The Importance Of Acne Awareness – And The Acne Treatments That Actually Work

Acne affects millions of people across the UK. It is more than a skin condition. In fact, it is also a confidence, mental health and self-esteem problem. So in this guide, we explore the scale of the problem and why acne is genuinely difficult to treat. We also share the most effective adult acne treatments at MediZen — for anyone struggling with acne or acne scarring.

How Common Is Acne In The UK?

June is Acne Awareness Month, so there has never been a more important time to talk about it. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. Yet it remains one of the most misunderstood, and far too few people get proper treatment. Often, sufferers hear that they should wait it out, wash their face more often, or change their diet. In reality, the causes run much deeper.

Research in the British Journal of Dermatology shows acne diagnosis rates are rising, both globally and here in the UK. Approximately 14.65% of adolescents and young adults in the UK now have a formal acne diagnosis. However, the true figure is almost certainly higher, because many people manage the condition without ever seeking medical help.

The NHS reports that 95% of people aged 11 to 30 experience acne to some degree. Meanwhile, around 3% of adults over the age of 35 still deal with active acne. That figure is climbing too, as adult-onset acne becomes more common, particularly among women.

What Causes Acne?

One of the most persistent myths is that acne only affects teenagers. Another is that poor hygiene or a bad diet causes it. In reality, acne is far more complex. It can affect anyone, at any age, no matter how carefully they look after their skin.

At its core, acne develops when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sebum is an oily substance, and a natural, necessary part of healthy skin. However, when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it blocks the hair follicles. This creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. As a result, you get inflammation, spots, cysts and nodules.

So what drives overactive sebaceous glands? The primary factor is hormones. Androgens – male hormones present in both men and women – are the key trigger. They stimulate the glands to enlarge and pump out more sebum. This is why puberty so often brings breakouts. It also explains why many women break out around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or through perimenopause. In other words, hormonal shifts at any stage of life can reignite or worsen acne. Diet, lifestyle and stress can act as secondary triggers. However, these factors rarely cause acne on their own.

The Invisible Impact Of Acne

The impact of acne goes far beyond the skin. Living with acne carries a profound psychological and emotional burden. Yet people who have never experienced it routinely underestimate that burden. In fact, research consistently links acne with:

Reduced self-esteem and confidence. Many people with acne describe avoiding social situations, hiding their skin under heavy makeup, or avoiding the camera altogether.

Anxiety and depression. Studies consistently find significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among people with acne than in the general population.

Impact on relationships and career. Acne affects how people present themselves in professional and personal settings. Many report avoiding job interviews, first dates or important events when their skin is at its worst.

Why Is Acne Difficult To Treat?

If acne were easy to treat, it would not have affected millions of people over the years. In truth, it remains one of the most challenging skin conditions to manage. There are several reasons why.

No single cause means no single solution. Genetics, hormones, skin type, lifestyle and environment all drive acne. As a result, no universal treatment works for everyone. What clears one person’s skin may do nothing for another’s. So finding the right approach often takes some trial and error.

Over-the-counter products fall short. The skincare aisles overflow with products that target acne-prone skin, and many people spend years working through them. However, most contain low concentrations of active ingredients. They simply cannot penetrate deeply enough to tackle the underlying causes of acne. For very mild cases, they may help. But for moderate to severe acne, they rarely deliver meaningful results.

Prescription treatments have limitations. Doctors use topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal therapies to treat acne, and these can work well. However, they are not without challenges, and many patients experience significant side effects. Importantly, most of these treatments only work while you take them. Once you stop, the acne often returns.

Acne keeps coming back. For many people, it is a chronic, cyclical condition. Even after the skin clears, hormonal shifts, stress or other triggers can bring breakouts straight back. Naturally, this cycle is exhausting. In fact, it is one of the main reasons people come to us. By then, they have often tried a wide range of treatments without lasting success.

