5th May 2025
Let's talk acne treatment...
Did you know that 11.5% of UK adults (according to a Click2Pharmacy 2022 acne survey) are currently suffering with acne and as many as 1 in 4 young adults also suffer. If any of you beauty pros have clients with acne, we offer some fantastic chemical peels and skincare for acne including NCSKIN, Visopeel, ESR, Déesse Pro, +maskology and +serumology. These treatments will help you deliver the best results in your clinic or salon, and offering results-driven skincare for your clients to carry on caring for their skin at home will drive incremental retail revenue… win win!
The impact of acne on people's lives
Deep breakouts can lead to painful sores, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and permanent acne scarring if left untreated.
With 34% of UK adults having suffered with acne at some point in their lives, many of us know the effect acne can have on our mental health, including issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulty and low confidence. Social media can also exacerbate the problem by creating unrealistic beauty goals for acne sufferers, with influencers using filters to show artificially, flawless appearances.
Acne myths vs facts:
Myth: Acne is caused by dirt.
Fact: Acne is primarily caused by clogged pores due to oil and dead skin cells, hormonal fluctuations, bacteria, and inflammation, not a lack of cleanliness.
Myth: Over washing the face can cure acne.
Fact: Over washing can irritate the skin and worsen acne; gentle cleansing twice a day is sufficient.
Myth: Acne is contagious.
Fact: Acne is not a contagious skin condition and cannot spread from person to person.
Myth: Makeup causes acne.
Fact: While certain makeup products can clog pores, the main issue is often improper removal of makeup, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
What is acne?...
Acne is a common skin condition caused by clogged pores and inflamed oil glands, often leading to breakouts and lesions that typically appear on the face, back, and chest.
What are blackheads?
Whiteheads form when a pore is clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are closed at the surface, leaving a small, raised bump that appears white or flesh-coloured. Most common on the face, chest and back, and in people with oily skin.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads form when a pore is clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are closed at the surface, leaving a small, raised bump that appears white or flesh-coloured. Most common on the face, chest and back, and in people with oily skin.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that develops deep beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in large, painful, inflamed cysts, which can often require medication before treatment. Caused by clogged pores, sebum, bacteria and inflammation, cystic acne is often triggered by hormonal imbalances and is common in teenagers and adults with oily or acne-prone skin.
What are the causes of acne?...
Acne is often associated with hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, but can also be exacerbated by stress, diet, genetics, skincare habits and certain medications, which include:
Hormonal changes:
Fluctuations in hormones, such as during puberty or menstruation, can increase oil production, which leads to clogged pores.
Genetics:
Some people may be genetically more likely to have oily skin and blackheads, making them more prone to acne.
Stress:
Stress can also increase sebum production and worsens acne.
Certain medication:
Some medication can cause changes in the skin that lead to clogged pores.
Comedogenic skincare:
Some skincare, especially those that are pore-clogging, can contribute to blackheads.
As a beauty professional, you will often see plenty of clients with acne, so it's a good opportunity to ensure you are offering the right acne treatments and acne skincare to solve their skin concerns – and give your clients the best skin of their lives. Our popular brand, NCSKIN, started in lockdown with the aim of treating acne and other skin conditions at home.
NCSKIN was founded in the UK by skincare specialists Ray and Ronnie, to help anyone with skin concerns – especially those with acne. With a focus on delivering real skin transformations, their mission is to improve skin health and restore their clients’ confidence. The range includes professional chemical peels, serums, cleansing balms and moisturisers, perfect for salons, clinics and spas who offer aesthetic beauty treatments and skincare routines for clients to take home.
Why acne?
10 years ago, Ronnie started offering skin treatments in his clinic, specialising in acne and scarring. Then in 2020, Ronnie and Ray launched their first NCSKIN skincare product. Since then, the collection has grown and there’s now ‘something for everybody and anybody.’
We caught up with Ronnie and Ray on how they treat acne, their treatment plans and the retail products they recommend for their clients.
How to get rid of acne
“My recommendation is to perform the Acne Fix chemical peel in-clinic and then follow-up with post-treatment Salicylic Acid Cleansing Jelly and Azelaic Acid Serum at home.” Ronnie
How to get rid of acne scars
Ronnie and Ray recommend using Glow Fix chemical peel in-clinic and then advise the client to follow-up with Azelaic Acid Serum at home.
“To progress in-clinic results, it is essential to use the products at home.”
