Acne & Congestion Treatment

Congestion and acne are essentially terms used to describe skin which has clogged pores. These are seen as blackheads and whiteheads on the surface of the skin and form a bumpy texture. 

The overall cause is different for everyone and treatment can include getting down to the the finer details including lifestyle, products used at home, environment, diet, hormones and habits around your skin.

Treating Acne, Congestion, and Acne Scarring at Beauty Bliss Skin Boutique

Acne is one of the most complex skin conditions we treat — not just because of the breakouts, but because of what it leaves behind. From congestion and inflammation to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP) and deep scarring, acne affects both the skin and confidence. At Beauty Bliss Skin Boutique, we take a clinical, layered approach to acne treatment — addressing the root causes, clearing the skin without stripping it, and targeting long-term damage like pigment and scarring. Whether you’re struggling with hormonal breakouts, blocked pores, textured skin, or post-acne pigment, we’re here to help you rebuild your skin — and your self-esteem — using the best of medical-grade skincare, energy-based treatments, and advanced skin revision protocols.

What causes acne?

Acne is driven by a combination of factors: overproduction of oil (sebum), dead skin cell buildup, inflammation, bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), and hormonal imbalances. In many of our Melbourne-based clients, congestion is made worse by environmental triggers such as humidity, heavy makeup, incorrect skincare, and even stress or diet. We often see clients who have used harsh products or DIY treatments that damage their barrier, worsening inflammation and contributing to both persistent breakouts and lingering pigmentation. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, the missing piece is likely a personalised, clinic-led plan — one that respects your skin barrier, works with your biology, and addresses the current acne while healing the aftermath.

A word on post inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Let’s talk about PIHP — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is the dark marking or uneven skin tone left behind after a pimple heals, and it’s especially common in clients with medium to deeper skin tones. PIHP is not scarring in the traditional sense — it’s excess melanin production in response to inflammation. When the skin experiences trauma (like a pimple, picking, or chemical irritation), melanocytes are triggered to release pigment. That pigment then settles unevenly in the epidermis or dermis, leading to brown, red, or purple spots that can linger for months.

How do you treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

To treat this, one of our most effective tools is the Q-Switch Laser Rejuvenation. This non-ablative laser uses ultra-short pulses of light to target and shatter excess melanin in the skin without damaging surrounding tissue. The pigment is then naturally flushed out via the lymphatic system. A course of Q-Switch treatments, typically spaced 2–4 weeks apart, can significantly fade PIHP and improve overall clarity, especially when paired with pigment-suppressing skincare. Unlike IPL, the Q-Switch laser is safe for most skin tones, including Fitzpatrick 4–5, making it a great choice for diverse clients.

I've got active acne and inflammed sore skin?

For active acne and inflammation, we often begin with LariMedical (Lariderm) chemical peels, which are specially formulated for acne-prone skin. These peels contain salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and retinoic acid derivatives, which penetrate deeply into the follicle to clear out congestion, reduce oil flow, and calm inflammation. Unlike harsh glycolic or aggressive exfoliators, these peels are controlled and progressive, meaning we work over several sessions to clear the skin while preserving its integrity. LariMedical peels are also excellent for killing acne bacteria, lightening pigment, and prepping the skin for more advanced treatments like laser or microchanneling.

Is most of your struggle is the scarring left behind

For clients struggling with textural scarring, enlarged pores, or post-acne pitting, we recommend ProCell Microchanneling. This advanced collagen-inducing therapy uses thousands of tiny vertical microchannels to trigger a wound-healing response in the skin. We pair this with a human stem cell-derived growth factor serum, which signals fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin — improving skin texture, softening scars, and tightening pores. Unlike traditional microneedling, ProCell offers minimal downtime, reduced inflammation, and better penetration of active serums. Over a series of 4–6 sessions, clients see a dramatic improvement in the depth and visibility of scarring. It’s one of our most requested acne revision treatments. Find out more about ProCell for scarring.

What am I looking for in terms of skin care at home?

To further support the skin between treatments, we prescribe Circadia’s clinical-strength acne protocol, which focuses on reducing inflammation, balancing oil, and supporting healing without stripping or over-drying. Our go-to cleanser is the Circadia Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid, which clears debris from the pore while respecting the skin barrier. For active breakouts, we use the Spot Stop gel — packed with niacinamide, tea tree, and salicylic acid to calm breakouts without causing rebound dryness. For PIHP and red marks, we love the Circadia Licorice & Bearberry Brightening Mist, which helps fade pigment and calm post-acne inflammation. Every acne client is also educated on SPF, and we recommend Circadia Light Day Sunscreen SPF 37, which protects from UV-triggered pigment while being non-comedogenic and lightweight.

We know that acne is personal — and no two skins are the same. That’s why we offer our Acne Clarity Program, a 6–12 week course that combines LariMedical peels, Q-Switch pigment clearance, ProCell sessions, LED light therapy, and full homecare protocols using Circadia. This program is tailored to your skin’s specific type and response and is ideal for clients with ongoing breakouts, scarring, hormonal acne, and pigment. We take progress photos, track changes, and adjust as needed to ensure you’re seeing consistent results. Learn more about our acne treatment plans here

Ready to transform your skin? Book your consultation and let’s start your acne clearing and pigment-repair journey today.

Treatments

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