Skin Concerns -
Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can appear at any age. It develops when pores become blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria, which leads to breakouts, inflammation, and in some cases, long-term scarring. Beyond the physical symptoms, acne can have a significant impact on self-confidence and overall wellbeing.
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Even once active acne has cleared, it can leave behind acne scarring, which affects both the texture and appearance of the skin. Scarring occurs when the skin’s healing process is disrupted after deep or inflamed breakouts, leaving behind indentations, raised areas, or uneven texture. Many clients also experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — red or brown marks that remain on the skin even after spots have healed. Treatments for acne scarring focus on resurfacing and repairing the skin, stimulating new collagen, and improving overall tone and texture.
What is Active Acne?
Active acne refers to acne that is currently inflamed and visible on the skin. This can range from mild congestion to more severe, painful breakouts, and if not managed properly, it can lead to long-term scarring. In other words, it is acne in its breakout stage, rather than the scars or pigmentation left behind once spots have healed.
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There are several types of active acne:
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Blackheads (open comedones): Small dark plugs that form when oil and dead skin block the pores and remain open on the surface.
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Whiteheads (closed comedones): Small, firm white or flesh-coloured bumps that form when pores are blocked but remain closed.
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Papules: Red, inflamed spots that may feel sore but do not contain pus.
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Pustules: Inflamed spots filled with pus, often with a yellow or white centre.
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Nodules: Large, painful lumps that form deep within the skin.
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Cysts: Severe, pus-filled breakouts that are often very painful and most likely to cause scarring if untreated.
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Treatments for active acne focus on calming inflammation, reducing bacteria, unblocking pores, and preventing new breakouts, while also supporting the skin’s natural healing process to minimise the risk of long-term damage.
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Whilst diet and lifestyle often have the biggest impact on curing acne, we offer a range of evidence-based in-clinic treatments that can help support and speed up the process along the way.
Active Acne Treatment Options:
IPL Acne Clearance
IPL is a clinically proven light-based treatment designed to target both the causes and visible symptoms of acne. The system works by emitting controlled pulses of light that penetrate the skin to destroy the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria responsible for breakouts, while also reducing the blood supply to overactive sebaceous glands. This dual action not only helps to clear existing spots but also reduces the likelihood of future flare-ups, leaving the skin calmer, clearer, and healthier over time.
Treatment Time:
Approximately 30–45 minutes per session
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Downtime:
Minimal—clients may experience mild redness immediately post-treatment. Pigmented areas may darken temporarily before fading
Recommended Frequency:
Typically 4 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart; additional courses may be recommended for continued improvement
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Pricing - from £95
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
Carbon Laser Peel for Acne Management & Scarring
The Q10 Laser, also known as a Carbon Laser Peel, is a powerful treatment for active acne that deeply cleanses the skin and reduces breakouts. A layer of activated carbon is applied to the skin and then targeted with a Q-switch laser, which removes impurities, excess oil, and acne-causing bacteria while gently exfoliating the pores.
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The treatment also stimulates collagen production, helping the skin to heal and improving texture over time. Results can be seen after a single session, but a course of treatments is recommended for clearer, healthier skin and long-term acne control.
Treatment Time:
60 minutes
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Downtime:
Minimal — skin may appear slightly red immediately after treatment but usually settles within a few hours
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Recommended Frequency:
Noticeable results can be seen after one session, but a course of 4–6 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart is recommended for best results
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Pricing - from £125
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
What is Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring refers to the marks and changes in skin texture left behind once active acne has healed. These scars form when deep or inflamed breakouts damage the skin and disrupt the healing process, leading to indentations, raised areas, or uneven pigmentation. Unlike active acne, scarring remains on the skin long after breakouts have cleared and often requires targeted treatments to improve.
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There are several types of acne scarring:
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Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis, giving the skin a pitted appearance.
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Boxcar Scars: Broad depressions with defined edges, often seen on the cheeks and temples.
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Rolling Scars: Wide, shallow indentations with soft edges that give the skin a wavy or uneven texture.
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Hypertrophic/Keloid Scars: Raised, firm scars caused by excess collagen production during healing.
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Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Flat red, brown, or dark marks left after spots heal — not true scarring but often treated in the same way.
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Treatments for acne scarring focus on resurfacing and repairing the skin, stimulating new collagen, and improving overall tone and texture to soften scars and restore smoother skin.
Whilst no single treatment can erase scarring completely, we offer a range of evidence-based in-clinic options that can significantly improve its appearance and support long-term skin health.
