Is acne & acne scar treatment suitable for darker or sensitive skin?

Yes. Protocols are tailored to skin type with adjusted energy settings, intervals, and priming to minimise pigmentary risk while improving texture.

Do I need a GP referral for acne treatment at Skinhorizon Clinic?

No referral is required. You can book directly with our consultant dermatologist in Maida Vale, Central London.

How many sessions are needed for acne scar treatment?

Often a programme over several months, depending on scar type, depth, and skin type. Your plan is personalised.

Are acne consultations and treatments covered by insurance?

Some dermatology consultations may be covered by insurers; cosmetic procedures are usually self-funded. Please check your policy.

Acne & Acne Scar Treatment London | Consultant-Led

Acne & Acne Scar Treatment in London

Author: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, MD FRCP – Consultant Dermatologist (GMC) | Updated: 10 September 2025 | Reading time: 8–10 min

At Skinhorizon Clinic in Maida Vale, we manage acne and acne scarring with a precise, consultant‑led approach. Your plan is designed by a GMC‑registered dermatologist for your skin type and goals, combining prescriptions with evidence‑based procedures. We serve patients across Central London, West London, St John’s Wood and Paddington.

Consultant‑Led Acne Assessment in Central London

Personalised diagnosis and a clear treatment roadmap at Skinhorizon Clinic, Maida Vale.

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At‑a‑Glance: Acne & Acne Scars

Who we treat: Teens & adults, all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI)
Conditions: comedonal acne, inflammatory acne/folliculitis, acne scars
Approach: Dermatologist prescriptions + targeted procedures + digital tracking
Where: Maida Vale (near St John’s Wood & Paddington), serving Central & West London

Why Acne Happens — and Why Scars Form

Acne arises when follicles become obstructed by sebum and keratin; inflammation, hormonal influence and microbiome shifts can sustain breakouts. When inflammation extends deeper, collagen remodelling may produce atrophic scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) or hypertrophic scars. Early control of inflammatory lesions reduces long‑term scarring risk.

Consultant Dermatologist Assessment

Your first visit covers triggers, skincare, medications and lifestyle. We may use digital diagnostics to grade severity and map texture:

Digital skin analysis & 3D face/body analysis for pores, oil, redness and scar topography
In‑clinic visualisation to support education and adherence

Find our acne condition overviews at Acne treatment options and Acne scars.

Medical Treatment (Active Acne)

Topicals: prescription retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid; barrier‑supportive skincare
Hormonal modulation (adults): when indicated for persistent female acne
Oral isotretinoin: for severe, scarring, or refractory disease — consultant‑initiated with monitoring
Selective antibiotics: short courses as part of combination care

We pair medical therapy with gentle regimen design to maximise tolerability and results.

Procedures for Acne Control & Scar Revision

Where appropriate, we integrate procedures to boost outcomes and reduce downtime:

LED phototherapy (blue/red) to calm inflammation and support healing
Medical hydro‑dermabrasion facial for decongestion and hydration
Dermapen® microneedling with optional exosome therapy for rolling/boxcar scars
Fractional CO₂ laser for deeper atrophic scars under consultant protocols

Energy settings and intervals are adjusted for pigment‑prone skin to minimise post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Pathways for Different Presentations

Comedonal acne: retinoid‑first strategy, barrier repair, periodic hydro‑dermabrasion for maintenance.

Inflammatory acne/folliculitis: targeted topicals/orals, adjunct LED; consider acne & folliculitis treatment page for full pathways.

Early scarring: combine ongoing acne control with microneedling ± exosomes.

Established scars: staged fractional CO₂ or hybrid protocols; see acne scars treatment.

Book an Acne & Scar Review in Maida Vale

A calm, consultant-led plan — designed around your skin, schedule and goals in Central London.

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Results & Downtime — What to Expect

With medical therapy, improvements typically begin at 4–8 weeks, continuing over months. Scar revision often requires a programme of sessions; visible smoothing builds gradually as collagen remodels. We schedule around work, study, and social commitments, with clear pre/post‑care to keep downtime predictable and minimal.

Why Skinhorizon Clinic

Consultant-led: dermatologist oversight from diagnosis to maintenance.
Evidence-based: prescriptions + technologies used where they add value.
Measured outcomes: optional 3D imaging to track texture and scar depth over time.
Location: Maida Vale (near St John’s Wood & Paddington) for convenient Central/West London access.

FAQs: Acne & Acne Scar Treatment

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Deep scars rarely vanish entirely, but targeted combinations (e.g., microneedling + fractional CO₂) can achieve substantial, natural-looking improvement.

Is treatment suitable for darker or sensitive skin?

Yes. We adjust energy, intervals, and priming to minimise pigmentary risk while improving texture and tone.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required. You can book directly at our Maida Vale clinic.

How many sessions will I need for acne scars?

Typically a series over several months; your plan depends on scar type, depth, and skin type.

Are treatments covered by insurance?

Dermatology consultations may be covered by some insurers; cosmetic procedures are usually self‑funded. Please check your policy.

Disclaimer: The information above is provided for general education only and should not be taken as medical advice for any individual case. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is required to assess suitability, risks, and expected outcomes.