Acne, blemish prone skin and acne scarring are some of the most common concerns that patients bring to us. Acne effects people differently, particularly because it can affect peoples confidence and how they perceive themselves. All too often it is thought to be worse than it actually is, as we are all too often our biggest critic.
We understand that every patient has unique circumstances and requirements. It is our commitment to you, to take the time to listen and understand what you would like support with and what your ultimate expectations are. Through our skill and experience, we will work closely with you to provide a honest, professional and supportive outcome for you.
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“We know that this can be a sensitive and personal topic, so all of our teams and partners are trained and experienced to support you with the care that you rightly expect”.
Shawn Warren-Willcox, Practice Manager
Our services provided by Consultant Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Our Aesthetic Skin Care Clinic is provided by a qualified Advanced Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber and we are accredited with Save Face for your piece of mind. Both require continual evaluation and assessment to ensure our high standards are maintained at all times.
Acne skin health care at Cotswold Surgical Partners
Our aesthetic medicine and skin care clinic is Save Face accredited & nurse-led. We promote healthy skin routines, with specialist treatments and medical grade products for conditions such as acne scarring, rosacea, dry skin, aging & UV protection and works alongside our Dermatologists ensuring a holistic skin care approach where conditions overlap.
Kelly is our Advanced Aesthetics Nurse and all round skin health care guru. Kelly has a particular interest in skin health and targeting specific treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Kelly’s ethos and philosophy has always been integrity, professionalism, competence as well as friendliness, so you can expect a compassionate level of care. The aim is to always provide an individualised plan of care for your specific needs and desires.
Qualifications:
- Registered Nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and currently also works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist Sexual Health and Contraception at the Swindon Health Centre.
- Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics with the Medical Aesthetics Training Academy.
- Advanced Botulinum Toxin & Dermal Fillers with MATA Harley Street.
- Mentorship for Advanced Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers with MATA Harley Street
- Lip Anatomy certified with the CPD Certification Service
- Independent Prescribing with the University of the West of England
Registered with:
- Save Face
- The JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners)
- NMC – Nursing & Midwifery Council
- RCN – Royal College of Nursing
- Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance
- Join Comma
- BLM
- ACE Aesthetic Complications Registered Practitioner
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition, so you are not alone! Almost 85% of people develop acne at some stage, and it has a variety of causes. Understanding your skin, health, medications etc can help us learn more about the cause of your acne, and the best way to manage and support it.
The main causes of acne are:
- Blockage of hair follicles (pores), where sebum (oil) is produced, by dead skin cells.
- Overproduction of sebum
- Proliferation of P.acnes bacteria and consequent inflammation
Triggers can include such things as hormones, stress, diet and even genetics. Therefore, a holistic approach to acne prone skin care is required, and this is all to often why simple over the counter products are not sufficient.
Acne can occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders and present on the skin as:
- papules/pustules
- Inflammation
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Oily skin
- Degraded texture and tone
- Erythema – redness/blotching of the skin
Hyperkeratinisation can occur, which is when the cells of the hair follicle become cohesive and don’t shed.
“Wonderful treatment with great results. Service was friendly and professional. Environment superb. Will most definitely return”.
Acne skin care patient in our Medical Aesthetics Clinic
Types of acne
Acne can present differently, and therefore we cannot simply treat everyone the same. You’ll receive the right care and advice, just for you. Always!
Non-inflammatory acne
These show as blackheads and whiteheads, which are due to a ‘plug’ being formed by sebum and dead skin cells inside a follicle.
If this plug gets bigger and stretches the pore, it is then referred to as a blackhead. They are not trapped dirt as often thought. Rather, the darker colour is due to a build up of melanin (skin pigment) and oxidized oil.
Whiteheads happen when a thin cover of skin traps the plug, which prevents the oil from oxidizing. This keeps it ‘white’.
Inflammatory acne
When follices are blocked by sebum and skin cells, the follicular wall is under pressure. If this pressure is great enough, then the follicle wall will break and the contents will spread into the surrounding skin. When your immune system responds to this bacteria and sebum, it causes inflammation. The degree of inflammation determines the size and redness of the acne lesion.
Papules: these are pink or red bumps without a white or yellow centre
Pustules: red bumps with a white or yellow centre of pus. These are formed when the plug inside of an acne pore traps the oil and bacteria, which draws white blood cells to the area to fight infection. Pus is actually made up of dead white blood cells. And no one likes pus!