MediZen’s Most Effective Adult Acne Treatments

At MediZen, our team of GMC-registered doctors and skin specialists takes a personalised, science-backed approach to adult acne treatment. Below are the four treatments we recommend most often for effective, long-lasting results.

AviClear

AviClear is the world’s first FDA-cleared laser treatment for mild, moderate and severe acne. Topical treatments and antibiotics manage acne on the surface or systemically. AviClear works differently, because it targets the condition at its source — the sebaceous glands.

AviClear selectively heats and suppresses the sebaceous glands. This reduces their ability to overproduce the sebum that triggers breakouts. Because it targets the acne directly rather than the whole body, side effects stay minimal. Each session lasts just 30 minutes, and we usually recommend three sessions, four to six weeks apart.

In trials, 90% of patients saw significant improvement six months after their final session. Even better, results kept improving over time. By 12 months, 92% of patients had cleared at least half of their acne. Crucially, AviClear suits all skin types and tones. This makes it one of the most inclusive acne treatments available. Best of all, there is no downtime, so patients return to normal activities straight after each session.

Chemical Peel + Laser Genesis

Peel Genesis combines two highly effective treatments: chemical peels and Laser Genesis. Together, they tackle both active acne and the post-acne scarring it leaves behind. As a result, it is one of our most versatile and impactful acne treatment options.

The chemical peel exfoliates the outer layer of skin. In doing so, it removes the dead cells that block pores and feed breakouts. This controlled exfoliation also speeds up skin cell turnover. Over time, that helps fade post-acne pigmentation and smooth shallow, depressed scars.

Laser Genesis then complements the peel by reaching deeper into the dermis. This gentle, non-ablative laser reduces redness, calms inflammation and stimulates collagen production below the surface. As a result, it is particularly effective for acne scarring. It also helps scarred skin look more even in tone and texture.

Medical-Grade Skincare

Many people with acne have tried countless over-the-counter products without meaningful results. Drug-store skincare simply contains low concentrations of active ingredients. As a result, it cannot penetrate deeply enough to make a real difference. Medical-grade skincare is fundamentally different. It packs higher concentrations of clinically proven actives, so it penetrates deeper and delivers more targeted results.

At MediZen, we offer a carefully curated range of medical-grade skincare brands. These include Obagi Medical, ZO Skin Health and AlumierMD. Key ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulphur help control breakouts, reduce inflammation and minimise scarring. When you use them consistently, these formulations support healthy cell turnover and strengthen the skin barrier. In turn, they improve both active acne and the marks it leaves behind.

On its own, though, skincare is rarely enough. For the best results, you should pair it with a suitable in-clinic acne treatment. We tailor every recommendation to your skin type and concerns after a personalised consultation.

Secret PRO (CO2 Laser)

For patients whose main concern is acne scarring, Secret PRO is our most advanced option. It combines fractional CO2 laser resurfacing with radiofrequency (RF) microneedling in a single device.

The fractional CO2 laser targets the outer layers of skin. There, it creates thousands of microscopic channels that trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response. This stimulates significant collagen remodelling and resurfaces the skin’s texture. Meanwhile, the RF microneedling reaches the deeper dermal layers and boosts collagen and elastin from within. Together, this dual action breaks down scar tissue and rebuilds healthier, smoother skin. To explore your options in more depth, read our guide to treating acne scars with advanced laser treatments.

Why Choose MediZen For Adult Acne Treatment In Birmingham?

Dr David Eccleston founded MediZen back in 1999, and he brings over 25 years of experience in medical aesthetics. Here is what sets our clinic apart:

• Doctor-led: our medical director personally oversees every acne patient
• CQC registered: one of the few aesthetic clinics in Birmingham registered with the Care Quality Commission
• Save Face accredited: a government-approved register of qualified, vetted practitioners
• Results focused: 95% of our patients rated their treatment results as Good or Very Good in a recent satisfaction survey

You will find our clinic in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. To book a consultation, call 0121 308 4373 or book online.

Adult Acne Treatment FAQs