Active Acne

Acne is a result of excess oil production in the skin – therefore, a helpful first step can be to switch to a basic skincare regime specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Gentle exfoliation is key, in order to eliminate the dead skin cells which lead to acne, and topical solutions such as salicylic acid are excellent. However, skincare is often not enough: in many cases, prescription antibiotics from your GP, or a referral to a dermatologist, may also be required. Most dermatologists will prescribe oral retinoids, which are considered the gold-standard treatment for severe acne. While oral retinoids is extremely effective at reducing acne, it can also lead to unwanted side effects and is therefore only prescribed from a specialist centre with specialist monitoring.

Acne is a result of excess oil production in the skin – therefore, a helpful first step can be to switch to a basic skincare regime specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Gentle exfoliation is key, in order to eliminate the dead skin cells which lead to acne, and topical solutions such as salicylic acid are excellent. However, skincare is often not enough: in many cases, prescription antibiotics from your GP, or a referral to a dermatologist, may also be required. Most dermatologists will prescribe oral retinoids, which are considered the gold-standard treatment for severe acne. While oral retinoids is extremely effective at reducing acne, it can also lead to unwanted side effects and is therefore only prescribed from a specialist centre with specialist monitoring.

What can help?

Most of the first-line steps in the treatment of acne – topical preparations and oral antibiotics – are best provided via your primary care physician or GP. If this hasn’t been effective, however, and you are reluctant to take oral retinoids because of the side effects, then a course of broadband light (BBL) can help to reduce the outbreaks. We sometimes prescribe BBL in combination with a course of oral antibiotics for best results, although this is a bespoke approach that needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we perform a course of six sessions of BBL – one per week for six weeks.

Treatments

BBL® treatment

In Action

Non-surgical Solutions: BBL Treatments

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

BBL® treatment

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Consultation between a male practitioner holding a tablet and a female patient seated at a desk in a modern clinic setting.

Patient Reviews

Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.

Common Questions

What are the benefits?

Our bespoke BBL treatments mean that we can subtly improve the appearance of acne. It is vitally important that you do not come for a treatment or patch test if you have tanned skin, either real or fake.

Which anaesthetic is used?

We use cold air to cool the skin and provide a comforting sensation during the treatment, distracting from any heat generated as a by product of the treatment.

What's the downtime?

Following BBL treatment, it is normal for the skin to be pink, although this subsides very quickly – hence, why we refer to BBL as a “no downtime treatment”. It is advisable to keep the complexion clear of makeup and to use a mild skincare routine and a high SPF in the days following.

When will I see results?

Your doctor will recommend a course of treatment based on your needs, typically one session per week for six weeks. While best results are visible following completion of the course, you should be able to notice a progressive improvement after each session.

Your Expert Team

Dr Rhona Cameron

Medical Director, Women's Health

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron (GMC 6103281), Medical Director of Women’s Health at McKeown Medical and a University of Glasgow-trained GP, is a skilled injector extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices, such as lasers, BBL, and radio frequency, energising the appearance and enhancing skin health.

 

Dr. Darren McKeown

Founder & Medical Director

Dr Darren McKeown

Dr Darren McKeown (GMC 6128508) is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a Full Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the UK’s leading professional body for aesthetic medicine doctors, and a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, he genuinely cares about helping each patient feel their most confident, natural self.

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