What is acne?

Acne occurs when pores get clogged with dead skin cells and oil, known as sebum. The spots are either mild in appearance (known as non-inflammatory) or can look more severe (inflammatory). The main types are: 

  • Blackheads: open clogged pores 
  • Whiteheads: closed clogged pores 
  • Papules: sore red bumps
  • Pustules: sore bumps filled with pus
  • Nodules: clogged, swollen lumps deeper under the skin
  • Cysts: even deeper lumps than nodules that are pus-filled 

Blackheads and whiteheads both fall under the non-inflammatory category, while papules, pustules, nodules and cysts are classed as inflammatory acne lesions. It’s not uncommon to have more than one type of acne.

What causes acne?

There are lots of reasons why you may be suffering from acne. These include: 

  • Hormonal changes related to periods, pregnancy or polycystic ovaries
  • Diet – particularly if you consume a lot of sugary food and drink that has a high glycaemic index
  • Genetics 
  • Comedogenic cosmetic products 
  • Smoking
  • Certain medications – often those that are used to treat depression, bipolar and epilepsy 

How is acne treated at Nish Clinic?

Here at Nish Clinic, we offer a selection of acne treatments that can be tailored to your individual needs. These include: 

  • Skincare: we will recommend a tailored regime using clinically-proven medical-grade products to help reduce the appearance of acne 
  • Hydrafacial: this multi-step treatment uses unique hydra-dermabrasion technology to unclog pores, hydrate skin and reduce inflammation
  • Chemical peels: by applying active ingredients to the skin, we can effectively ‘peel’ the top layer to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath
  • IPL light therapy: we use Forever Clear BBL from Sciton which effectively clears breakouts and stubborn acne with blue light, before addressing post-acne redness with yellow light

To ensure you get the best results possible, a course of treatment is always recommended. We will also often recommend a combination approach with two or more of the treatments listed. 

Are there any side effects or complications associated with acne treatment?

The treatments we offer are proven to be safe and effective but, as with any procedure, you may experience some mild side effects that will depend on the treatment you undergo. Our team will explain everything you can expect, and any potential complications that may occur, during a detailed and personalised consultation. 

What results can you expect?

It will usually take at least three months to see noticeable results from your acne treatment. Unfortunately, a one-off treatment will not stop acne from returning as it caused by a multitude of changing factors that include your diet, lifestyle and hormones. That’s why we always recommend ongoing procedures to monitor and maintain results.