Acne Consultation
A detailed clinical assessment of active acne and a tailored treatment plan
- Appointment time
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Anaesthetic
- None required
- Downtime
- None
- Results
- Most treatments take 8 to 12 weeks to show clear improvement
- Review
- Follow-up appointments to track progress and adjust
What happens at an acne consultation?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions there is, and one of the most poorly served by over-the-counter advice. Most people arrive having tried a long series of products, many of which were too harsh, several of which were working against each other, and none of which were chosen on the basis of what type of acne they actually have.
That distinction is the point of a proper consultation. Acne is not a single condition. Blocked pores, blackheads and whiteheads behave differently from red inflamed spots, which behave differently again from the deep, painful nodules that sit under the skin for weeks and are the type most likely to scar. Where the acne appears, how it fluctuates and what else is going on medically all narrow down what is driving it, and the treatment that works well for one pattern can be useless or counterproductive for another.
Your consultation covers the type and severity of your acne, how long you have had it and how it has behaved, what you have already tried and how your skin responded, and the factors that may be contributing, from hormonal patterns to medication, occupation, cosmetic products and anything occluding the skin. Any scarring or lingering marks left by previous breakouts are assessed separately, because active acne and its aftermath are treated differently and usually in that order.
From there you agree a plan. That may involve a properly constructed skincare regime, in-clinic treatments, or prescription treatment where the severity warrants it, and often a combination working together over several months. What it will not be is a product recommendation without a diagnosis.
Acne is also genuinely miserable to live with, and its effect on confidence is not a side issue. We treat it as a medical condition that deserves proper management, not a cosmetic complaint to be brushed off as something you will grow out of.
Why patients choose Acne Consultation
- A clinical diagnosis of the type and severity of your acne
- Contributing factors identified rather than guessed at
- A plan built around your skin instead of a generic product routine
- Access to prescription treatment where the severity warrants it
- Existing scarring and marks assessed and planned for separately
- Structured follow-up so the plan can be adjusted as your skin responds
This consultation suits anyone with persistent or recurring breakouts, whether that is teenage acne, adult acne appearing for the first time in your twenties or thirties, hormonally driven flares, or acne that has not responded to over-the-counter products. It is also the right starting point if breakouts are leaving marks or scarring, since preventing further damage takes priority over treating what is already there.
What to expect from Acne Consultation
- Step 1
Assessment and history
Your clinician examines your skin and identifies the type, severity and distribution of your acne, along with any scarring or post-inflammatory marks. You will discuss how long you have had it, how it behaves, what you have already tried, your general health and medication, and any factors that may be contributing.
- Step 2
Diagnosis and plan
Together you agree what is realistic and over what timescale. Your plan may combine a properly structured skincare regime, in-clinic treatments and prescription treatment where appropriate, and your clinician will explain what each element is doing and in what order things should be introduced.
- Step 3
Review and adjustment
Acne treatment is not a single appointment. Follow-up reviews check how your skin is responding, allow the plan to be adjusted, and are the point at which any residual scarring or marking is reassessed once the active acne is under control.
Once your plan is agreed, the two things that matter most are consistency and patience. Almost every effective acne treatment takes eight to twelve weeks to show a clear difference, and many make the skin worse before they make it better as existing blockages come to the surface. Stopping at week three is the single most common reason treatment fails. Introduce products gradually and in the order you have been given rather than starting everything at once, and resist adding scrubs, extra acids or additional actives on top, which is a common cause of irritation. Keep your routine simple and gentle around the treatment, use a non-comedogenic moisturiser if your skin feels dry or tight, and use a daily broad-spectrum SPF, since several acne treatments increase sun sensitivity and sun exposure darkens the marks left behind by old spots. Try not to pick or squeeze, as this is what turns a temporary mark into a permanent scar. If your skin becomes very irritated or you are struggling with the regime, contact the clinic rather than abandoning it, because it can almost always be adjusted. Keep your review appointments even if progress feels slow, as this is when the plan gets refined.
Frequently asked questions about Acne Consultation
How long will it take to see an improvement?
Most acne treatments take eight to twelve weeks to produce a clear improvement, and some take longer. Skin cell turnover and the life cycle of a blocked pore both take weeks, so nothing works in days. Your clinician will tell you what to expect and when, so you can judge whether the plan is on track.
Why has my skin got worse since starting treatment?
This is common and usually temporary. Many effective treatments speed up skin turnover, which brings existing blockages to the surface sooner than they would have appeared on their own. It typically settles within the first few weeks. If the reaction feels excessive, contact us so the regime can be adjusted rather than abandoned.
I get acne in my thirties. Is that normal?
Yes, and it is increasingly common, particularly in women. Adult acne often behaves differently from teenage acne, tends to concentrate around the jaw, chin and neck, and frequently follows a hormonal pattern. It also responds to different treatment, which is one reason a proper assessment matters rather than reaching for products aimed at teenagers.
Will I need prescription treatment?
Not necessarily. Mild acne often responds well to a properly constructed regime and in-clinic treatments. Moderate to severe acne, particularly the deep nodular type that scars, usually needs prescription treatment to bring it under control. Your clinician will explain the options, what each involves and any monitoring required, and the decision is made with you.
Can you treat the scarring at the same time?
Generally not, and there is a good reason. Resurfacing and scar treatments work best on skin that is no longer actively breaking out, and treating an inflamed surface can aggravate it. The sequence is normally to get the acne under control first, then reassess the scarring once things have settled, at which point it is often less extensive than it appeared.
Does diet cause acne?
The relationship is far weaker than popular advice suggests. There is some evidence linking high-glycaemic diets and, in some people, dairy to acne severity, but diet is not the cause for most people and dietary changes alone rarely clear it. Your clinician will discuss it honestly rather than sending you away to eliminate foods that are unlikely to be the problem.
Should I stop using make-up?
No, and being told to give it up is rarely helpful when acne is already affecting your confidence. What matters is choosing non-comedogenic products, removing them properly, and avoiding heavy occlusive layers on inflamed skin. Bring what you use to your consultation and it can be reviewed with you.
How much does an acne consultation cost?
Pricing depends on the consultation and what is agreed for you and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Considering Acne Consultation?
Book a consultation with our specialist team to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.
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