Acne Treatment in Maidenhead
Personalised, doctor-led acne treatment plans combining advanced clinical technologies with medical-grade skincare to achieve clearer, healthier skin. Every protocol is developed and supervised by our medical team following a thorough face-to-face assessment.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions we treat at Berkshire Aesthetics. Whether you are dealing with persistent breakouts, hormonal flare-ups or congested skin that has not responded to over-the-counter products, our clinic offers a structured, evidence-based approach to bring your acne under control. See our Acne & Scarring overview for a full guide to our acne and scarring services.
Last updated:
Who is acne treatment for?
Acne does not discriminate by age. While it is most commonly associated with adolescence, a significant proportion of patients we see are adults in their twenties, thirties and beyond. Hormonal acne is particularly prevalent in women, often presenting along the jawline and chin, and can be triggered or worsened by menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy or perimenopause.
We also treat patients who have tried multiple pharmacy-grade products without success, those with persistent comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads that never fully clear), individuals experiencing stress-related breakouts and patients whose acne is leaving behind post-inflammatory marks or early scarring. If you have been referred by a dermatologist or GP, or if you are looking for a more targeted clinical approach than high-street skincare can offer, our service is designed for you.
For a broader clinical summary of acne as a condition, including signs and contributing factors, see our acne condition overview.
Understanding acne: causes and diagnosis
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit — the hair follicle and its associated sebaceous (oil) gland. Four key pathological processes drive acne formation: excess sebum production, abnormal follicular keratinisation (where dead skin cells block the pore), colonisation by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and the resulting inflammatory response.
Clinically, acne is classified by lesion type and severity. Comedonal acne presents as open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) without significant inflammation. Inflammatory acne involves red papules and pustules that may be tender to touch. Nodulocystic acne is the most severe form, featuring deep, painful nodules and cysts that carry a higher risk of permanent scarring.
Contributing factors include androgenic hormones (which increase sebum output), genetic predisposition, dietary influences, stress, certain medications (such as lithium or corticosteroids) and occlusive skincare or cosmetic products. In women, fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can trigger cyclical flare-ups that differ from the widespread acne typically seen in younger patients.
At your consultation, our doctor will assess your skin under clinical lighting, identify the predominant acne type, grade its severity using established classification systems and review any relevant medical history. This structured assessment ensures that your treatment plan targets the correct mechanisms and avoids interventions that could worsen your condition.
Treatment options for active acne
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following modalities, selected and combined based on your specific acne type, severity, skin sensitivity and lifestyle. All treatments are performed or supervised by our clinical team led by Dr Selena Langdon.
HydraFacial for congestion and pore clearance
The HydraFacial is a multi-step treatment that combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, painless vortex extraction and targeted serum infusion. For acne-prone skin, it effectively removes pore-clogging debris, excess oil and surface impurities without the irritation of manual extraction. We select acne-specific serums containing salicylic acid and antioxidants to reduce bacterial load and calm inflammation. HydraFacial is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and requires no downtime.
Chemical peels for exfoliation and bacterial reduction
Medical-grade chemical peels are one of the most effective treatments for active acne. Salicylic acid (BHA) peels are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate into congested pores to dissolve sebum plugs and reduce bacterial colonisation. Glycolic acid (AHA) peels accelerate cell turnover, helping to clear surface congestion and improve post-acne discolouration. We also use mandelic acid peels for patients with darker skin tones or heightened sensitivity, as mandelic acid has a larger molecular size that reduces the risk of irritation. Peel type, concentration and contact time are tailored to your skin at each session.
LED therapy for bacterial control and inflammation
Dermalux LED therapy uses clinically proven wavelengths of light to target two key acne mechanisms. Blue light (415nm) has a bactericidal effect on C. acnes, the bacterium responsible for inflammatory acne lesions. Red light (633nm) penetrates deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation, promote healing and support tissue repair. Near-infrared light (830nm) can be added to further accelerate cellular recovery. LED therapy is painless, requires no downtime and is safe for all skin types, making it an excellent adjunctive treatment alongside peels or HydraFacial.
