Acne is an extremely common condition – with 95% of people experiencing it at some time in their life – but no matter its prevalence, it is still a chronic condition, one that can heavily affect your self-esteem. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding this skin concern is that only teenagers suffer, when in actual fact, millions of adults suffer too. It can also occur even if you’ve never had it before.
While acne often elicits a red and raised face, it can also occur across the whole body – especially on the back and neck. A lot of people are familiar with cystic acne, one of the severest forms of the condition, but it can also appear in small lumps, whiteheads, blackheads and papules.
At 111 Harley St., we know that all skin is different and will always complete a full, bespoke assessment to help target your acne at the source. This may include creating a profile of your diet and lifestyle to help you identify any triggers.
We treat acne with a 360° angle, alleviating not only active acne, but also targeting its aftereffects, such as scarring or uneven texture. With our range of state-of-the-art treatments, like Potenza, ClearSkin and 111SKIN Clarity facials, we’re able to effectively treat any type of acne we see. Combined with our bespoke approach, we’ll establish the best course of action most suited to you and your skin need.
Symptoms of acne include a large number of spots (bumps, whiteheads or blackheads) that can often populate in places such as the face, chin, neck and back. If you have smaller, crater-like bumps, you might be suffering from sebaceous hyperplasia, which is often confused for acne.
The end of the spot will have a blackhead due to the oil turning brown when exposed to air - this means that the pore is already open. With these types of spots, you need to be careful not to damage the lining of the pore when removing the head.
Blackhead
Whiteheads are plugged pores that may appear red around the edges and have white pus at the end. The pores are closed.
Whitehead
Papules are usually small red bumps, which may be sore or tender to touch.
Papules
These are papules with pus at their tips.
Pimples or pustules
These are severe and large spots. They may be hard to touch and might also be painful. They appear under the skin.
Nodules
Cystic spots are under the skin lumps with pus. They might be sore or painful to touch.
Cystic spotThe inflammatory skin condition can affect up to 80% of the population at any given time in their lives.
Acne predominantly affects teenagers and females over the male counterpart. Still, it can also affect adults and men due to hormonal changes that occur through puberty, which can increase oil production and breakouts. A high level of testosterone in teenage boys is a common trigger. In contrast, hormonal changes that women experience during their monthly cycle, pregnancy, or use of contraceptive pills can also have the same effect.
More teenage boys suffer from acne than teenage girls. They might develop acne at around 15, dissipating at about 19 or 20, whereas teenage girls will develop acne at a younger age of approximately 13, levelling out at around 17.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of acne. If your parents have ever had acne, you’re genetically predisposed to developing it.
Oil production can be a regular part of skin maintenance. However, acne and breakouts can develop when the sebaceous glands become overactive and produce an excessive amount of oil the pores can become blocked with debris, grime and dead skin cells.
Acne can develop as a result of diet, lifestyle, hormones or genetics. Occasionally, other conditions can also trigger acne such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
While there isn’t an acne gene, you’re more likely to develop acne if your parents have ever suffered from it.
Certain foods that are high in refined sugar are known to spike sugar levels and increase the levels of cortisol, which can lead to the overstimulation of oil production. The spike in insulin levels also causes inflammation throughout the body, including your skin.
The smoke, chemicals and toxins within polluted environments can block your pores with dust and dirt.
Stress can contribute to acne formation due to the increase in the stress hormone cortisol that stimulates excess sebum production. It also weakens the immune system, allowing propionibacterium acne to develop.
It’s thought that an increase in the male hormones androgens found in both men and women, can overstimulate oil glands. As a result, pores enlarge, and the lining becomes thicker, preventing the oil from being able to escape the pore.
Often, products that are unsuitable for our skin can cause irritation. Applying topical products is usually a case of trial and error, but you can reduce your chances of breaking out by using products that are suitable for your skin type and needs. If you’re experiencing acne, it’s best to opt-for oil-free makeup (use mineral products), and avoid creams that are thick and greasy.
At 111 Harley St., we’ll assess your type of acne through a skin diagnosis and will determine the causes to create a custom acne programme that will suit your needs.
Each case of acne is unique, and some types of acne will respond better to particular treatments or a combination approach.
If your acne has become cystic, you may decide to see your local GP before considering treatment. If other forms of oral treatment haven’t worked, a Dermatologist might advise an oral medication such as Isotretinoin/Roaccutane. However, these treatments carry risks and are not suitable for everyone’s needs, particularly if you might be pregnant or have other skin conditions.
Every acne treatment will usually include a professional extraction to remove the impurities as well as a recommended product prescription.
The 4-mode microneedling system will benefit those that suffer from any form of acne scarring. The treatment uses nine different tips and single-needled handpieces to deliver shallow and deep treatments to precisely texturally improve the skin and stimulate the skin’s natural healing process overall.
Potenza can treat and improve all types of acne scarring that have been both persistent and stubborn on the skin and body. As the treatment triggers collagen and elastin production, this process helps smooth and improve texture, even skin and repair scars. The needle technology requires minimal downtime and in a fraction of the time, meaning this is the latest treatment for skin rejuvenation that can be done all year round.
The treatment will start with a thorough consultation where you will discuss the treatment, goals and expected results with our expert practitioners. We will then assess your skin and devise a suitable and bespoke acne programme utilising our Potenza treatment.
During the treatment, expect ultrafine needles to pass over the face or body with radiofrequency energy to trigger new collagen and elastin. The specialised ‘Tiger Tip’ technology comes at two different depths of treatment in one pass, reducing discomfort and treating more tissue simultaneously. Potenza also has a patented ‘cushion plus’ technology where collagen stimulators can be delivered with precise depth to release RF energy and help remodel scars and stimulate collagen overall.
This treatment is suitable for all skin types but works exceptionally well on those who suffer from acne, acne scarring, and texture concerns due to the skin condition.
Typically results can be seen immediately after, but the building of collagen and elastin can be expected to be seen anywhere between 4-6 weeks after treatment, with results lasting up to 18 weeks.
The microneedling tip is placed on the epidermis. The microneedles then penetrate the tissue at different depths for optimal results. They simultaneously use radiofrequency energy to be directly applied to the targeted area. As a result, collagen and elastin production begins post-treatment, with results seen even weeks after.
The non-fractional laser and vacuum treatment ClearSkin will benefit acne sufferers by removing clogged pores, as well as destroying bacteria. The treatment also reduces sebaceous activity to keep your skin oil-free for longer.
ClearSkin can treat all types of acne and is also suitable for acne scarring. As the treatment stimulates collagen renewal, it helps to regenerate the texture of the skin and repair scars.
Without downtime or side effects, ClearSkin purifies your skin and deeply cleanses it from the inside, leaving it looking clear and radiant.
The treatment will start with a consultation where we will discuss your treatment goals and determine the type and severity of your acne. Based on the assessment, we will devise a custom acne programme.
During the treatment, the nurse will use a hand-held device to make passes over the skin-this will follow with a gentle vacuum.
This treatment is suitable for all skin types. Clearskin works well for those who have acne-prone, or oily skin and large pores. We use this treatment for those with active acne and can treat acne scarring, but for those who no longer have acne and are looking to treat their scarring alone, they may benefit more so from iPixel.
Approximately 30 minutes.
The treatment addresses three primary causes of acne, including excess oils, dead skin cells (which block the pores and can stretch their lining) and bacteria. The laser penetrates and targets bacteria while minimising oil-producing activity. It’s a non-ablative laser and heats the dermal layer beneath the skin without damaging it.
Meanwhile, on the surface of the skin, the built-in vacuum technology sucks the debris, oils and dead skin cells from the pores. Due to ClearSkin’s collagen stimulating properties, it’s a treatment that is effective in reducing acne scarring too.
Chemical skin peels work to treat acne by exfoliating and removing debris from the skin, helping to unblock pores while reducing oiliness at the same time.
A skin peel allows for healthy new skin cells to form in the place of the dead skin cells. They also help to reduce inflammatory pigmentation that may have been caused by acne scarring.
To treat acne effectively, you may require a number of peels over several months. The peels vary in strength and ingredients, and your practitioner will customise them to your needs.
The treatment begins with a consultation where your practitioner will assess your skin to decipher your skin conditions and the best course of treatment.
Certain peels like Cosmelan or Enerpeel may require skin preparation with the use of at-home products in the lead up to your appointment. Your practitioner will prescribe a list of recommended products that will be suitable for you or provide you with the appropriate preparation kit.
If we’re treating you with a Cosmelan peel, we’ll require you to use a prepping de-pigmentation kit before your initial treatment to prepare your skin for the peel.
