Acne, Oily & Congested Skin
Walthamstow
Professional treatments for breakouts, blackheads, blocked pores and excess oil
Understanding Acne, Oiliness & Congestion
Acne, excess oil and congestion are closely related, but they aren't necessarily the same thing.
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Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce more sebum (oil). When excess oil combines with dead skin cells, pores can become blocked, leading to congestion, blackheads and whiteheads.
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Acne develops when these blocked follicles are also affected by inflammation and other processes within the skin, which can result in red, inflamed spots and, in more severe cases, deeper nodules or cysts.
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Hormones, genetics, lifestyle and some skincare and cosmetic products can all influence the skin, and breakouts can affect both teenagers and adults.
EXCESS OIL PRODUCTION
Sebaceous glands produce more oil
BLOCKED PORES
Dead skin cells and oil can clog pores
BACTERIA & INFLAMMATION
Can lead to red, inflamed spots
HORMONAL INFLUENCES
Can trigger or worsen breakouts
What Can Acne & Congestion Look Like?
ACNE, OILINESS AND CONGESTION CAN APPEAR IN DIFFERENT WAYS, FROM BLOCKED PORES TO DEEPER, INFLAMED LESIONS.
BLACKHEADS​
​​Open comedones caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells, creating a darkened plug at the surface.​​​​​
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SEBACEOUS FILAMENTS
Natural structures that help carry oil to the skin’s surface and can appear as small grey, beige or yellowish dots.
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WHITEHEADS​
Closed comedones that form when oil and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface, creating small, pale bumps.​​​
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PAPULES & PUSTULES
Inflamed acne lesions that appear red and raised. Pustules also contain visible white or yellow fluid at the centre.​​
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NODULES & CYSTS
Deeper, more inflamed acne lesions that can feel tender or painful and have a greater risk of causing scarring​​​​​.
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OILY & CONGESTED SKIN
Excess sebum can leave skin looking shiny, with more noticeable pores, uneven texture and a tendency towards congestion.
What Can Influence Acne?
Acne is complex and can be influenced by a combination of factors. While we can’t always prevent breakouts, understanding what may be affecting your skin can help us manage it more effectively.
HORMONES
Hormonal changes can increase oil production and contribute to breakouts. Acne can be linked to puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and conditions such as PCOS.
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DIET
Research suggests that high-glycaemic diets may contribute to acne in some people, while dairy may also be associated with breakouts for some. Diet isn’t usually the only cause, but individual patterns can be worth considering.
STRESS & LIFESTYLE
Stress can aggravate acne in some people. Good sleep, managing stress and avoiding repeatedly touching, squeezing or picking the skin can all help support healthier skin.
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SKINCARE & MAKE UP
Some products can clog pores or irritate acne-prone skin. Choosing suitable, non-comedogenic skincare and makeup, alongside a consistent routine, can help manage oiliness, congestion and breakouts.
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GUT HEALTH
Research is exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome, inflammation and skin health. The gut–skin connection is an interesting area of research, but evidence for specific acne treatments or dietary changes is still developing.
Our Professional Treatments
We offer a range of results-driven treatments to target oiliness, congestion, breakouts and the marks acne can leave behind. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your skin and may include a combination of therapies.
When to See Your GP
Our treatments can support mild to moderate acne, oiliness and congestion, but they are not a replacement for medical acne treatment. We recommend speaking to your GP if your acne is moderate to severe, you have deep or painful nodules or cysts, your skin is beginning to scar, treatments aren't improving your acne, or your skin is affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing.