Medical skincare: retinoids, BHA and niacinamide
In-clinic treatments are most effective when supported by a targeted home skincare regimen. We prescribe medical-grade products containing retinoids (which regulate cell turnover and prevent pore blockage), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA/salicylic acid, which keeps pores clear between treatments) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which regulates sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier). Your skincare prescription is adjusted as your skin responds to treatment, ensuring continued progress without over-irritation. We stock iS Clinical and other evidence-based ranges in our clinic shop.
Addressing post-acne scarring
Once active acne is controlled, residual scarring can be treated with collagen-remodelling technologies such as Morpheus8 RF microneedling or Alma Hybrid CO2 laser resurfacing. These are separate treatment stages — we always prioritise clearing active breakouts before addressing scarring to avoid worsening inflammation or creating new scars.
Treatment pathways
Based on your clinical assessment, your doctor will recommend a pathway tailored to your acne type and severity. Below are the core treatment modalities we use, each linking to further detail about the procedure, expected outcomes and suitability.
Expected results and timeline
Acne treatment is not an overnight fix. Realistic expectations are an important part of any successful treatment plan, and we discuss timelines thoroughly during your consultation.
Most patients notice a reduction in active breakouts, improved skin clarity and decreased oiliness within the first month or two of treatment. Some patients experience a temporary “purging” phase during the first two weeks, particularly when starting retinoids or chemical peels, as congestion is brought to the surface.
Significant and sustained improvement is typically achieved over three to six months of consistent treatment and skincare compliance. By this stage, inflammatory lesions should be substantially reduced, post-acne marks begin to fade and overall skin texture improves. More severe or hormonal acne may require the full six months or longer.
Acne is a chronic condition, and long-term management is often necessary to maintain results. This may include periodic HydraFacial sessions, maintenance chemical peels, continued medical skincare and lifestyle adjustments. Your doctor will design a maintenance protocol tailored to your skin's ongoing needs.
Risks and safety
All aesthetic treatments carry some degree of risk, and we are transparent about this. The treatments we use for acne are well-established with strong safety profiles when performed by trained practitioners, but potential side effects include:
- Temporary redness, mild swelling or skin sensitivity following chemical peels or LED therapy
- Short-term dryness or flaking as the skin adjusts to retinoid-based skincare
- Initial purging (temporary worsening of breakouts) during the first 1–2 weeks of certain treatments
- Rare risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones if aftercare is not followed
- Mild tingling or warmth during LED sessions, which resolves immediately
Contraindications are assessed at your consultation. Certain treatments may not be suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, active oral isotretinoin use or for patients with specific medical conditions. Your doctor will discuss all risks and alternatives before any treatment proceeds.
Aftercare and maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential for maximising treatment results and protecting your skin during recovery. Our clinical team provides detailed, written aftercare instructions specific to your treatment, but key principles include:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even on overcast days, to protect treated skin from UV-induced pigmentation and damage
- Follow your prescribed skincare regimen consistently — skipping active ingredients or substituting products can slow progress
- Avoid picking, squeezing or manually extracting spots, as this increases the risk of scarring and infection
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can assess progress and adjust your plan as needed
- Report any unusual reactions, prolonged redness or unexpected skin changes to the clinic promptly
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at 4–6 week intervals during active treatment. Once your acne is controlled, we transition to a maintenance schedule that may include quarterly reviews and periodic in-clinic treatments to sustain results.
Pricing guidance
Treatment costs depend on the modalities recommended for your individual plan. We provide transparent, itemised pricing during your consultation so you can make an informed decision before any treatment begins.
A consultation fee applies and is credited toward treatment if you proceed within 28 days. Full pricing information for individual treatments is available on our prices page. Please also review our booking conditions for details on cancellation policies and payment terms.
If you have any questions about costs or would like to discuss your options before booking, please contact us.
Related Acne & Scarring Topics
Explore other topics within our acne and scarring service to find the information most relevant to your concerns.
Why we start with a consultation
Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.
During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.
All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Acne Treatment
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- CQC registered clinic — regulated and inspected
- Doctor-led clinical oversight by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Page last reviewed: February 2026
Book Your Acne Treatment Consultation
Request a doctor-led assessment to discuss your acne concerns and explore personalised treatment options.