your period, cluster along the jawline and lower face, or began in adulthood often have a hormonal component, and those respond better to treatments that address that pattern than to stronger topicals. We ask about your cycle, any related symptoms and your medical history for exactly this reason.

Not usually at the same intensity. Most acne plans have an active phase to gain control and a lighter maintenance phase to hold it. Acne is a relapsing condition, so stopping everything abruptly once skin is clear is the most common reason it returns. We plan the step-down as part of the treatment rather than leaving it to chance.

Often yes, but the choice of device and how it is used matters more. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of pigment change, so settings are more conservative, recent sun exposure and tanning are taken seriously, and in some cases a non-device approach is recommended instead. This is a reason for careful assessment rather than a reason to avoid treatment.

Diet is not the main driver of acne, and blaming it often delays effective treatment. Some people find certain foods appear to worsen their breakouts, and that is worth mentioning, but changing your diet is not a substitute for treating the oil, blockage and inflammation underneath. We would rather treat the acne and let you observe your own patterns alongside.

Flat red or brown marks are post-inflammatory pigmentation, not scars, and they fade over months — faster with daily sun protection and slower if you pick at lesions. Indented or raised scarring is different and does not fade on its own; it is usually treated separately, once your active acne is under control.

Yes. Acne on the back, chest and shoulders is common and often more stubborn, partly because the skin is thicker and partly because these areas are harder to treat consistently at home. Treatment approach can differ from the face, and the areas involved are assessed at your consultation so the plan covers all of them rather than just what shows.

Tell us, because it affects timing. Isotretinoin changes how skin heals and how it responds to devices and resurfacing, so some treatments are delayed until you have been off it for a period. It does not close the door on care — your physician will take your dose, how long you have been taking it and the treatment being considered into account and advise on when to proceed.