Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
Get started today
Book a Consultation
Acne is a common skin condition caused by a combination of excess oil, blocked hair follicles, bacteria and
inflammation, often driven by hormones. It ranges from blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed spots and
deeper cysts, and it isn’t caused by poor hygiene. Most acne is very treatable — the key is matching treatment to its
type and severity, and treating early to reduce the risk of scarring. This guide explains the causes, types and how
acne is treated.
What Causes Acne
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, creating an environment where
the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes thrives and triggers inflammation. Hormones are a major driver —
which is why acne is common in the teens, around periods, and in conditions affecting hormones. It is
not caused by poor hygiene or, for most people, by specific foods, though some find certain triggers
worsen it.
The Types of Acne
- Comedonal — blackheads and whiteheads (blocked pores) without much inflammation.
- Inflammatory — red papules and pus-filled pustules.
- Nodulocystic — deeper, painful nodules and cysts, with the highest risk of scarring.
Knowing the type matters because it guides treatment — and more severe or scarring acne needs earlier, stronger management.
How Acne Is Treated
Treatment is matched to severity. Mild acne often responds to topical treatments (such as benzoyl
peroxide, topical retinoids or azelaic acid). Moderate acne may need prescription topical or oral
treatments (including antibiotics or, for suitable patients, hormonal options). Severe or scarring acne may warrant
referral for isotretinoin, a powerful prescription medication managed by a specialist. Choosing the
right path is covered in finding the right acne treatment.
Book an assessment for tailored advice.
Protecting Against Scarring
The single most important thing is to treat active acne effectively and not pick or squeeze, as
this drives inflammation and scarring. Treating early, especially inflammatory or cystic acne, is the best
scar-prevention there is. Where scarring has already happened, treatments such as resurfacing can help once the acne
is controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes acne?
- Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles, excess oil, the skin bacterium C. acnes and inflammation, often driven by hormones. It isn’t caused by poor hygiene, and for most people not by specific foods, though some notice individual triggers.
- How is acne treated?
- By matching treatment to severity: topical treatments for mild acne, prescription topical or oral treatments for moderate acne, and specialist-managed isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne. Early treatment reduces the risk of scarring.
- How do I avoid acne scars?
- Treat active acne effectively and avoid picking or squeezing spots, which drives scarring. Treating inflammatory or cystic acne early is the best prevention; established scars can be improved with resurfacing once the acne is controlled.
Share this Post
