Achieving Clearer Skin: Comprehensive Acne Care.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition characterised by blemishes such as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. These can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Furthermore, acne can often lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, which can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being.

At SkinQure, Dr. Paul Charlson, a leading UK skin doctor, offers comprehensive diagnosis and management for acne, blemishes, and the resulting scarring. His evidence-based approach focuses on identifying the underlying factors contributing to your specific skin condition and developing a tailored treatment plan to achieve clearer skin and minimise long-term sequelae.

Understanding Acne, Blemishes & Scarring

The development of acne is often multifactorial, involving:

  • Increased Sebum Production:
    Excess oil production can clog hair follicles.

  • Abnormal Keratinisation:
    A buildup of dead skin cells can block pores.

  • C. Acnes Bacteria:
    The proliferation of these bacteria can trigger inflammation.

  • Inflammation:
    This is a key component of acne lesions and scarring.

  • Hormonal Influences:
    Hormones, particularly during adolescence and in females ages 20-40.

Blemishes represent the active lesions of acne, while scarring can occur as a result of the inflammatory process damaging the skin’s collagen structure. Different types of acne scars exist, including ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars.

Expert Dermatological Assessment and Management at SkinQure

At SkinQure, Dr. Charlson conducts thorough dermatological assessments to accurately diagnose the type and severity of your acne, blemishes, and any existing scarring. This detailed evaluation allows for the creation of a personalised management strategy that may include topical treatments, oral medications, and in-clinic procedures, depending on your individual needs.

His expertise encompasses a range of approaches aimed at:

  • ✓ Reducing inflammation and bacterial load.
  • ✓ Controlling sebum production.
  • ✓ Promoting skin cell turnover.
  • ✓ Minimising the formation of new blemishes.
  • ✓ Addressing existing acne scars.

Treatment

A multifaceted approach is often used to treat acne, blemishes, and scarring. Acute acne is represented by comedomes (whiteheads and blackheads), cysts and pustules resulting in ‘Post Inflammatory Erythema – PIE red marks’, ‘Post Inflammatory Pigmentation – PIH dark marks’ and ‘Depressed and Hyperthrophic Scars’.

Treatment for Acute Acne
  • Topical Treatments: Including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and topical antibiotics, which help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria on the skin’s surface.
  • Oral Medications: Depending on the severity, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies (for women), or isotretinoin may be prescribed to target systemic inflammation and sebum production.
  • Chemical Peels: Various types of chemical peels can help to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of mild scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Laser and Light Therapies: Specific laser and light-based treatments can target C. acnes bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Treatment of PIE, PIH & Scars
    • Microneedling / RF Microneedling / Tixel: This procedure can stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and appearance of acne scars.
    • IPL / Laser: Aimed at pigmentation.
    • Topical Agents: Aimed at pigmentation.
    • Collagen Stimulators: Effective in filling depressed acne scars.
    • Subcision: Using a cannula to break up tethered scars especially rolled scars.
    • Cross TCA: Strong acid used to induce the body to fill the scar.
    • Surgical Scar Revision: Surgical techniques such as subcision, punch excision and elevation.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are concerned about acne, blemishes, or the presence of acne scarring, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Charlson at SkinQure for expert dermatological evaluation and a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.