Suffering with acne? Call Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for help and advice.

Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions affecting teenagers AND adult men and women, acne is one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding acne and its causes. In this month’s blog, our skin expert and nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim, helps separate fact from fiction.

Myth: A poor diet high in fat and dairy causes acne

Scientific research has not found any foods that directly cause acne, so far. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your overall health and wellbeing.

Myth: Acne is caused by having dirty skin and poor hygiene

NHS scientists suggest that most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin has no effect on your acne. And Sue says that washing your face more than twice a day could actually aggravate your skin.

Myth: Squeezing spots gets rid of acne

Although tempting, squeezing spots, blackheads or whiteheads can actually make your acne symptoms worse – and may leave you with scarring. Here are some of the acne treatments that we may recommend at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh Essex:

1. Prescription medications to reduce the outbreak of spots
2. Elan Medical Skin Systems for acne
3. LED Phototherapy to reduce facial redness
4. Elan Medical Skin Peels for superficial blemishes and scars
5. Intralesional Cyst Injections
6. Fractional Skin Resurfacing for deep acne scars
7. Surgical scar revision

Myth: Acne is infectious

This is a particularly nasty and hurtful myth that’s totally incorrect. You cannot pass acne to other people or catch it from close contact with someone with acne. The psychological effects of acne are often underestimated by GPs and friends and those affected can suffer from reduced self-esteem and confidence issues.

What causes acne?

The British Association of Dermatologists has a very helpful leaflet about acne, which explains:

The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads.

The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

Click here to read the full leaflet

Testosterone

Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of testosterone, which occurs during puberty. The hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys, and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls.

The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It’s thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.

We can help

If you suffer from acne, get advice early – please don’t suffer in silence. If you would like to ask our medical director & nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim a question, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

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Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.

It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.

Acne, you don’t have to live with it!

Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!

What causes acne?

The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.

Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.

How will your acne be diagnosed?

There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.

How can acne be treated?

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Treatment with topical creams (prescription and/or non-prescription)
• Treatment with oral antibiotics alongside topical creams
• Treatment with oral hormones that counteract the hormones that can trigger acne
• Isotretinoin tablets (Often referred to by the trade name Roaccutane (R))

There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:

• Intralesional steroid injections
• Acne Phototherapy
• Certain chemical peels
• Surgical cyst removal

And there are treatments that can help with scarring:

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing
• Medical Micro-needling
• Plasma soft surgery

Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.

If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!

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London skin expert from Elan Medical Skin Clinics can smooth and soothe your skin

In our last blog we talked about soothing lumps, bumps, rashes and itchy skin, this time it’s all about smoothing and rejuvenating our skin.

As well as having more than 30 years’ experience in dermatology, Elan Medical Skin Clinic director, Sue Ibrahim, has spent many years honing her cosmetic dermatology services. This means she can offer exceptional quality treatments including skin fillers, wrinkle relaxing injections, skin peels and plasma soft surgery.

Wrinkle reducing injections

Done properly, no-one should be able to tell you’ve had wrinkle reduction. By choosing the right practitioner to achieve your aim, you can rest assured that your appearance will be improved yet remain completely natural.

Wrinkle-relaxing injections are one of the most popular cosmetic medical treatments for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK. Our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 15 years’ experience in advanced wrinkle reduction procedures.

Skin fillers

Masters of dermal fillers have an exceptional knowledge of the skin – and Sue definitely fulfils this criteria. Skin fillers can provide truly excellent results and Elan Medical Skin Clinic is delighted to offer a new generation of dermal filler that is more comfortable and can last up to 18 months in the skin.

Skin peels

We are delighted to offer two of our own specially created skin peels, developed and formulated by Sue. Our chemical peels have been designed to refresh your skin, add vigour and lustre, and reduce blemishes, acne, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage.

Plasma soft surgery

Plasma soft surgery helps dramatically reduce hooded eyelids and bags under the eyes, as well as a host of concerns including treating skin imperfections such as warts and skin tags, and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Great, central London location

Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.

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London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Essex, soothes your skin this summer

Skin rashes, itchy skin and general lumps and bumps seem all the more noticeable and irritating during the summer when our skin is bared to the world.