Acne Scarring Treatment Options:
Medical Microneedling
Medical microneedling is an advanced skin regeneration treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production to repair and remodel damaged tissue.
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For clients with acne scarring, microneedling helps to break down old scar tissue while encouraging the growth of healthier, smoother skin. Over a course of treatments, it can significantly soften indented scars, even out texture, and improve overall skin tone. In addition to scarring, microneedling can also reduce fine lines, minimise pores, and improve sun-damaged skin — making it a versatile treatment with results that continue to develop over several weeks.
Medical Microneedling Treatment - A highly effective skin resurfacing treatment
Treatment Time:
Approximately 45 minutes
Downtime:
Mild to moderate redness for up to 72 hours is common
Recommended Frequency:
Monthly recommended for optimal results
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Pricing: £95
Optional Add-On: 30-minute LED Light Therapy – £25
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Medical Microneedling Elite with BioPen - Includes Microneedling, EMS (Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation) and LED Light Therapy all-in-one treatment!
Treatment Time:
Approximately 45-60 minutes
Downtime:
Mild to moderate redness for up to 72 hours is common
Recommended Frequency:
Monthly recommended for optimal results
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Pricing: £105
Optional Add-On: 30-minute LED Light Therapy – £25
Chemical Peels
Our Glo Skin Beauty chemical peels are professional-grade resurfacing treatments designed to improve skin health and appearance by removing the outermost layer of dead, damaged cells. This controlled exfoliation reveals fresher, clearer skin while stimulating cell renewal and boosting collagen production.
For clients with acne and acne scarring, chemical peels help to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and fade post-inflammatory marks. Over a course of treatments, they also improve skin texture, soften shallow scars, and promote a more even skin tone.
Peels can be tailored to suit different skin types and levels of sensitivity, with each treatment customised to your needs for maximum results. In addition to treating acne-prone skin, they can also target concerns such as enlarged pores, uneven tone, and sun damage, leaving the complexion smoother and brighter over time.
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Please note: All new clients must start with the Level 3 Flower Enzyme Peel, regardless of whether they have had chemical peels elsewhere. After this, you can progress to Levels 4, 5, and 6, with mandatory at-home skin preparation required before Levels 4–6.​
Recommended peels for acne prone skin - see 'Advanced Facials' page for full list of peels.​
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Level 3 Entry Peel
Flower Enzyme - for all skin types, including sensitive.
Suitable for all skin types and concerns, this will be your starting point for your peel journey. Combining Hibiscus Flower Extract, Pumpkin, and Ficin to revitalise, stimulate, and tone the skin with no downtime.​​​
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Beta-Clarity AHA - for oily and combination skin types.
20% mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C to treat oily and combination skin with concerns such as uneven texture, acne, congestion, breakouts, and visible pores.​​​
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Level 5 Peel
GlyPro AHA Resurfacing - for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types (excludes sensitive skin type).
30% glycolic acid with niacinamide and phytic acid. Suitable for all skin types except sensitive. This versatile, fast-acting acid repairs and regenerates skin while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
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Treatment Time:
Approximately 60 minutes
Downtime:
Level 3 – None.
Level 4 & 5 – Minimal; slight flaking or tightness may occur.
Level 6 – Moderate; visible peeling for several days
Skin-prep:
Mandatory for levels 4-6.
Recommended Frequency:
Every 2–4 weeks for Levels 3–5, every 6–8 weeks for Level 6
Pricing: From £65 – £95 depending on peel level
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Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring
Laser technology offers effective solutions for different types of acne scarring, from lingering redness to deeper pitted scars. By targeting the skin at different levels, lasers can either reduce visible redness and discolouration or stimulate new collagen to remodel scar tissue for a smoother, clearer complexion.
Post Acne Redness/Scarring Treatment (Pulsed Dye Laser) - Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) targets the tiny blood vessels that cause post-acne redness and discolouration. It helps to fade red marks, calm inflammation, and soften shallow scars.​​
Treatment Time:
Approximately 60 minutes
Downtime:
Minimal — mild swelling or bruising may occur, usually resolving within a few days
Recommended Frequency:
Typically 3–6 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart
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Pricing: from £125
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
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​Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne Scarring - Fractional laser resurfacing stimulates collagen production by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, helping to remodel scar tissue, improve texture, and reduce the depth of pitted or indented scars.
Treatment Time:
Approximately 45-60 minutes
Downtime:
Moderate — redness and peeling for 3–7 days after treatment
Recommended Frequency:
Usually 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart
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Pricing: £150
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily