What Is Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, and one of the most frequent reasons people visit dermatologists and aesthetic clinics in the UK. According to the NHS, around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected to some degree. While most cases improve by adulthood, around 3% of adults over 35 continue to experience acne, particularly women due to hormonal fluctuations.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and visible breakouts. It commonly appears on the face, back, chest, neck, and shoulders, but can develop anywhere on the body. Although strongly linked to puberty, adult and hormonal acne are increasingly common — and can significantly affect confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

At Omniya Clinic, our skin specialists and aesthetic doctors combine medical-grade skincare, advanced laser technologies, and hormonal expertise to manage acne and its after-effects, including scarring and pigmentation.

Book a consultation to start your personalised acne treatment plan.

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How Common Is Acne and Why Does It Occur?

Acne is extremely common in the UK, with millions of people affected every year. The condition develops when the skin’s sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) become overactive, and dead skin cells block the pores. These blockages allow bacteria to thrive, causing inflammation and spots.

Acne is driven by several interlinked factors:

Hormonal changes: during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause, hormone fluctuations can increase oil production.
Hair follicles: clogged by oil and dead skin cells
Genetics: if acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it.
Bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes): contributes to inflammation within blocked pores.
Excess sebum production: oily skin is more prone to breakouts.
Stress: triggers cortisol, which can worsen inflammation and flare-ups.
Diet and lifestyle: high-glycaemic foods, dairy, and certain medications can exacerbate acne.

In more severe cases, such as cystic acne, inflammation extends deeper into the skin and can lead to permanent scarring, particularly when spots are picked or squeezed. Early treatment is key to preventing long-term damage.

What Treatments Are Available For Acne?

BBL Hero™ and Moxi™ by Sciton Chemical peels The Perfect Peel® PCA Peels Facials HydraIce Dermapen Microneedling with ÜBER Pro Peel OmniClear Facial LED Light Therapy Female hormone replace therapy (HRT)

What Are the Symptoms of Acne?

Acne can appear in many forms, ranging from mild congestion to severe, inflamed breakouts. Common symptoms include:

Whiteheads: closed plugged pores
Blackheads: open plugged pores
Papules: small, tender red bumps
Pustules: inflamed spots with white or yellow pus
Nodules: painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface
Cysts: larger, pus-filled lesions that may cause scarring

At Omniya Clinic, our experts assess both active acne and residual scarring to create a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and condition.

How Is Acne Diagnosed?

Acne is typically diagnosed by the appearance and distribution of spots, most commonly on the face, chest, shoulders, and back, which may include:

A detailed skin assessment by a dermatologist or aesthetic clinician
A review of hormonal, dietary, and lifestyle factors
Optional blood or hormone testing if required
A tailored treatment plan designed specifically for your skin

Can Acne Be Cured?

While there’s no definitive “cure” for acne, it can be effectively controlled and managed with the right combination of medical and aesthetic treatments. Our aim is to:

Prevent new breakouts
Reduce inflammation and bacteria
Treat existing blemishes
Minimise and fade acne scars

With consistent care and clinical guidance, many of our patients achieve long-term clear skin and a visible improvement in texture and tone.

Patient having BBL treatment - part of hero, moxi sciton

Acne FAQs

What are the symptoms of acne?

There are varying symptoms and signs of acne, depending on the condition’s severity. These can include:

Whiteheads (which are closed plugged pores)
Blackheads (which are open plugged pores)
Small, tender red bumps (papules)
Pimples, which are papules with pus at the tips
Nodules, which are painful solid lumps under the skin surface
Cystic lesions, which are lumps beneath the skin surface filled with pus.

Is acne hereditary?

Whilst acne can run in families, in most cases it occurs for unknown, sporadic reasons.

How is acne diagnosed?

Acne is recognised quite easily, by the appearance of spots, and the manner in which they are distributed on the body – primarily, the face, neck, chest and back.

As there are a number of different varieties of acne, it is important that you speak with an expert. At Omniya Clinic, we pride ourselves on working with leading aestheticians and dermatologists to ensure your concerns are diagnosed and treated effectively.

Can acne be cured?

Whilst there is no cure for acne, there are a variety of treatments available at Omniya Clinic to prevent the formation of new spots, to reduce the spots, and to help clear scarring.

One of our experts will be happy to help you to control your acne, avoid scarring or damage to the skin and make the scarring less noticeable.

How can acne be treated?

At Omniya Clinic, we have a variety of treatments that can assist with acne concerns. These can be categorised as:

Over the counter products.
Oral antibiotics, taken by mouth.
Contraceptive medication.
Anti androgen agents, which block androgen agents.
Light therapy
Laser therapy
Chemical peels
Extraction of blackheads and whiteheads
Steroid injections
Topical treatments, which are applied directly to the skin. These include retinoids (vitamin A), salicylic acid and azelaic acid, dapsone).

How do we treat acne at Omniya Clinic?

During your initial skin consultation, our expertly trained and experienced skin specialists will be able to advise on treatments (including hormonal therapy and dermatology), medical grade products and lifestyle factors, with a view to putting together a bespoke treatment plan designed with your specific requirements in mind.

For more information, please view our team here and contact us for more information.