Ronnie and Ray, NCSKIN
NCSKIN treats many skin concerns. Here are their recommended skincare routines:
The importance of a good skincare routine
We couldn’t help but ask Ronnie and Ray the secret to their amazing, glowing skin, by getting the lowdown on their own daily skincare routines…
Ronnie’s skincare routine: Glow Jelly Cleanser, Soothing Toner, Hydra Repair Serum, with a pump of Azelaic Acid Serum.
Ray’s skincare routine: Glow Jelly Cleanser, Soothing Toner, followed by Hydra Repair Moisturiser.
NCSKIN acne treatment results
NCSKIN chemical peels deliver transformative improvements to the skin, especially their clients with acne, and these before and afters speak for themselves @needlesandcreams
NCSKIN client testimonial.
Our top picks for in-clinic acne treatments
- The ESR skin needling pen – microneedling is a fantastic, advanced treatment for acne scars, open pores and fine lines and this skin needling pen features blue LED light therapy for soothing and sterilisation effects. Clinically proven to help improve skin texture, fine lines and scarring, this cordless needling pen has various needle depth settings to enhance results and 4 adjustable speeds, to help make the treatment less painful for your client.
LED masks
- +maskology photon LED light therapy facial mask - for cutting edge facial treatments in your beauty salon or clinic, the +maskology photon LED light therapy facial mask features infrared light therapy for ageing skin, purple light therapy, specifically to target acne flare-ups and blemishes and blue light to target acne scarring.
- Déesse PRO LED facial mask - Loved by celebrities, Déesse PRO increases the production of collagen and elastin to improve texture and tone and fine lines. The mask includes a ‘purifying’ treatment mode especially for spot-prone skin, among treating other skin complaints, such as ageing and discolouration. It also has skin calming properties and is ideal for post-injectable treatments.
Chemical peels
NCSKIN professional chemical peel treatments:
- NCSKIN Professional Acne Fix – targets all kinds of acne, from minor to hormonal to cystic. An intensive treatment, it completely kills bacterial growth.
- NCSKIN Professional Glow Fix – maintains and treats post-acne scarring, melasma, sun damage and the signs of ageing.
Jenny MacBride, our Academy Development Manager, gave us a quick introduction to Visopeel skin treatments.
“Visopeel is a superficial facial peel incorporating 1% salicylic acid and 25% glycolic acid, with each playing an important role. Salicylic acid (BHA) works deep into the pores, dissolving excess sebum and dead skin cells. Helping with acne, congested and irritated skin, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and 1% is low, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin or anyone that hasn’t had a peel before. It can also be used as a stepping stone before your clients progress onto stronger skin peels. Visopeel also contains 25% glycolic acid (AHA) which works on the surface layers of the skin, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal fresh, smoother skin. Glycolic acid can also stimulate collagen production and enhance cell turnover, which will improve skin texture, leaving your client with an instantly refreshed and rejuvenated glow. Your clients may experience a slight tingling, but it is not painful and there is no downtime. Their skin may look slightly pink, but it does settle quickly.”
Our top picks for at home skincare
For the best results for your clients following their treatment, it’s essential that they use skincare products at home. Offering the right products that work for your clients also gives you the opportunity to maximise your retail revenue.
- +maskology Niacinamide Professional Sheet Mask - this biodegradable face mask is infused with restorative ingredients to help heal blemishes and break down dead cells, for visibly healthier-looking skin. Enriched with chia seed, essential vitamins and antioxidants, the natural ingredients help improve dryness, rebalance oily areas and reduce the visible signs of ageing.
- +serumology Niacinamide and Cica Daily Face Serum, 30ml - formulated with powerful antioxidants, helps to effectively control blemishes and imperfections to promote a smoother, clearer complexion. Including 100% plant-based ingredients, the vegan friendly formula is enriched with natural cica and chia seed, containing essential vitamins and antioxidants to instantly help rejuvenate the skin and improve dryness.
- NCSKIN Salicylic Acid Cleansing Jelly - the ultimate solution for anyone suffering with acne-prone or oily skin. Infused with 1% salicylic acid, the powerful yet gentle cleanser exfoliates dead skin cells to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, control excess oil and purify the skin - all without stripping away essential moisture.
- NCSKIN Azelaic Acid Serum – this powerful 20% azelaic acid serum is a game-changer for clients looking for a clearer and more radiant complexion. It’s effective for treating acne, hyperpigmentation and rosacea. It works by neutralising skin bacteria and promoting cell turnover for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
As acne is such a common condition, there’s an opportunity to offer clients in-clinic acne treatments, as well as at-home skincare for acne. You’ll see happier, more confident clients, and potentially, an upside for you and your business.
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