Comprehensive Care for Clear, Healthy Skin
Acne
What causes acne?
Acne spots and cysts area caused by blocked hair follicles in skin on the face or body. Hair follicles contain oil secreting glands which can be blocked by excessive oil and dead skin cells. Some pores become infected by normal bacteria living on the skin creating inflammation, acne cysts and pustules.
Skin changes through our lives. Acne is often associated with periods of change in our hormones like puberty, pregnancy, menopause and associated with certain medication and lifestyle habits. Sometimes the cause is unknown and it can also be genetic.
How can you get rid of acne?
We understand acne and spots are frustrating and often embarrassing problem, which is why specialise in acne treatment.
Our specialist doctors use a number of different acne treatments and skincare products. These help patients with acne and unwanted spots achieve exceptional results.
Thames Skin Clinic personal acne treatment programs are created for each of our patients. We create a truly personal plan to treat your acne. Your programme may include
What is new in the treatment for acne?
The new gold standard laser treatment for acne is 1726nm laser treatment using Cutera’s AviClear. AviClear is a ground breaking non prescription laser treatment reducing oil gland activity as well as reducing the sebaceous gland secretions. Clearing acne prone skin, delivering oral medical results without systemic oral treatment and their associated side effects.
We are proud to have been chosen to launch AviClear outside the USA.
What are the different types of acne and how can I tell which I have?
There are various forms of acne, with acne vulgaris being one of the most common. This type includes blackheads, whiteheads and comedones, which create a rough texture and bumps and are considered non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne includes papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. This type of acne appears as red, swollen and sometimes painful blemishes, with cystic acne being one of the more severe types. To tell which type you have, observe your acne’s appearance and how it feels; if it’s red and painful, it’s likely inflammatory.
Is adult acne different from teenage acne?
While teenage and adult acne may appear similar, the underlying causes differ. Teen acne is mainly driven by puberty and hormonal changes that increase oil production and block pores. Adult acne, however, can be influenced by many factors, such as stress, lifestyle, skincare habits, and hormonal shifts. Additionally, as skin ages, it becomes thinner and may have more sun damage or product build up, all of which can affect adult acne.
How long does it take to see results from acne treatments?
Results from acne treatments vary depending on the individual and treatment type. Prescription acne medications typically require consistent use for six to eight weeks before improvements are seen, with full clearing possibly taking months to a year, depending on severity. Laser treatments such as AviClear show improvements for 12 months after treatment, with results maintaining their effect over 2 years and longer.
Patients love our acne treatments because they work.
