What is acne?

By Dr Magnus Lynch
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatological Surgeon

Acne is a very common condition that will affect most of us at some time in our lives. It is often mild and does not require any treatment, however it can be disfiguring with significant psychological and social consequences. The good news is that in almost all cases even severe acne can be effectively treated.

The causes of acne are complex and multifactorial, however fundamentally acne results from blockage of the hair follicle - a blind-ended tunnel within which the hair grows. At the top of the follicle, close to the skin surface, a gland known as a sebaceous gland secretes sebum into each hair follicle. The lining of the hair follicle is made from modified skin cells that are shed through the opening of the follicle at the skin surface. The earliest abnormality in acne is an accumulation of dead skin cells within the opening of the hair follicle. Subsequent blockage of the follicle results in different types of acne lesions like whiteheads, blackheads, and acne spots.

Dr. Magnus Lynch, Consultant Dermatologist

About Dr Magnus Lynch

I am a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon. I am highly experienced in skin cancer diagnosis, Mohs micrographic surgery, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and laser treatments. I studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and completed my dermatology training and Mohs fellowship at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology. I graduated from medical school in 2003 and have worked exclusively in Dermatology since 2012.

I lead a research team at King’s College London investigating the molecular biology of skin cancer. In recent years I have been involved in Media Appearances, including the Channel 5 series 'Skin A&E', where I perform skin surgeries and treat various skin conditions. Filming for the next series has recently completed and the series will be released later in 2025.

My NHS practice is at Guy's Hospital. I consult with private patients at the London Bridge Hospital, OneWelbeck (near to Bond Street station) and on Harley Street. A new consultation is £250. Book A Consultation.

I am the founder of Revessa Health which provides online consultations for acne and rosacea across the UK (see below).

What is acne?

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About Dr Magnus Lynch

The Online Acne & Rosacea Specialists