Best Acne Treatment in Chichester: What Actually Works
Most acne skincare fails because it's either too weak or used incorrectly. A clinical guide from Dr Raffner at EJR Aesthetics.
Book Acne Consultation"I've had several appointments with Dr Etienne Raffner now. He's a great doctor as he always listens to my concerns and gives plenty of advice and encouragement."
— Google Review"Dr Raffner is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. His attention to detail and care for his patients is second to none."
— Google Review"Absolutely fantastic experience with Dr Raffner. He made me feel completely at ease and the results are beautiful and natural."
— Google Review"Dr Etienne is so professional and reassuring. He took the time to explain everything in detail. I couldn't be happier with the results."
— Google Review"Outstanding care from Dr Raffner. You can really tell he has a surgical background — so precise and thorough. Highly recommend."
— Google Review"The most natural-looking results I've ever had. Dr Raffner's medical expertise really shows. He has a wonderful, calming manner."
— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google Review"I've had several appointments with Dr Etienne Raffner now. He's a great doctor as he always listens to my concerns and gives plenty of advice and encouragement."
— Google Review"Dr Raffner is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. His attention to detail and care for his patients is second to none."
— Google Review"Absolutely fantastic experience with Dr Raffner. He made me feel completely at ease and the results are beautiful and natural."
— Google Review"Dr Etienne is so professional and reassuring. He took the time to explain everything in detail. I couldn't be happier with the results."
— Google Review"Outstanding care from Dr Raffner. You can really tell he has a surgical background — so precise and thorough. Highly recommend."
— Google Review"The most natural-looking results I've ever had. Dr Raffner's medical expertise really shows. He has a wonderful, calming manner."
— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google ReviewWhat Causes Acne?
Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory skin condition — not simply a matter of hygiene or diet. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is essential to treating it effectively. According to guidelines published in the British Journal of Dermatology, acne develops through four key mechanisms:
Excess sebum production
Driven by androgens, particularly at puberty and during hormonal changes in adult women.
Abnormal follicular keratinisation
Skin cells inside the hair follicle don't shed normally, leading to blockages (comedones).
Cutibacterium acnes proliferation
Bacteria multiply rapidly in the anaerobic, sebum-rich environment of blocked follicles.
Inflammation
The immune system responds to bacterial activity, causing the redness, swelling and pain of inflammatory acne.
What Actually Works for Acne
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Evidence: Strong — RCTs published in Dermatology & Therapy (2019)Oil-soluble and able to penetrate into pores, salicylic acid dissolves the keratin plugs that cause blackheads and whiteheads. Requires 1–2% concentration as a leave-on treatment. Wash-off formulations provide insufficient contact time to be effective.
Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)
Evidence: Very strong — considered gold standard in acne managementRetinoids normalise follicular keratinisation, reduce sebum production and have anti-inflammatory properties. Adapalene 0.1% is now available over the counter in the UK. Prescription-strength tretinoin delivers faster and more significant results.
Azelaic Acid
Evidence: Strong — Cochrane Review confirmed efficacyKills acne bacteria, reduces inflammation, and inhibits melanin production — making it particularly effective for acne with associated pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Safe for use in pregnancy and sensitive skin. Requires 15–20% concentration.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Evidence: Strong — one of the oldest evidence-based acne treatmentsAn antimicrobial agent that kills acne bacteria rapidly and does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. Best used as a leave-on product at 2.5–5% concentration. Can be drying — use with a non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Why Most High-Street Acne Products Fail
Dr Raffner Says
"Most high-street acne products fail for three reasons: they're under-dosed, they're formulated as wash-offs, or they're targeted at a type of acne the patient doesn't actually have. What I see clinically, time and again, is patients who've spent a lot of money on products that weren't wrong per se — they just weren't right for their specific acne pattern and skin type."
"Effective acne management starts with a proper assessment. Is it comedonal? Inflammatory? Hormonal? Cystic? Each requires a different approach. That's why a consultation is so important — not to sell you treatments, but to actually diagnose what's driving your acne."
What Doesn't Work
Over-cleansing
Washing the face more than twice daily disrupts the skin barrier, causes dryness, and triggers compensatory sebum overproduction — worsening acne.
Physical scrubs
Scrubs cause micro-tears in inflamed skin, spread bacteria, and can permanently worsen acne scarring. Avoid entirely.
Collagen creams marketed as 'acne cures'
No topical collagen can treat the underlying causes of acne. These products are marketing-led, not evidence-based.
Random product layering
Combining multiple actives without understanding their interactions can cause barrier damage, increased sensitivity, and reduced efficacy of each ingredient.
When to Seek Clinical Treatment
If your acne persists despite 12 weeks of consistent topical treatment, or if it is moderate-to-severe, you should seek clinical assessment. Delayed treatment of inflammatory acne significantly increases the risk of permanent scarring.
Chemical Peels (Obagi Blue Peel Radiance)
Salicylic and glycolic acid peels at clinical concentrations penetrate deeper into follicles and resurface the skin more effectively than home-use products. Particularly effective for comedonal and inflammatory acne.
Microneedling (SkinPen Precision)
For acne scarring — microneedling with collagen induction therapy stimulates controlled wound healing to gradually improve the appearance of ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars.
Prescription Topicals & Obagi Medical Skincare
Prescription-strength retinoids (tretinoin), antibiotic combinations, and medical-grade formulations at clinically effective concentrations — available only through authorised medical practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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Visit EJR Aesthetics for a personalised acne treatment plan — combining clinical assessment, the right topical programme and in-clinic treatments where indicated.
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