ACNE TREATMENT cheltenham
With many contributors to the cause of acne, a multi-pronged approach is needed.
Find out more about acne and how our acne-fighting sessions could help you towards clearer skin days.
Common causes of acne
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Hormonal imbalance or sensitivity can be a contributor to acne.
Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.
Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).
This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called C. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.
The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores.
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The quantity and quality of the skin’s oil can have a direct effect on acne formation.
Quantity of oil:
With the skin’s oil being a rich food source for c. bacteria acnes, an oilier skin can be subject to more inflammation as a by-product of this process.
Leading to a higher chance pustule and comedone formation (if other factors are also present).
Quality of oil:
Sluggish or viscous oil can also be secreted irregularly (not easily distributed from the pore) . This can be caused by dietary habits and hormonal stimulation.
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A build up of dead skin cells can block the entrance to the pore, trapping oil that’s secreted underneath and creating an anaerobic (without air) environment where c. acnes bacteria can proliferate and a “spot” can form.
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There are around 1,000 different species of bacteria that reside on the skin and upper hair follicles. Most of these are non-harmful.
Of these, the strain c.acnes bacteria is closely linked to acne.
This strain of bacteria lives mostly on sebum (oil) and fatty acids.
When c. acnes bacteria consumes the skin’s oil (sebum), there is a release of pro-inflammatory and comedogenic (pore clogging) free fatty acids.
This process generates inflammation, causing an immune response and pus formation.
What is acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions.
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (pilosebaceous unit).
The condition occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, manifesting as whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.
Although not dangerous to your physical health, this common skin concern can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and quality of life.
Below are a few descriptions to better understand the different forms it can take and effects acne can have on the skin.
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These can take prominence in oilier areas of the face such as the chin, forehead, inner cheek and nose.
Comedones: Open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads).
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These are characterised by redness around the “spot”.
They take the form of Papules, Pustules, Macules and Cysts
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Often confused with “scars”, these transient marks can be as distressing as the acne itself and their appearance can linger for weeks to months post-acne.
They can take the form of these two post-acne marks:
(PIH) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:
These appears as grey, brown or black marks on the skin.
This occurs following acne or trauma to the skin resulting in excess melanin production caused by inflammation and UV exposure
*Medium-Black skins tend to be more prone to PIH due to highly active melanocytes (pigment-forming cells).
(PIE) Post-Inflammatory erythema:
These usually appear as red, pink or purple marks post acne or injury, and can develop into PIH.
Different from PIH, as instead of pigment forming cells being an issue, it’s a issue of the vascular network.
This occurs following acne or trauma to the skin resulting in excess capillaries (small blood vessels) that aim to increase blood flow and increase skin healing.
This density of blood vessels can appear as redness and cause persistent redness in the area for weeks to a year.
*Lighter skins tend to be more prone to PIE with redness being more apparent.
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A scar is a result of the body’s repair mechanism after injury.
A scar is the same protein (collagen) as the tissue it replaces, however it’s arranged in an inferior way, making it denser and less elastic than healthy collagen. Scars have a more rigid, or pronounced appearance as the fibres lay in a single direction, creating a contrast to normal/healthy collagen next to the scar site.
Professional treatments can help with the appearance and prominence of atrophic scars such as Boxcar scars, Ice Pick Scars and Rolling Scars.
Acne services
We offer a wide menu of treatments to assist with common skin complaints from blackheads, scars, congestion, uneven skin tone or post-acne marks. We’ve got you covered.
Still unsure which treatment is best for you?
Book our ‘Skin Consult + Treatment’ session for an in-depth consultation, bespoke facial and skin plan.
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'SIGNATURE' FACIAL
£105 | 60 mins
Clarify and soothe for a more balanced complexion.
This session uses advanced deep cleansing method, gentle chemical exfoliation and high frequency currents to target congestion. Finished off with anti-inflammatory LED therapy to encourage a clear and balanced complexion.
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New client skIN CONSULT + TREATMENT
£165 | 90 mins
Highly recommended for all new clients.
This session involves an in-depth consultation and skin analysis to better understand you and your skin.
This is followed by a hyper-customised electrical facial that is tailored to your skin's needs.
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Micro-needling
£145 | 40 mins
An advanced microneedling session for a more smooth and firm complexion.
Controlled micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This is topped off by LED therapy for a reparative boost.
Ideal for acne scars, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and pre-mature skin ageing.
*Please book a ‘Skin Consult + Treatment’ facial to establish if microneedling is suitable for you.
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CHEMICAL PEEL
£95 | 40 mins
A targeted chemical peel to reveal a more smooth and radiant complexion.
This session uses a special blend of hydroxy acids by Alumier MD to accelerate the shedding of pigmented cells, congestion and increase collagen renewal.
This session is further enhanced by LED therapy.
*Please book a ‘Skin Consult + Treatment’’ facial to establish if one of our Advanced sessions are suitable for you.
✨READY TO START your glow up?
We welcome you to our modern and welcoming Skin Studio located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Book one of the suggested sessions above or contact our studio if you have any further questions.