Cysts and nodules: these are larger, and often painful, acne lesions that go deeper into the skin. They can last for months, destory the follicle and can result in permanent scars.
Patients with cysts and nodules will be referred to one of our Consultant Dermatologists for review. Both Dr. Beth Wright and Dr. Naila Dinani offer support with severe acne.
Once treated, the scars can effectively be treated using SkinPen Microneedling. This can significantly improve the appearance of acne (and general) scarring.
Rosacea
This is a chronic skin condition characterised by facial flushing, redness, visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples. The first sign may be redness that comes and goes. It is most often seen in fair skin between the ages of 30 and 50, and typically affects the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. It is more common in women, but more aggressive in men. The cause is not yet certain, but theories relate to bacteria that live in the colon, an allergy to a natural mite that lives in our skin, unstable vessels, genetics and sun exposure. What we do know is that something irritates the skin, leading to this chronic inflammation with intermittent flare ups.
If the skin is sensitive or damaged it cannot cope as well with common daily aggressors. Sun, wind and pollution can cause a reaction within the skin. Since the skin is then compromised and unable to properly protect itself from this reaction, the body sends blood to the areas as a defense mechanism. Blood brings oxygen by red blood cells and immunity with white blood cells to try and correct the effect of the these aggressions. However, it also brings heat, redness and inflammation. If this flushing occurs regularly over time, the blood vessels just under the skin will become dilated and the redness will be more permanent. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable to daily aggressions and rosacea symptoms will get worse.
Common Rosacea triggers
Temperature
- very hot or cold weather
- wind exposure
- hot showers, baths and saunas
Intense exercise
- try to stay cool when exercising
- overheating can trigger flushing
Cosmetic products
- products with fragrance, alcohols, abrasives and other irritating substances
- choose gentle products and use less
Drinks and food
- hot drinks and hot soups
- caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee
- alcohol
- spicy food
Sun exposure
- wear sunscreen daily (with an SPF of at least factor 30)
- physical filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide keep skin cooler by reflecting UV rays away from the skin
- avoid sun between 11am and 4pm
Stress
- a very common trigger!
- try and manage by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy balanced diet and practice relaxation techniques
Medications
- certain medications can clause flushing
- extended use of cortisone creams can worsen rosacea
- where medications may be an issue, we would refer you to our Consultant Dermatologists who can prescribe or refer you to your GP.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you may have a heightened intolerance to products and the environment. This can cause more reactive skin leading to redness, discomfort, bumps and irritation.
Conditions such as eczema or rosacea can cause this. Also, overly dry skin due to a compromised hydrolipid barrier or overexposure to irritants like wind, sun and harsh topical ingredients can cause this.
In all cases, the skin’s moisture balance is impaired, which leads to dryness and irritation, and this must be managed first.
Treatment for acne prone skin
Steps can be taken to prevent acne such as managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, taking exercise and getting enough sleep. Wiping down your phone and changing your pillow case regularly can also help, and are simple things to implement.
However, the best thing to start first is a skin health consultation. We provide a no-obligation consultation on skin care health and non-surgical cosmetic procedures and treatments covering Swindon, Calne, Cirencester, Bath, Oxford, Newbury, Chippenham and surrounding areas. Our new, purpose-built facility is equipped with state-of-the-art treatment rooms and the latest medical equipment. We are a CQC regulated medical practice, and a SAVE FACE accredited aesthetic clinic; adhering to the highest possible standards of safety and clinical expectations.
Depending upon your skin condition, or type, we can highlight what treatment would support you the most and design you a skin care regime using active products for home use, and in-clinic procedures.
Alumier Medical Grade Skin Care
Our Medical Aesthetics Clinic is a licensed provider of AlumierMD medical-grade in-clinic treatments and home care products.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the skin allowing dead skin skin cells to shed more effectively. As a result pore blockages can be reduced by keeping dead skin skin cells and excess oil from clogging the hair follicle. These can be customised for your specific skin needs. All professional peels include a Post Procedure Prescription Kit to take away to ensure that skin repairs beautifully and stays protected at all times. Post procedure prescription contains SensiCalm Cleanser, Recovery Balm, Sheer Hydration SPF40. We can consult and treat on the same day if you wish to proceed and have confirmed a 1 hour appointment. There are different options for differing skin conditions and types, so we can actively target your concerns.
