Acne Treatment Options in London – Personalised Plans for Clearer Skin

How We Choose the Right Acne Treatment

Effective acne care is not one-size-fits-all. We start by identifying your dominant pattern — comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory papules/pustules, hormonal distribution along the jawline, or deeper nodulocystic lesions. We then match treatments to that pattern and your skin type, define realistic timelines (most topical programmes need 6–12 weeks), and agree how we’ll measure progress. The aim is steady improvement you can maintain, not quick fixes that relapse.

Core Medical Skincare (Topicals)

Retinoids

Topical retinoids normalise the way skin cells shed inside pores. They are cornerstone therapies for comedones and for preventing new blockages. We typically start with a gentle strength and build gradually to minimise dryness. Expect some early flaking as pores clear; this settles as the barrier adapts.

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)

BPO reduces bacteria within pores without fostering resistance. It is especially useful when inflammatory spots are present or if oral antibiotics are planned, as it lowers the chance of bacterial resistance. It can bleach fabrics; apply carefully and wash hands after use.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic calms redness, helps unblock pores and supports balanced pigmentation, making it valuable where post-inflammatory marks linger. It suits sensitive and higher-melanin skin tones, and pairs well with retinoids when introduced thoughtfully.

Supportive Skincare

A non-comedogenic moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF preserve the barrier and reduce the risk of irritation or dark marks. Heavy, oily products and harsh scrubs tend to worsen breakouts; gentle routines work best.

Oral Medicines: When and Why

Antibiotics — targeted and time-limited

Short courses of antibiotics can settle inflamed flares, but they are not a cure. We use them selectively, pair with BPO to limit resistance, and switch to maintenance topicals as soon as practical. Overuse can disrupt the skin microbiome and encourage yeast folliculitis, so stewardship matters.

Hormonal Options

Where the pattern and history suggest a hormonal driver (for example, cyclical flares around the jawline or chin), hormonal approaches may help. Suitability, benefits and precautions are discussed case-by-case, with attention to medical history and preferences. These options often pair well with topical retinoids for prevention.

Isotretinoin (Oral Retinoid)

For severe, scarring or relapsing acne, isotretinoin is the most effective single treatment. It reduces oil production, normalises shedding and dampens inflammation, lowering the risk of future scarring. Treatment includes structured monitoring and specific safety measures; it is not used during pregnancy. Side-effects are usually manageable with good lip, skin and eye care. We provide clear guidance, regular check-ins, and a contact pathway for any concerns.

Procedures That Accelerate Results

Comedone Extraction

Professional extraction clears stubborn blackheads and whiteheads to jump-start topical programmes. This should be performed by trained clinicians using sterile technique to avoid trauma.

Intralesional Therapy

For painful nodules that threaten to scar, tiny intralesional injections can rapidly flatten inflammation and reduce tenderness. They are targeted and used selectively.

Superficial Chemical Peels

Once active inflammation is under control, light peels help smooth texture and brighten residual dullness or pigment. In higher-melanin skin, we choose pigment-safe acids and pace sessions to minimise post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling & Energy-Based Devices

Microneedling creates micro-channels to stimulate renewal; radiofrequency (RF) microneedling adds controlled heat at depth for enhanced remodelling. These are more commonly used for acne scars, but selected protocols can support oil balance and texture where appropriate.

Acne in Special Situations

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Many helpful options remain in pregnancy, but some medicines (such as retinoids) are avoided. We adapt plans to prioritise safety while keeping skin comfortable and calm. Simple, steady routines are emphasised, and procedures are chosen cautiously.

Skin of Colour

In medium to deep skin tones, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can last longer than the original spot. Treatment is paced to prevent irritation, and pigment-safe options (such as azelaic acid and carefully titrated retinoids) are prioritised. Daily sun protection is crucial to prevent marks from darkening.

Athletes, Hot Work Environments and Occlusion

Heat, sweat and friction from helmets or straps can aggravate acne and trigger folliculitis. We tailor cleansing routines around training, suggest breathable fabrics, and plan actives that fit your schedule.

Preventing Scars and Marks

Scarring risk rises with deeper, longer-lasting inflammation and with squeezing or picking. Early nodule treatment, hands-off habits, and prompt review of flares protect against texture change. For persistent redness or dark marks after inflammation settles, we introduce pigment-safe strategies and, if needed, staged procedures once skin is stable.

What Results to Expect — and When

Most topical programmes show noticeable change by 6–12 weeks. Oral medicines and procedures can accelerate control of inflammation, while maintenance prevents relapse. We agree practical milestones at the outset — for example, fewer new spots by week six, clearer texture by month three, and reduced marks over subsequent months. Photographs in consistent light help track progress realistically.

Side-Effects and How We Minimise Them

• Dryness and flaking: expected early with retinoids; moisturise daily and adjust frequency as your barrier adapts.
• Sun sensitivity: use daily SPF and reapply when outdoors; avoid sunbeds.
• Antibiotic effects: limited by short, targeted courses and pairing with BPO.
• Isotretinoin care: structured monitoring and clear guidance on lip/skin/eye care, with rapid access if concerns arise.

Everyday Habits That Help

• Cleanse gently morning and night; after sport, cleanse promptly.
• Keep routines simple and sustainable; consistency beats intensity.
• Choose non-comedogenic, fragrance-minimal products; avoid heavy oils on hair/skin that touch the face.
• Hands-off: avoid squeezing or picking; hydrocolloid patches can protect healing areas on the body where practical.
• Sleep and stress management support hormone balance and habit control.
• Some notice improvement with a lower-glycaemic dietary pattern; keep hydration up, especially around training.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotics have a role but are not a long-term solution for acne. We use them sparingly, combine with BPO to reduce resistance, and focus on preventive strategies that keep skin clear without ongoing antibiotic exposure. This approach also reduces the risk of yeast folliculitis triggered by microbiome imbalance.

When to Review or Escalate

Book a review sooner if you develop deep, painful nodules; if marks or scars are forming; if irritation persists despite moisturiser and adjustments; or if your routine isn’t practical day-to-day. Early course-correction keeps momentum and prevents setbacks.

Why Choose Skinhorizon?

We provide high-quality, advanced dermatology and aesthetic care with consultant oversight. Our acne pathways are structured, evidence-based and personalised to your goals, skin type and schedule. You’ll receive clear written instructions, realistic timelines, and a reliable way to get advice between appointments. The result is confident skin — and a plan you can actually stick to.

Your First Visit — What to Expect

1. Assessment: history, triggers, skincare and medicines review; mapping of lesion types and distribution.
2. Plan: stepwise programme tailored to your skin and lifestyle, with milestones and review dates.
3. Education: simple morning/evening routines; how to layer products; what to expect week-by-week.
4. Follow-up: measured adjustments, photographs for comparison, and maintenance strategies to prevent relapse.