The team at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London is led by Sue Ibrahim, a consultant nurse with more than 30 years’ dermatology experience. Sue knows skin, simple as that. She understands how certain health and skin problems can make you feel unhappy and self-conscious and what can be done to help alleviate your symptoms.

From acne, acne scarring, rosacea, melasma and psoriasis, to mole and cyst removal and treatments for dealing with excessive sweating, Sue uses the latest technology and up-to-date approaches to ensure the best results.

Dermatology consultation

If you have a skin concern, a dermatology consultation is your first step to resolving the problem and it is our hope that when two committed parties work together, desired results are achieved.

Most consultations last between 30 to 45 minutes and you will leave feeling fully informed and assessed. If you have an existing medical skin condition, your dermatology consultation includes a general assessment of your needs and a discussion about the range of treatment options available, both at Elan Medical Skin Clinics and those available elsewhere.

If you have a skin lesion, such as a mole, cyst, wart or lump that concerns you, this will be inspected using the latest dermatoscopic instrument so that a diagnosis can be made.

There is an £85 fee for an initial dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim and a private prescription, if required. Dermatology follow-up appointments are £35, inclusive of the repeat prescription fee.

Great, central London location

Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.

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Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s aesthetic therapist, Amy (pictured with Charlie when he was tiny) is returning in April

Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London is delighted to announce that Amy, our aesthetic therapist will be returning from maternity leave in April. So get in quick before her book fills up!

Amy is an experienced aesthetic therapist and her fields of expertise are:

Laser hair removal

We have invested in one of the very best laser hair removal machines available to ensure that people of all skin types, skin colours and hair types can achieve hair-free skin. The Soprano ICE can treat every part of the body, including the most intimate areas, painlessly, quickly and effectively. Underarms can be treated in less than 15 minutes and a full Hollywood takes less than an hour.

Facial and body skin tightening

The highly successful range of body tightening and skin contouring treatments offered at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex and central London can help re-shape, contour and tighten your skin. We use the latest technology that is designed to produce long-term results with minimal downtime. There are only a small number of clinics in the UK that provide the dual technology of fractional skin rejuvenation and near infra-red laser technology as a pain-free way to re-contour and boost your body.

Stretch mark removal

The Endymed 3Deep is the most technologically advanced radiofrequency treatment therapy available to revive and rejuvenate the natural production of new collagen and elastin. Treatment with the Intensif head triggers the skin’s natural healing process, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, acne and trauma scars. Your skin will also continue to improve up to a year after your last treatment session.

How do I request a cosmetic consultation?

Please call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can complete the online booking request form and pay your consultation fee online via PayPal. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Do you have scars that bother you? Speak to Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex

Scarring of the skin can cause considerable upset and embarrassment. At Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex, our nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 30 years’ experience in dealing with skin conditions. If you have a scar that causes you to feel unhappy and embarrassed about your appearance, please contact us today.

When a wound heals, it leaves a scar. A keloid is a special type of scar that grows too much and can even become larger than the original wound. Most people never get keloids and others get them after the most minor of injuries. Keloids look like exaggerated scars: they are raised above the skin around them and they are sometimes domed in shape.

Keloids are shiny and hairless and usually feel hard and rubbery. New ones are often red or purple, becoming darker or sometimes paler as they age. Most people with keloids have only one or two. However some people have many, especially if they have come up after acne or chickenpox scars.

Hypertrophic scars

It is not uncommon for surgical or injury scars to become a little lumpy and it is this characteristic that makes a scar hypertrophic. A keloid, which most commonly arise between the ages of 10 and 30, differs from hypertrophic scars in the following ways:

• A keloid can come up after very minor skin damage, such as an acne spot, or even if there has been no obvious damage to the skin at all.
• It can spread outside the original area of skin damage.
• It may last permanently.

Treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars

Keloids can be tender, painful, itchy, or cause a burning sensation. The main problem is that their appearance may cause embarrassment. If they are very tight, they can limit movement at nearby joints. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we treat keloid and hypertrophic scars either by a course of intralesional steroid injections or surgical removal.

A steroid solution is injected into abnormal skin, with the aim of improving its appearance or reducing symptoms such as itch or pain. The steroid preparation most frequently used in this procedure is called triamcinolone acetonide, and you may hear the procedure referred to as “intralesional triamcinolone”. Injections of a steroid (triamcinolone) into a keloid may help to flatten small early ones.

Risk factors

• Dark skinned people get keloids much more easily than those with a paler skin. They are especially common in people with black skin.
• Keloids can crop up anywhere but do so most easily on certain areas, such as the skin around the upper chest and shoulders – particularly over the breastbone (sternum) – and on the earlobes.
• Wounds that are under tension while healing, or which get infected, are particularly likely to form keloids, as are burn and acne scars.
• Having previously had a keloid increases the risk of getting another if subjected to trauma to their skin.
• Keloids are not contagious and have a very small risk of turning into skin cancers, which is more likely if they are treated with radiotherapy.

Thanks to the British Association of Dermatologists for information contained in this article.

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If you have acne scars, speak to Sue Ibrahim, nurse consultant in dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic to find out how she can help.

As if having acne wasn’t bad enough, the scarring left behind can cause as much upset as the acne itself. The medical micro-needling and fractional skin resurfacing treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic will significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, allowing you to feel more confident and happy with your complexion.

Acne can lead to scarring when the most severe types of spots – nodules and cysts – burst and damage the overlying skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick or squeeze your spots, so it is important to avoid doing this.

Treatments for acne scars

Micro-needling at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex increases the production of collagen and elastin to create smoother skin. Sue Ibrahim, our nurse consultant in dermatology, says treatment can be used on the face, neck and back. Treatment is safe, comfortable and suitable for all skin types.

• Safe for all skin types
• Virtually pain free
• Fast, visible, impressive results

Micro-medical needles are used to penetrate into the dermis of the skin. Treatment does not induce skin sensitivity to UV light and there is no risk of permanent skin discolouration.

After a medical micro-needling procedure your body will start to naturally regenerate and repair the skin, working below the surface in the dermis. This takes time as new collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced. It can take up to 6 weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair are seen. The process will continue over the following months, providing you with a natural and long lasting enhancement.

Be warned about home micro-needling devices, warns Sue Ibrahim

Micro-needling can also be used on thin skin that has been formerly treated with chemical peels and laser. You will experience little or no pain and a topical anaesthetic can be applied to make the procedure a pleasant experience. Treatment also enhances the penetration of skincare products by up to 40 times compared to normal application of cream on the surface of your skin. For more about our exclusive range of DermaActive skincare products, click here.

Sue Ibrahim warns patients not to use home micro-needling devices as they are of an inferior quality and should only be used once as the needles can become blunt. Apart from being painful, using blunt needles can cause lasting skin damage and infection. Micro-needling should only be carried out by qualified professionals at medical clinics, where patients will also receive local anaesthetic for their comfort.

Fractional skin resurfacing

Elan Medical Skin Clinic is very proud to be one of only a few clinics in the UK to offer fractional skin resurfacing. Fractional skin resurfacing combined with radio frequency skin tightening can help to improve the texture and quality of your skin. It successfully boosts the appearance of individual scars and treats acne scarring. It can also be used to treat deep winkles, stretch marks and other conditions requiring skin tightening.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic is dedicated to providing the safest, most effective cosmetic treatments on the market. This is why we use the EndyMed 3Deep Intensif Fractional Micro-needle Skin Remodelling System. EndyMed is a machine operated micro-needling system – that uses 25 gold needles – combined with radio skin frequency. Very often patients only require two treatments, making it a cost effective solution.

Outstanding treatment experience

EndyMed is committed to providing an outstanding treatment experience that is quick, and comfortable with no downtime. It delivers amazing immediate results that continue to improve for months after the completion of treatments.

Throughout the course of the Intensif treatment and for 3-5 months afterwards, the treated skin will be replaced by new, healthy and younger looking skin. The treated skin will become smoother, tighter and more vital. As most of the energy is delivered directly into the inner layer of the skin, you will experience no downtime. You may resume normal activities immediately after treatment – a considerable advantage over surgical interventions.

For more information about treating acne and acne scars please contact us or visit the Acne Academy and the British Association of Dermatology for details about the conditions.

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