How Clinical Skincare Treats Acne More Effectively Than High Street Brands

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, but not all treatments are created equal. If you’ve been relying on high street skincare for your breakouts and not seeing results, there’s a reason why. Clinical skincare, used and recommended by professionals, works on a completely different level because it’s designed to deliver real, measurable results.

In this post, we’ll explore why clinical-grade skincare outperforms over-the-counter (OTC) options when it comes to treating acne and how you can build a routine that actually works.

Why It Matters: Understanding the Root Causes of Acne

 Acne isn’t just about clogged pores or oily skin. It’s often a combination of:

• Excess sebum (oil)
• Bacterial overgrowth (P. acnes)
• Dead skin cell buildup
• Inflammation and hormonal shifts

To effectively treat acne, your skincare must do more than just strip away oil; it must address the following:

✅ Balance oil production

✅ Control bacteria

✅ Reduce inflammation

✅ Stimulate healthy cell turnover

✅ Strengthen the skin barrier

 5 Ways Clinical Skincare Treats Acne More Effectively

 

 

1. Medical-Grade Retinoids for Deep Cellular Renewal

Retinoids are the gold standard for treating acne, but the concentration, how they are delivered into the skin and stability all matter. Clinical products like Skinbetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum combine retinoids with exfoliating acids to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and speed up skin renewal.

High street retinol creams often contain low-strength retinol, with little to no effect on active breakouts.

2. Targeted Ingredients at Therapeutic Doses

Clinical skincare delivers proven ingredients at concentrations high enough to make a difference. For example:

• Salicylic acid (2%) to dissolve oil deep in pores
• Niacinamide (5%) to regulate sebum and reduce redness
• Lactic or mandelic acid for gentle exfoliation and pigment correction

Many high street products dilute these actives to avoid irritation, but the trade-off is a lack of real results.

3. Bacteria-Targeting Formulas Without Stripping the Skin

Over-the-counter acne face washes often use harsh foaming agents or alcohol, which can damage the skin barrier and actually lead to increased levels of oil.

 Clinical cleansers like the Revision Brightening Facial Wash are designed for oily and congested skin. With alpha hydroxy acids and botanical extracts, it deeply cleanses and exfoliates while maintaining skin clarity and balance.

4. Real Results, Backed by Clinical Trials

Brands like ALLSKIN MED and Skinbetter Science are backed by science, dermatologists, and clinical trials. You’re not buying marketing hype you’re buying performance.

Many high street products rely on fragrance and texture to sell, rather than real outcomes.

5. Support for Post-Acne Concerns (Scars, Pigmentation)

Once breakouts are under control, clinical skincare goes further by tackling:

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Acne scarring
• Redness and uneven texture

Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and targeted brightening serums (e.g. ALLSKIN MED Brightening Ampoules) can be incorporated into your skincare plan for full-spectrum results.

Build a Clinical Acne Routine That Works

 Here’s an example routine using professional-grade products from our store:

Step 1 – Cleanse

Revision Brightening Facial Wash – exfoliating cleanser ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

Step 2 – Treat Active Acne

Skinbetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum – reduces breakouts, oiliness and inflammation.

Step 3 – Hydrate + Strengthen Barrier

ALLSKIN MED Radiance Gel provides Vitamin C to help rebalance oil levels in a light, non-comedogenic hydration.
Alternatively, to boost antioxidant levels even further consider the Skinbetter Science Alto Defense and Repair Serum.  A multi-tasking serum helps reduce redness, refine skin tone, and improve the appearance of texture, fine lines, and dullness.

Step 4 – Protect

Skinbetter Sunbetter Compact SPF 50 – lightweight, broad-spectrum protection that won’t clog pores.

Final Thoughts

Acne can be stubborn, but the right skincare can make all the difference. If you’re tired of trying product after product with no results, it may be time to upgrade to clinical-grade skincare.

At Skinworks Aesthetics, we only stock brands that we trust, use in-clinic, and recommend to our patients. Each product is carefully selected to deliver real results, even if you’re dealing with mild congestion or more advanced breakouts.

 🔎 Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

Start with our online [skin consultation] or speak to one of our skincare professionals today.