We do have a vast array of skincare treatments at the clinic, but before we embark upon a journey of restoration with in-house treatments, I think it is essential to establish a good skincare regimen at home, to be able to optimise results.

There are several points I like to address in the first consultation: Past medical history, Medication history, Hormones, Make-up, Current skincare regimen, Lifestyle-including Sleep pattern, Stress, Diet and nutritional supplements.
Acne maybe attributed to genetics or hormonal imbalance, but all the above are contributing factors.

Whatever the cause of acne, the general principles of treatment are the same. If skin is not exfoliating as it should, dead cells build up on the surface and inside the pores. Dead cells mix with trapped oil and the pores become clogged, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. The surface bacteria on our skin can then contribute to infected spots developing. The oils and inflammation can trigger an immune response, where the body mounts an aggressive reaction resulting in severe acne.

All degrees of acne will require a good skincare regimen, but some will require addition support of in-clinic treatments, or even oral medication.

The skincare regimen is as follows:
1. Cleansing-skin should be cleansed morning and evening with ZO exfoliating cleanser. This cleanser removes oil and thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Wash with luke-warm water, as hot water increases oil gland activity. Skin should be washed for 60seconds, as it takes this amount of time to reduce surface oils and remove dirt and debris.

2. Exfoliate-using ZO dual action scrub. It is important to keep the pores open, allowing oil and dead cells to exit the pore naturally. It is important to scrub once a day, either morning or evening for 45 seconds. The dual action scrub contains salicylic acid and lactic acid which helps dissolves the dead cells, oils and debris in the pore whilst the physical grains will scrub them away.

3. Oil control-the amount of oil produced in the glands can be controlled by oil control or complexion renewal pads, these are soaked in salicylic acid, glycolic acid and mandelic acid to dry up the oils.

NEVER MOISTURISE

The first 3 steps are the essential steps for anyone who is prone to outbreaks, from that first hormonal spot at aged 10 and upwards.
As the severity of spots or acne worsens, there are additional steps we can add in.

4. Exfoliating accelerator-for additional exfoliation, it has higher strength glycolic acid for that extra oily skin, which then enhances the penetration of topical agents. Additional anti-inflammatory properties soothe damaged skin.

5. Acne control-with extra fine benzoyl peroxide designed to penetrate the pores, it kills bacteria and normalises surface oil.

6. Daily power defence-a hydrating and healing antioxidant cream for everyone. This cream supports natural DNA repair, boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production, replenishes lipids to optimise skin barrier function.

7. Correct and conceal- a concealer containing salicylic acid, tea tree oil and Manuka honey extract for maximal anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Retinol-is vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for normal skin function. Oral vitamin A is known as Roaccutane, which is the tablet used in very severe acne. So, its topical form, it is also extremely effective at reducing oil production and optimising skin health. Retinol can be combined with a skin lightening agent that bleaches out the pigmentation marks left by spots.

9. Sulphur mask-this natural clay-based formula containing 10% sulphur, is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, absorbs surface oils and calms irritation. This can be used in many ways, as a face mask for 20 minutes in the evening 3x a week, or for 2 hours every night for 2 weeks if things are bad. You can even sleep with a blob on an individual spot overnight.

Skincare consultations are complimentary with Dr Hill to manage you through the array of options.
Additional in-clinic treatments can also help accelerate your improvement, choosing from a range of services:

1.Hydrafacial-a facial for lymphatic drainage, deep cleansing and exfoliation, peel solution with extractions, serums and LED light therapy.

2.Skin needling-for minor textural damage. The needles cause micro-traumas, the body’s response is to repair those by boosting collagen and elastin synthesis.

3.Fractora (Skin needling with radiofrequency)-needling combined with heat, is even more effective for scarring.

4.Tixel-Similar to needling, a hot titanium plate with tiny cones causes micro-traumas combined with heat, it is a great treatment for textural issues, pores and scarring.

5.Led light therapy-blue light kills bacteria, and the LED lights promote healing and stimulate your collagen and elastin.

6.Skin peels-remove dead skin cells, dissolve debris in clogged pores and eliminate excess oils. Different peels can remove the epidermis to different levels according to the strength of the peel, and the indications. Very strong peels can remove layers all the way down to the dermis.

We also need to consider feeding our skin from with-in. Nutritional supplements can aid recovery to good skin health. Zinc deficiency can lead to acne, so we many need to take a zinc supplement, Vitamin B3 reduces oil production, Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory. The ideal acne supplement form our Zenii skin care range is Proclear, which contains all of these, plus further antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

There is no quick fix for many acne problems, it is a journey, there is so much you can do and so much we can help with. Start that journey now.