Breakouts & Congestion
Acne
Inflammatory and congestive breakouts driven by oil, keratin and bacteria within the follicle.
01
What it is
Acne is a chronic follicular condition, not a hygiene problem. It presents as blackheads and closed comedones (congestion), papules and pustules (inflammatory), and in more severe cases nodules and cysts that sit deep in the dermis.
Most people experience a mix of types at once, across different facial zones, which is why a single product or single treatment rarely resolves it.
02
Why it happens
- Excess sebum production, often hormonally driven, combined with retained keratin that blocks the follicular opening.
- Proliferation of C. acnes bacteria within the blocked follicle, triggering an inflammatory response.
- Contributing factors: hormonal fluctuation and PCOS, occlusive or comedogenic products, barrier damage from over-exfoliation, medication, stress and sleep.
03
The layer involved
Structure
Pilosebaceous unit — epidermis into the dermis
The follicle and its attached sebaceous gland. Congestion forms in the upper follicle; inflammation and cysts extend into the dermis, which is where scarring risk begins.
04 · What may help
Treatments we may consider
Indicative only. Which of these belong in your plan — and in what order — is decided at your skin analysis, never from a page.
Professional Dermal Peels
Facial Peels
Medical-grade acids and enzymes that reveal a fresh layer of luminous skin beneath.
Photobiomodulation
LED Light Therapy
Wavelength-specific light that energises skin cells, calms inflammation and builds collagen.
Signature Glow Treatment
Hydrodermabrasion
Exfoliate, extract and infuse in one session for instant, undeniable radiance.
Where Every Journey Begins
World Class Skin Analysis
Advanced imaging that reveals what your skin can't show you — and the plan that follows.
05 · When we may need a medical assessment
Some things belong with a doctor first.
- Nodular or cystic acne, or acne that is leaving scars — early medical treatment prevents permanent damage.
- Acne unresponsive to 3+ months of appropriate topical and in-clinic care.
- Sudden adult-onset acne, or acne with irregular cycles, excess hair growth or hair loss — hormonal assessment is warranted.
- Acne causing significant distress or affecting mental wellbeing.
This page is general education, not medical advice. If anything here sounds like your skin, we will tell you honestly at consultation whether we can help or whether you should see your GP or dermatologist first.