High-Tech to High-Frequency: A No-Fluff Guide to Modern Acne Solutions
With acne awareness month soon coming to an end we thought why not take a look at some treatments that can help combat the condition and also keep those pesty pustules, papules and comedones at Bay.
What is acne?
It’s probably best if we start here now most practitioners beauty therapist clinicians will have come across acne as a condition. It can affect the skin on the face and body and let’s be honest. It’s a difficult one to get rid of for our clients.
Acne is most commonly described as an overproduction of Sebum causing oily skin and dead skin cells that become blocked within our follicles and cause pimples, inflammation in more severe cases cysts. Further to this it is a buildup of C acnes on the skin, this bacteria is naturally occurring within our microbiome but when an overproduction happens, they colonise the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. This is when we see aggressive inflammation and irritation best known as acne.
We do normally see the condition during puberty in teenage boys and girls due to a fluctuation of testosterone however it has become more common to see adult acne from the ages of 25 while into your 40s And This were referred to as hormonal acne which does tend to be on the more severe side with inflammation, quite severe pustules.
How do we rectify the condition?
Historically the most successful way to treat this condition has been via Doctors’s prescribing strong medication with quite harsh side-effects such as Accutane which does prevent clients from having majority of treatment due to said side effects such as: skin dryness and sun sensitivities, muscle and joint pain, headaches, blurred vision, liver problems and mental health issues to name a few
Now, although these methods are highly effective, not everyone agrees with or wants to take such medications.
This is where the below list could help you provide your clients with an alternative treatment plan to boost self-confidence and have glowing clear skin.
Ablative
Fractional Co2 laser is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser (that’s the “CO₂” part) to remove layers of damaged skin with pinpoint precision. Think of it as a supercharged exfoliator with a laser-beam targeting tiny zones of the skin while leaving the surrounding areas untouched. This helps your skin heal faster while boosting collagen production like it’s had a triple shot of espresso. CO₂ fractional laser treatment goes deep to:
Smooth out acne scars – It breaks down scar tissue and encourages fresh, smoother skin to take its place.
Refine skin texture – Say goodbye to crater-like pores and hello to that "glass skin" vibe.
Fade pigmentation – It helps even out your skin tone, reducing the look of post-acne discoloration.
Boost collagen – More collagen = plumper, firmer, more youthful skin.
Post treatment clients are looking at a 6 week initial recovery period where it is advised to be cautious in the sun and keep skin as clean and moisturised as possible with full results 8-12 weeks after procedure.
Mildly invasive
Micro needling is using a device with ultra-fine needles, tiny micro-injuries are made on the surface of your skin. These “controlled injuries” kick your body’s natural healing process into high gear—boosting collagen, elastin, and cell turnover.
How it helps acne & acne scars:
Smooths out pitted or textured scars
Improves overall skin tone and clarity
Shrinks pores and reduces excess oil production
Encourages skin renewal without removing the top layer
Mesotherapy is like microneedling’s extra-nourishing sidekick. It involves injecting a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients—think vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants—directly into the middle layer of the skin (a.k.a. the mesoderm).
How it helps acne-prone skin:
Hydrates and plumps the skin
Calms inflammation and redness
Delivers targeted ingredients where your skin needs them most
Supports faster healing and collagen production.
Superficial peel is like a deep-cleaning facial... with chemistry. It uses a mild acid (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of your skin. No lasers, no needles-just a tingling solution. Not everyone wants to look like a molting snake to get good skin. Superficial peels are gentle, effective, and perfect for people who want results without major downtime.
How it helps acne and acne-prone skin:
Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads
Calms active breakouts
Fades post-acne dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
Evens out skin tone and texture
Stimulates skin renewal
These 3 treatments come with similar downtime of around 7 days, you can expect redness and maybe slight swelling after the treatment. For best result with these option it is advised to offer a course of treatments a few weeks apart
Non invasive
Light therapy LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy uses different wavelengths of light to target skin concerns at various depths. It’s totally painless, requires zero downtime, and feels kind of like sunbathing—minus the sun damage.
Each light colour has a specific superpower:
🔵 Blue Light (Around 415nm)
Blue light dives just deep enough to destroy acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) on the skin’s surface. No bacteria = fewer breakouts.
🔴 Red Light (Around 630–660nm)
Red light penetrates deeper into the skin and is a total hero when it comes to reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. It helps heal the skin post-acne and boosts overall glow.
🌫 Near-Infrared Light (Around 850nm)
This light goes even deeper, reaching the lower layers of the skin where it enhances cell repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin regeneration. It’s the behind-the-scenes powerhouse.
High frequency treatment uses a glass electrode filled with either neon (for anti-aging) or argon gas (for acne), and when applied to the skin, it emits a mild electrical current. This current produces oxygen, kills bacteria, and boosts circulation
How It Helps Acne-Prone Skin:
Kills acne bacteria on contact
Reduces inflammation and redness
Speeds up healing
Improves circulation
Tightens pores
both treatment have virtually no down time and can be done on a clients lunch break with no indication of having anything done. For best results a course is required with preventative maintenance.
