.png)
Skin Concerns -
Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can appear at any age. It develops when pores become blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria, which leads to breakouts, inflammation, and in some cases, long-term scarring. Beyond the physical symptoms, acne can have a significant impact on self-confidence and overall wellbeing.
​
​
Even once active acne has cleared, it can leave behind acne scarring, which affects both the texture and appearance of the skin. Scarring occurs when the skin’s healing process is disrupted after deep or inflamed breakouts, leaving behind indentations, raised areas, or uneven texture. Many clients also experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — red or brown marks that remain on the skin even after spots have healed. Treatments for acne scarring focus on resurfacing and repairing the skin, stimulating new collagen, and improving overall tone and texture.
What is Active Acne?
Active acne refers to acne that is currently inflamed and visible on the skin. This can range from mild congestion to more severe, painful breakouts, and if not managed properly, it can lead to long-term scarring. In other words, it is acne in its breakout stage, rather than the scars or pigmentation left behind once spots have healed.
​
There are several types of active acne:
-
Blackheads (open comedones): Small dark plugs that form when oil and dead skin block the pores and remain open on the surface.
-
Whiteheads (closed comedones): Small, firm white or flesh-coloured bumps that form when pores are blocked but remain closed.
-
Papules: Red, inflamed spots that may feel sore but do not contain pus.
-
Pustules: Inflamed spots filled with pus, often with a yellow or white centre.
-
Nodules: Large, painful lumps that form deep within the skin.
-
Cysts: Severe, pus-filled breakouts that are often very painful and most likely to cause scarring if untreated.
​
Treatments for active acne focus on calming inflammation, reducing bacteria, unblocking pores, and preventing new breakouts, while also supporting the skin’s natural healing process to minimise the risk of long-term damage.
​
Whilst diet and lifestyle often have the biggest impact on curing acne, we offer a range of evidence-based in-clinic treatments that can help support and speed up the process along the way.
Chemical Peels for Active Acne
Our Glo Skin Beauty chemical peels are professional-grade resurfacing treatments designed to support clearer, healthier skin by addressing the root causes of active acne. The controlled exfoliation removes the outer layer of dead skin cells and debris that can block pores, helping to reduce congestion and prevent new breakouts from forming.
For clients struggling with acne, these peels work to regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and minimise bacteria on the skin’s surface. Over a course of treatments, they also help fade post-inflammatory marks, refine skin texture, and soften the look of shallow acne scars.
Each peel is tailored to your skin type, sensitivity, and acne severity, ensuring a safe, effective approach that maximises results. While the focus is on breakout management, treatments can also improve related concerns such as enlarged pores and uneven tone, gradually restoring a smoother, clearer complexion.
​
Please note: All new clients must start with the Level 3 Flower Enzyme Peel, regardless of whether they have had chemical peels elsewhere. After this, you can progress to Levels 4, 5, and 6, with mandatory at-home skin preparation required before Levels 4–6.​
Recommended peels for acne prone skin - see 'Advanced Facials' page for full list of peels.​
​
Level 3 Entry Peel
Flower Enzyme - for all skin types, including sensitive.
Suitable for all skin types and concerns, this will be your starting point for your peel journey. Combining Hibiscus Flower Extract, Pumpkin, and Ficin to revitalise, stimulate, and tone the skin with no downtime.​​​
​
Level 4 Beta-Clarity AHA - for oily and combination skin types.
20% mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C to treat oily and combination skin with concerns such as uneven texture, acne, congestion, breakouts, and visible pores.​​​
​
Level 5 Peel
GlyPro AHA Resurfacing - for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types (excludes sensitive skin type).
30% glycolic acid with niacinamide and phytic acid. Suitable for all skin types except sensitive. This versatile, fast-acting acid repairs and regenerates skin while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
​​​
​
​​
​
Treatment Time:
Approximately 60 minutes
Downtime:
Level 3 – None.
Level 4 & 5 – Minimal; slight flaking or tightness may occur.
Level 6 – Moderate; visible peeling for several days
Skin-prep:
Mandatory for levels 4-6.
Recommended Frequency:
Every 2–4 weeks for Levels 3–5, every 6–8 weeks for Level 6
Pricing: From £65 – £95 depending on peel level
​
What is Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring refers to the marks and changes in skin texture left behind once active acne has healed. These scars form when deep or inflamed breakouts damage the skin and disrupt the healing process, leading to indentations, raised areas, or uneven pigmentation. Unlike active acne, scarring remains on the skin long after breakouts have cleared and often requires targeted treatments to improve.
​
There are several types of acne scarring:
-
Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis, giving the skin a pitted appearance.
-
Boxcar Scars: Broad depressions with defined edges, often seen on the cheeks and temples.
-
Rolling Scars: Wide, shallow indentations with soft edges that give the skin a wavy or uneven texture.
-
Hypertrophic/Keloid Scars: Raised, firm scars caused by excess collagen production during healing.
-
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Flat red, brown, or dark marks left after spots heal — not true scarring but often treated in the same way.
​
Treatments for acne scarring focus on resurfacing and repairing the skin, stimulating new collagen, and improving overall tone and texture to soften scars and restore smoother skin.
Whilst no single treatment can erase scarring completely, we offer a range of evidence-based in-clinic options that can significantly improve its appearance and support long-term skin health.
Medical Microneedling for Acne Scarring
Medical microneedling is an advanced skin regeneration treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production to repair and remodel damaged tissue.
​
For clients with acne scarring, microneedling helps to break down old scar tissue while encouraging the growth of healthier, smoother skin. Over a course of treatments, it can significantly soften indented scars, even out texture, and improve overall skin tone. In addition to scarring, microneedling can also reduce fine lines, minimise pores, and improve sun-damaged skin — making it a versatile treatment with results that continue to develop over several weeks.
Medical Microneedling Treatment - A highly effective skin resurfacing treatment
Treatment Time:
Approximately 45 minutes
Downtime:
Mild to moderate redness for up to 72 hours is common
Recommended Frequency:
Monthly recommended for optimal results
​
Pricing: £95
Optional Add-On: 30-minute LED Light Therapy – £25
​
​
Medical Microneedling Elite with BioPen - Includes Microneedling, EMS (Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation) and LED Light Therapy all-in-one treatment!
Treatment Time:
Approximately 45-60 minutes
Downtime:
Mild to moderate redness for up to 72 hours is common
Recommended Frequency:
Monthly recommended for optimal results
​
Pricing: £105
Optional Add-On: 30-minute LED Light Therapy – £25