The Agony of Adult Acne: NOT Just Spots

Acne doesn’t just affect teenagers. Many women – and gents, too - experience acne well into adulthood, and for some, it actually begins later in life. At AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, our nurse-led aesthetics and wellness clinic in Bramhall, Stockport, we understand how distressing adult acne can be. We offer professional, evidence-based care – and expert advice - to help you manage it effectively.

Whether you're dealing with persistent breakouts, hormonal flare-ups, or post-acne scarring, we provide a personalised and supportive approach to restoring clear, healthy skin.

Why Do Women Get Adult Acne?

Adult female acne is often linked to hormonal changes. These changes can lead to excess oil production and inflammation. Common triggers include:

• Hormone fluctuations: let’s face it, women have a lot to deal with - the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause…

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common underlying cause of persistent acne in women (along with hirsutism, or excess body hair. PCOS is no picnic).

• Stress and anxiety, which raise cortisol levels and can lead to breakouts. Stress always needs addressing as it contributes to all sorts of ailments.

• Poor diet, particularly high-sugar or ultra-processed foods.

• Food sensitivities or intolerances – we can help you identify those, too.

• Use of comedogenic (pore-blocking) skincare or makeup products – which is why we stock Jane Iredale ‘clean’ make up.

• Family history or genetic predisposition

It’s all too easy to dismiss acne as just spotty skin and zits, or only a skin condition. In fact, acne is largely a medical condition affecting the skin. Moreover, it’s a condition in which lifestyle and environmental factors often play a major role.

How Adult Acne Affects Wellbeing

Acne is so much more than just a cosmetic concern. It can really take its toll on a woman’s emotional and psychological health and wellbeing, potentially leading to:

• Low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence

• Social anxiety or even withdrawal from friends and interests.

• Stress, anxiety and even depression which can further exacerbate the issue.

• Long-term skin damage if left untreated or picked and scratched at.

At the AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness clinic, we take your concerns seriously. We know it’s not just spots, and we know it’s not some trivial vanity issue. We provide supportive, expert, non-judgmental care. Our intention is not only to treat the skin, but to help restore your self-confidence and overall sense of well-being.

Managing Acne: Tips and Coping Strategies

Severe acne is too important to leave to chance, DIY, or generic supermarket creams and potions. And never believe the latest miracle ‘cure’ or powders, gummies etc pushed by internet charlatans and so-called influencers. Not only will these not help, but they could even make things much worse. They simply aren’t worth the risk. Professional, clinical treatment is often essential. That said, there are practical steps you can take to help manage acne-prone skin:

• Use a gentle cleanser twice daily.

• Avoid over-exfoliating, especially with physical scrubs.

• Choose non-comedogenic moisturisers and makeup.

• Avoid touching the affected skin or picking at blemishes.

• Keep pillowcases and mobile phones clean to reduce bacterial transfer

• Look at your diet. Everyone can benefit from reducing sugar intake and cutting out processed foods

• Prioritise stress management and good sleep hygiene.

As with any skin condition, consistency is key. Results do take time, so patience is essential.

Professional Acne Treatments

AL Medical clinic offers a range of evidence-based, clinically proven therapies and treatments for acne, as well as many other skin concerns. Each treatment plan begins with a thorough and reassuring consultation. Then once we’ve discussed your skin and your lifestyle at length, treatment is tailored to your individual skin type, concerns, and medical history. We’ll explain everything to you and be happy to answer any questions at all.

What treatments will we recommend? Well, again, that depends entirely on you and your skin. Several of the treatments and products in clinic are beneficial for acne, including:

• Medical-grade skincare. These products may include prescription-strength ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. We usually recommend suitable products from the Obagi Prescription Skincare or Alumier Medical Grade Skincare ranges.

• Chemical peels, which are not as scary as they sound and are actually far kinder to skin than ‘scrubs.’ Chemical peels, including our The Perfect Peel exfoliate dead skin, reduce congestion, and promote skin renewal

• Dermalux Light Therapy – blue light targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Microneedling helps improve skin texture, tone, and post-acne scarring.

• HydraFacial deep cleansing, hydrating, and clarifying treatment ideal for acne-prone skin.

• Polynucleotides

We can also offer hormonal and lifestyle assessments where appropriate, which can help identify internal triggers such as PCOS or stress-related imbalances. Every treatment is guided by our vast clinical expertise and commitment to the very highest standards of care.

Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin

We know our science-backed skincare supports skin health rather than merely masking the issue. You need a health professional not a celeb or a so-called influencer. We’ll always advise on a routine tailored to your skin’s specific needs, and this may involve:

• pH-balanced, sulphate-free cleansers

• Oil-free moisturisers with soothing ingredients like niacinamide

• Targeted serums containing azelaic acid or lactic acid

• Daily broad-spectrum SPF to protect against post-acne pigmentation

We stock a curated range of professional skincare products available for purchase through the clinic, and you can always order in advance to ensure you’re never left without.

Men’s Acne Concerns

Acne isn’t just an issue for women. It also affects men, often driven by higher levels of testosterone. Raised testosterone can stimulate excess oil (sebum) production which can lead to blocked pores, inflammation, and red, angry breakouts. Usually it’s the face, back, chest, and shoulders which suffer. Shaving, heavy skincare products, and excess sweat can further aggravate the skin. And, just like women, many men find that acne affects not only their appearance but also their self-confidence and mental well-being.

Our tailored treatments are just that – tailored, so we can devise the perfect course of treatment and recommend the right products for the fellas, too. Treatment could include medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, LED light therapy, and HydraFacial® to reduce those unsightly breakouts and improve the skin’s clarity, texture and condition. With the right approach, clear, healthy skin is achievable at any age – and for any gender.

Don’t Struggle with Acne Alone

If you're suffering from adult acne, you're not alone. Help is available, and it’s right here in Bramhall. Our clinic offers discreet, effective, and medical-grade treatments in a calm, comfortable and caring environment. We’re here to support you with a personalised treatment plan and clear, honest advice. We understand your concerns because we’ve been there.

Book a Consultation or Contact Us today: take the first step towards clearer, healthier skin.