Breakouts
Active inflammatory acne
May be considered alongside a suitable acne-care plan to improve breakouts and skin appearance.
Explore acne & scars →Laser & light treatments
ClearSkinin Colchester
A non-ablative Harmony laser treatment considered for active acne and selected textural changes left by acne.
Book a consultationThe treatment
What is ClearSkin?
ClearSkin uses a 1540 nm fractional Er:Glass laser with cooling and vacuum-assisted contact. It delivers energy into the skin while leaving the surface largely intact.
For acne, it is used within an overall management plan rather than as a substitute for diagnosing and treating the cause. For acne scarring, the aim is gradual texture improvement; deeper scars may need a different or combined approach.
In brief
What to expect
After assessment, the applicator treats selected areas of skin. You may feel warmth or brief pulses. The settings, number of treatments and any combination with medical acne care are tailored to you.
Personalised assessment: We review your medical history, skin, treatment area and any reasons to defer treatment.
Best suited toActive acne; selected acne scars
ComfortWarmth or brief pulses
DowntimeUsually 24-48 hours of redness or sensitivity; occasionally up to three days
CourseTypically four to six sessions, around two to three weeks apart
01 / Concerns
Where may ClearSkin fit?
We distinguish active breakouts from established scarring before recommending treatment.
Texture
Uneven texture after acne
May support gradual improvement in some superficial textural changes. Deep pitted scars may need another procedure.
Areas
Face or other suitable areas
The area, severity, skin type and active inflammation determine the plan.
Assessment
Acne that needs medical treatment
Persistent, painful, widespread or scarring acne should be medically assessed; laser is one option within the wider plan.
02 / Your plan
Treat acne and scars differently
The course depends on whether we are addressing active inflammation, texture or both.
Course
How many sessions?
For active acne, a course of around four to six sessions, usually spaced two to three weeks apart, is commonly advised. Scar treatment may need a different or combined plan. We review progress during the course.
Review
When will I see a difference?
Some patients notice calmer skin after the first few treatments; a clearer change in breakouts is often assessed after two to four sessions. Acne-scar texture changes more slowly and is usually reviewed over several months.
03 / Treatment & recovery
What happens at an appointment?
A skin and medical history helps us plan treatment safely.
Comfort
During treatment
Cooling is used, but brief heat or prickling may be felt. We explain the sensation before starting.
Recovery
Afterwards
Expect some redness, warmth or mild swelling. More intensive settings may have a longer visible recovery.
Aftercare
Skin care
We provide aftercare for cleansing, moisturising and sun protection and review active products that may irritate the skin.
Safety
Before treatment
We assess active infection, recent tanning, medicines and the risk of pigment change, especially in darker skin tones.
Helpful answers
ClearSkin FAQs
Can ClearSkin treat active acne?
Yes, it may be considered for suitable inflammatory acne. We first assess the type and severity of your breakouts and whether medical acne treatment should be started or continued alongside it.
Will it help acne scars as well?
ClearSkin may gradually improve some uneven texture. Deep, narrow or tethered scars often need a different treatment or a combination plan, which we will explain at consultation.
How many appointments will I need?
For active acne, we commonly discuss four to six sessions, usually two to three weeks apart. A scarring plan may differ, and we review your response during the course.
When might I notice a difference?
Some people notice calmer skin after the first few treatments. We usually assess changes in breakouts after two to four sessions; changes in scar texture develop more slowly over several months.
Is the treatment painful?
You may feel repeated warmth or brief prickling. The applicator includes cooling, and most patients find treatment manageable without a long recovery period.
What is the downtime?
Most people continue normal activities straight away. Redness, warmth or sensitivity usually settles within 24-48 hours, but may last up to three days, depending on the settings and your skin.
Is ClearSkin suitable for darker skin tones?
It may be suitable, but we assess your skin tone, recent sun exposure and risk of pigment change before choosing settings. A test patch may be recommended.
Can I continue my acne skincare?
Usually with some adjustments around treatment. We will review prescription creams, exfoliants and other active products and give you a clear preparation and aftercare plan.
Can acne return after a course?
Yes. Acne can be influenced by hormones, skin care and other factors. We will discuss maintenance and medical options where appropriate.
Start with an assessment
Let us assess your acne and scarring
We will separate active breakouts from established scars and explain whether ClearSkin belongs in your treatment plan.
Book a consultation ↗