During your treatment, your practitioner will double cleanse and prepare the skin by applying a barrier cream around sensitive areas and remove all sebum to aid penetration of the acids.
Following this, we will apply the peel of choice and leave it on for a few minutes before neutralising or removing the peel. A neutraliser will prevent the acid from working on the skin, whereas a removal wipe will leave the acid active on the skin to continue improving the complexion following treatment.
Chemical skin peels are suitable for anyone who is looking for overall skin rejuvenation and an improvement in skin tone and texture. Or, those who have:
The duration of the treatment will depend on your custom needs. Some peels may be left on for longer, depending on your needs and tolerance to treatment. Typically, it’ll take around 30 minutes.
Chemical skin peels vary in strength and substance and are either superficial, medium or deep depending on your skin concerns and skin type.
The acids and other active compounds react with the skin and dissolve the outermost layers of the skin to reveal a fresher, clearer and brighter complexion. Chemical skin peels also promote collagen and elastin growth that will encourage the growth of healthier skin.
Using LED light therapy, the Lightfinity Express facial can help treat acne with a combination approach. It’s a gentle and quick photofacial that is suitable for all skin types and pregnant women.
Blue light wavelengths have anti-bacterial properties and can reduce redness, while the red light stimulates collagen renewal and encourages the removal of debris and dirt.
Through altering biological skin cell activity, the treatment provides a healthier complexion and accelerates healing.
Celluma LED light therapy works to calm redness and inflammation by triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The treatment promotes overall skin health by improving circulation and boosts your skincare regime by allowing greater absorption of skincare ingredients.
Phototherapy can alter biological activity to encourage skin cells to improve their performance and efficiency- this process can promote the body’s healing mechanisms to speed up tissue repair and fortify the skin’s epidermal barrier. In turn, this can improve inflammatory skin conditions (and their symptoms) like psoriasis and dermatitis.
LED light therapy can also kill acne bacteria to help reduce acne, while fibroblast activity synthesises collagen production to improve acne scars (and other wounds) and skin texture.
Approximately 1 hour.
This gentle facial uses a combination of acne products, steaming, laser and extraction to treat the patient’s specific acne concerns. We often recommend this treatment as part of an ongoing acne programme to maintain results and manage acne symptoms.
The treatment helps to remove and dislodge blackheads and control oil production, as well as improving overall skin tone.
The Clarity facial is a luxury, yet gentle acne-focused facial that addresses the patient’s specific concerns such as comedones or breakouts in a particular area. The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove impurities and debris from the pores.
Using a tailored selection of 111SKIN acne-focused products, exfoliation ensues to dislodge blackheads and dead skin cells, and encourage cellular renewal for a brighter and clearer complexion.
Steaming helps to unclog pores further and soften blackheads, preventing infection, irritation and future breakouts.
Combining warm steam with massaging promotes the circulation of the skin to enhance radiance and reduce puffiness and sagging. Also, your practitioner will use extraction on stubborn congested areas.
With ongoing facials, the treatment can also improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production.
Around 1 hour.
Please note, all consultations are subject to the applicable consultation change or deposit.
In-clinic OR Virtual Consultation
Refundable £50 deposit required to secure your complimentary
consultation, redeemable against treatment
To request a consultation, please complete this form.
In-clinic OR Virtual Consultation
Refundable £50 deposit required to secure your complimentary
consultation, redeemable against treatment
Potenza has worked great for me, I have purchased a second course as it has done more than just work on my scars from acne it’s toned and lifted my skin- especially around lower face 🙂
HailunRachael has really help my skin over the years with acne and the marks it has on and off left behind. I highly recommend this clinic for their skills and advance machines. I have been to more local clinics/salons and never received the same level of aftercare and thought with treatments for my face.
LilyI am incredibly happy with the results from my first Potenza treatment with Rachael last month. My acne scars have already lightened in such a short space of time. Thank you
SyraI am thrilled with my results after 6/7 Potenza for my acne scarring! I have tried many things with no success. 111 HARLEY ST. GIVE THE BEST ADVICE. Rachael preformed all of my treatments and done all with great care. Thank you.
Patrick McPotenza helped tremendously with my acne scars! Violeta is amazing at providing the treatment!
XiaWe'd love your feedback! Please leave a review on our website and Trustpilot
