Acne - It's Not Just Skin Deep

In this blog I am writing about understanding how Cold Plasma Treatment works, Skin Barrier Health, and the Link with Gut Health and Inflammation. All of these when put into practice can get amazing results, without needing to be on long term antibiotics or Roaccutane.

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns among teenagers, yet it can often feel like an uphill battle to find treatments that truly work—without causing more harm than good. While traditional skincare often relies on harsh products that strip the skin, new research and treatments are offering gentler, more holistic approaches to managing acne.

For years I did not treat acne, as I could not hand on heart know that I could get the results that I wanted. And I never want to promise results I can't acheive. But cold plasma treatment has changed all of that, Finally a non-invasive solution that supports healing and killing the bacteria without damaging the skin barrier. Alongside this, I focus on gut health and inflammation all these put together give me the results that I have always wanted to attain and really reveal just how interconnected our internal and external health really are.

What Is Cold Plasma Treatment and How Does It Help Acne?

Cold plasma (also known as non-thermal plasma) is a cutting-edge treatment that uses ionised gas to create a gentle energy field. Unlike thermal treatments, cold plasma works at lower temperatures, making it safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

It’s especially effective for teen acne because:

• It kills acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes without the use of antibiotics.

• It reduces inflammation, helping to calm red, swollen breakouts.

• It promotes healing by stimulating cell regeneration and improving oxygen flow to the skin.

Most importantly, cold plasma doesn’t damage or dry out the skin, which makes it ideal for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Why Harsh Products Do More Harm Than Good

When acne appears, it’s tempting to scrub it away with strong cleansers or drying spot treatments or try whatever TikTok influencers are saying is the next big thing! But many of these products contain alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and sulphates that strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the delicate microbiome that keeps skin healthy.

A damaged skin barrier leads to:

• Increased sensitivity and redness

• Flaky or overly oily skin

• More frequent breakouts due to inflammation and imbalance

Instead of attacking acne with aggressive products, it’s far more effective to support the skin’s natural defences and reduce inflammation from the inside out. NeoGenesis Cleanser and HYPO21 are my 2 must haves for acne clients.

Healing the Skin Barrier: A Crucial Step

Your skin barrier is your first line of defence. It locks in moisture, protects against bacteria, and maintains balance. When it's compromised—either through harsh products, over-cleansing, or environmental stress—it becomes inflamed, irritated, and prone to acne.

To repair and protect the barrier:

• Use gentle, hydrating cleansers (NeoGenesis Cleanser)

• Look for moisturisers with ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid (EkSeption Skin relief fluid. Fusion Exosome serum is amazing too!)

• Avoid over-exfoliation

• Focus on anti-inflammatory treatments like cold plasma

Cold plasma, in particular, helps by reducing surface bacteria while encouraging skin regeneration without trauma—a win for long-term skin health.

The Gut-Skin Axis: What’s Happening Inside Matters

Many teens are surprised to learn that gut health plays a major role in acne. The gut and skin communicate constantly through the immune system and inflammatory pathways. When the gut microbiome is out of balance (due to poor diet, stress, or antibiotics), it can lead to systemic inflammation, which often shows up on the skin as acne, eczema, or rosacea.

Improving gut health can reduce acne by:

• Supporting nutrient absorption (important for skin repair)

• Calming immune overreactions

• Reducing systemic inflammation

Simple steps include eating more fibre, fermented foods (like kefir or sauerkraut), reducing processed sugar, and ensuring regular digestion.

The Role of Omega 6:3 Ratio in Inflammation and Acne

One powerful yet often overlooked way to calm acne is by addressing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the body. Most Western diets are heavy in omega-6 fats (found in vegetable oils, processed snacks, and fried foods), which promote inflammation when not balanced by enough omega-3s (found in oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts).

An imbalanced omega 6:3 ratio leads to chronic inflammation, which fuels acne flare-ups. That’s why testing your omega 6:3 ratio (such as through Zinzino’s test kits) can be a game-changer.I keep them in stock and it takes about 10 days to get the results. Once we have these results we are able to:

• Understand your internal inflammation levels

• Adjust your diet or supplement accordingly (Zinzino Balance Oil is highly recommended. Most Omega supplements don't get absorbed by the body. I explain all of this when we have our first consultation.

• Support your skin from within.

Teen acne is complex, but with the right tools and understanding, it can be managed effectively—without damaging the skin or resorting to harsh chemicals or perscription drugs. The aim is to target the root cause and not to just put a plaster over the issue! Cold plasma offers a gentle, clinically-backed approach that targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. Combined with a focus on skin barrier health, gut support, and balanced omega fats, this integrative strategy promotes calmer, clearer skin from the inside out.

My aim is to help as many people as possible that suffer witrh acne. I know from personal experience how it can effect self confidence and I am passionate about supporting my clients throughout their journey.

Caley x