Detox Clear includes free post procedure home care kit
Detox Clear contains 2% salicylic acid and 4% lactic acid excellent for pore penetration and exfoliation. They work together to exfoliate and hydrate, minimising excess oil, reduce acne and prevent more pimples from forming.
Radiant 20/10 includes free post procedure home care kit
A combined AHA (20% lactic acid) and BHA (10% salicylic acid) medical grade chemical peel. It will improve skin tone and texture by exfoliating dead skin cells and speeding up cell turnover. This chemical peel will target acne pimples, fine lines and wrinkles and, congestion and sun damage.
Radiant 30 Peel includes free post procedure home care kit
An AHA (30 % Lactic acid) medical grade peel. Lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, hydrates and brightens the skin. It will increase cell turnover and resurface the skin resulting in a radiant complexion.
Glow Peel includes free post procedure home care kit
A highly effective and gentle fruit enzyme solution. It exfoliates dead skin cells, promotes skin renewal whilst brightening the surface of the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
In-clinic Face Mask treatments
AlumierMD masks use highly performing, elegantly formulated the correct molecular weight to penetrate the skin in order to cleanse, exfoliate, brighten and hydrate the skin. These are a great introduction to the power of AlumierMD and ideal for skin that is not quite ready for a chemical peel.
Refining Clay Mask
A unique blend of clay and exfoliating ingredients removes trapped oil and dirt whilst promoting skin renewal. The result is a reduction in the appearance of blemishes and excess oil, whilst soothing and maintaining hydration.
Enzyme Retexturing Mask
A highly effective and gentle fruit enzyme solution. It exfoliates dead skin cells, promotes skin renewal whilst brightening the surface of the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Alumier Home Care
This medical-grade range is a true, professionally dispensed skincare brand. These feature quality ingredients, effective formulations and proven results.
The below are a sample of home care products that can be recommended in clinic or purchased from our online shop. Click any of the product names in pink, and jump straight to the item in our shop.
Acne clarifying cleanser – deep cleans pores and calms skin for a clearer completion. Salicyclic acid penetrates pores to help control blemishes. Oligopeptide 10 works with salicylic acid to improve the appearance of acne.
Purifying gel cleanser – Removes environmental pollutants, impurities and excess oil without compromising the skins barrier.
AHA renewal serum – Removes cell debris and enhances texture and tone.
Hydrasmooth – an ultra-light non comedogenic moisturiser designed to restore clarity to acne prone skin.
Clear shield – Broad Spectrum SPF 42 is a lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-drying physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection.
Enzymatic peel – Enzymatic Peel is a highly effective exfoliant that combines 10% lactic acid with fruit enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. Aloe vera extract calms the skin, while sodium hyaluronate and vitamin B5 hydrate and soften skin for a supple and radiant complexion.
Hydraclarite – HydraClarité moisturiser is an ultra-light non-comedogenic antioxidant-rich hydrator specially formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. Hinokitiol and sea whip soothe the skin and relieve redness and irritation. Allantoin and honey maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
Clarifying Serum – is a lightweight formula designed for blemish-prone skin that penetrates pores for a clearer complexion. Encapsulated salicylic acid is slowly released into the skin, minimising irritation while extending effectiveness. Oligopeptide-10 works synergistically with salicylic acid. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals and soothing and hydrating ingredients work together to maintain skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier.
Bright & Clear Solution – A refreshing, award-winning, skin conditioning solution that refines skin complexion. Lactic acid, Salicylic Acid and caviar lime gently exfoliate cellular debris to brighten and improve skin texture. Kakadu plum extract offers a boost of vitamin C that contributes to the look of healthy skin all while this expertly crafted formula works!
Matticlear – a lightweight oil-absorbing serum that helps reduce shine and refine skin texture, resulting in a smooth, matte finish. Red clover flower extract and tripeptide-1 reduce the appearance of oily skin, while an innovative microparticle complex absorbs excess sebum to create an immediate mattifying effect.
Consultation
Start your journey to improved skin health today by booking your consultation.
Book online or give us a call on Freephone 0808 280 3560
We can’t wait to help!
