Best Facial for Acne-Prone Skin in Nottingham

When your skin is prone to breakouts, finding a facial that actually helps rather than irritates can feel overwhelming. At Skin Lab By Leah, we specialise in acne-focused treatments tailored to your unique skin concerns, whether you’re managing teenage breakouts, hormonal adult acne, or scarring left behind.

In this guide, we explore which facial treatments work best for acne-prone skin, how they target the root causes, and what kind of results you can expect from a professional facial in Nottingham.

Understanding Acne-Prone Skin: More Than Just Pimples

Acne isn’t just about oily skin or clogged pores. It can be influenced by hormones, stress, diet, skincare habits, and even the weather. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, and why our facials always begin with a personalised consultation.

Some common acne triggers we see at our Nottingham skincare clinic include:

• Overuse of harsh skincare
• Hormonal fluctuations (especially in women)
• Inflammation or sensitivity
• Congestion due to sweat or makeup

This is why we recommend skin assessments before suggesting treatments. A calming hydrating facial might be ideal for someone with dry, breakout-prone skin, while another client may need a targeted chemical peel for acne scars.

Microneedling: Acne Scar Reduction and Skin Smoothing

Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for post-acne scarring and enlarged pores. It works by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger your skin’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Unlike some more aggressive treatments, microneedling can be suitable even for sensitive or darker skin tones when administered professionally. At Skin Lab By Leah, we use sterile, medical-grade devices to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective.

Some common questions clients ask us:

Does microneedling cause breakouts?
It’s rare, but purging can happen if you have very congested skin. That’s why we often start with a deep cleansing facial or oxygen facial to prepare the skin first.

How long before I see results?
Most clients notice improvement in skin texture and a reduction in acne scars after 3-4 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Explore Microneedling in Nottingham and how it helps target acne scars safely.

LED Light Therapy: Reducing Inflammation & Killing Bacteria

Blue LED light therapy is well-documented for killing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for inflamed breakouts. Red LED, on the other hand, promotes healing and reduces redness, while near-infrared light helps with deep inflammation.

Many clients with active breakouts find LED to be a calming, non-invasive add-on to their facials. It can be especially helpful after treatments like CoolJet Plasma or exfoliation, to soothe the skin and speed up recovery.

For teenage acne, we often pair LED with a gentle blackhead removal facial or dermaplaning to keep pores clear.

Chemical Peels for Congestion & Acne Scars

Chemical peels get a bad reputation for being too harsh, but that’s often due to poorly matched products. At Skin Lab By Leah, our chemical peels are tailored to your skin type , from light salicylic acid peels for oily skin to lactic acid-based peels for drier, more sensitive types.

Will my skin peel?
Not always. Some of our light peels result in minimal flaking, while deeper peels may involve more visible shedding. Either way, we always provide guidance on how to prep and care for your skin before and after a facial.

Peels help:

• Unclog pores
• Fade post-acne pigmentation
• Improve rough skin texture

Learn more about our Chemical Peel treatments in Nottingham.

CoolJet Plasma: For Stubborn Breakouts and Sagging Skin

For clients who want to tackle both acne and skin ageing, CoolJet Plasma is a powerful non-invasive option. It delivers plasma energy into the skin without damaging the surface, helping to:

• Kill acne-causing bacteria
• Stimulate collagen
• Reduce fine lines and pigmentation

CoolJet is particularly useful for those dealing with post-acne texture issues and signs of early ageing.

You can read more about this rejuvenating option here: CoolJet Plasma Treatment.

How Often Should You Get a Facial for Acne?

For clients managing moderate to severe acne, we often recommend a facial every 3-4 weeks to keep skin clear and progress steady. Treatments can be adjusted depending on how your skin responds.

Gentle treatments like LED and hydrating facials can be done more frequently, while deeper treatments like peels or microneedling are best spaced out for skin healing.

Choosing the Right Acne Facial in Nottingham

Still unsure what’s right for you? Here's a quick guide:

We offer free consultations at our Nottingham skincare clinic, so you’ll never be left guessing. Our aim is to educate and support, not upsell, so you feel confident every step of the way.