Young woman examining acne breakouts in the mirror

Acne Treatments

Clinical management of acne vulgaris and associated sequelae

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit, presenting across all age groups with significant psychosocial impact. At Berkshire Aesthetics, our doctor-led approach combines thorough clinical assessment with individualised treatment protocols addressing active disease, prevention of recurrence and restoration of skin integrity.

Doctor-Led
CQC Registered
Award-Recognised
Est. 2016

Aetiology & Contributing Factors

  • Excess sebum (oil) production
  • Blocked hair follicles from dead skin cells and oil
  • Bacterial proliferation within blocked pores
  • Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menstrual cycle, stress, polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Certain medications or skincare products
  • Diet and lifestyle factors (individual variation)

Clinical Presentation

  • Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones)
  • Red, inflamed papules and pustules
  • Deeper, painful nodules or cysts
  • Oily or congested skin, particularly on the face, chest and back
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring from previous breakouts

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Treatment selection is individualised following clinical assessment, taking into account disease severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history and patient goals.

In-Depth Guides

Explore our detailed guides for more information on specific concerns related to acne.

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.

Clinical FAQs: Acne

Adult acne is often driven by hormonal fluctuations, stress, lifestyle factors or underlying conditions. A clinical assessment helps identify contributing causes so treatment can be targeted effectively.
Improvement timelines vary depending on acne severity and the treatments used. Some patients see changes within weeks; more complex cases may require several months of consistent treatment.
Yes. Once active acne is controlled, treatments such as Morpheus8 RF microneedling and Alma Hybrid CO2 laser can help improve the appearance of acne scarring over a course of sessions.
Most acne plans involve a course of treatments rather than a single session. Your doctor will recommend a plan based on your acne type and severity, with progress reviewed at follow-up appointments.
Yes. We tailor treatment type and intensity to your skin type and sensitivity. Options such as Dermalux LED therapy are particularly gentle and well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Yes. All acne treatment plans begin with a doctor-led consultation to assess your skin, identify the type and severity of acne, review your medical history and agree a safe, effective plan.
We will review your current skincare as part of the consultation. Some products may need to be adjusted to complement your treatment plan and avoid irritation.
Costs depend on the treatments recommended for your plan. We provide transparent pricing at consultation so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.
Clinically reviewed by

Dr Selena LangdonMedical Director, MBBS

GMC 6159259

Last reviewed:

Clinical Summary

Expected Recovery PeriodMinimal to moderate depending on treatment — LED and HydraFacial have little to no downtime, while peels and laser may require several days of recovery
Therapeutic ResponseInitial improvements may be seen within 2–4 weeks; optimal results typically develop over 2–3 months with a consistent treatment plan

Clinical Governance

  • All acne treatment plans are developed and overseen by experienced doctors who assess your skin, medical history and lifestyle
  • We use advanced clinical technologies including HydraFacial, medical-grade peels, LED phototherapy, RF microneedling and laser resurfacing
  • Every plan is personalised — we address your specific acne type, severity and skin goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach

Book a Consultation

Request a medical assessment for your acne with our clinical team.

Book NowCall 01628 202028

Related Conditions

Further Reading & Clinical References

The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.

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.

Clinical governance

Page last reviewed: February 2026

Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026

Request a Clinical Assessment

Book a medical consultation to discuss diagnosis and an individualised treatment protocol.