Concierge dermatology · London
Private laser and light-based treatment for active acne, dermatology-led.
A consultant dermatologist, the right device for your skin type, and standard NICE-recommended acne care running alongside. Laser is an adjunct — we are honest about what it can and cannot do.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant dermatologist first
Not a laser tech in a treatment room. A named dermatologist assesses your acne, confirms the type, and only then talks devices.
- 02
Standard medical care on the table
NICE-recommended topicals and orals are discussed before any laser. Light is an adjunct, not a replacement — we say so plainly.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private laser or light-based acne course costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A typical course in our network: £600–£3,000, with standard acne care continuing alongside.
| Treatment | Indicative range | Typical duration | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED (blue / red / combined) — single session | £50–£150 | 15–30 min | No downtime |
| LED course (typically 8–12 sessions) | £400–£1,500 | 4–8 weeks | No downtime |
| Photodynamic therapy (PDT) — per session | £150–£400 | 90–120 min | 1–3 days redness |
| 1450nm diode laser — per session | £250–£500 | 30–45 min | 1–2 days redness |
| Nd:YAG 1064nm — per session | £200–£450 | 30–45 min | Minimal downtime |
| Isolaz (vacuum + broadband light) — per session | £150–£350 | 30 min | Minimal downtime |
| Typical full course of laser or PDT | £600–£3,000 | 3–6 months | Varies |
| Dermatology consultation only | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which dermatologist supervises, by the device used, and by how many sessions your acne needs. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Sold laser as a cure. Sold it too early. Sold the wrong device.
Acne is one of the most over-promised categories in aesthetic dermatology. We fix three things before you commit: the diagnosis, the pathway, and the device.
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Not sure it will work?
A dermatology consult first. Blue light, PDT and diode lasers work for specific patterns — not every acne is a laser case.
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Tried everything already?
If topicals and antibiotics have failed and isotretinoin is not an option, light-based adjuncts can help — under supervision.
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Worried about your skin type?
For Fitzpatrick IV–VI, Nd:YAG 1064nm is generally the safer laser. We match the device to the skin, not the other way round.
The journey
From enquiry to maintenance — what happens, in order.
One dermatologist from first message to maintenance — including your ongoing acne regimen.
Phase 1 · Before your treatment
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A visit at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. What your acne looks like, what you have already tried, whether you are on isotretinoin or other medication.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which device is likely to help, whether standard treatment should come first, an indicative course and price.
- 03
Before
We arrange the dermatology consult
Usually within one to two weeks. Retinoids may be paused for some devices; sun exposure and photosensitising drugs are reviewed.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
A skin assessment, patch test if needed, and consent. Eye shields are fitted and the skin is cleansed.
- 05
On the day
The treatment itself
15 to 45 minutes depending on device — LED, PDT, 1450nm diode, Nd:YAG or Isolaz. PDT includes an incubation period with topical ALA or MAL.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
Cool compress, sunscreen and written aftercare. PDT patients avoid sunlight for 24–48 hours; most other devices allow near-normal activity.
- 07
After
Course, review and maintenance
A typical course is 4–12 sessions over weeks to months. Standard acne care continues. Maintenance sessions are planned once things settle.
Typical course: 3–6 months across 4–12 sessions. Standard acne care continues throughout.
When it helps
When light-based treatment is a reasonable next step.
The patterns we see most, plus the red flag that means dermatology urgency rather than an aesthetic booking.
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Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Red papules and pustules that have not settled on topicals alone — blue light or LED may help as an adjunct.
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Moderate to severe inflammatory acne
When topical + oral pharmacotherapy is not enough, PDT or 1450nm diode can be added under dermatology supervision.
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Antibiotic failure or resistance
When repeated antibiotic courses have not worked, light-based treatment offers a non-antibiotic route to bactericidal action.
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Cannot tolerate oral therapy
Nausea, mood changes, or lab abnormalities on doxycycline or isotretinoin — light-based options are reasonable to explore.
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Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Isotretinoin and many topical retinoids are contraindicated. Blue light and some LED protocols are options — dermatology-led.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Darker skin with lingering marks — Nd:YAG 1064nm is safer than shorter wavelengths in Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
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Sebum-driven / oily-skin acne
The 1450nm diode targets sebaceous glands thermally — reduces sebum output as well as inflammation.
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Red flag: severe cystic or scarring acne
Deep cysts, rapid scarring or acne conglobata are a dermatology emergency — isotretinoin, not laser, is the first conversation.
Device options
Not all “acne lasers” do the same thing.
What each device on the table actually is — and which acne pattern it suits.
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Blue light (415nm)
Targets C. acnes porphyrins to produce a bactericidal effect. Non-thermal, safe for most skin types. Multiple 15–20 min sessions weekly for 4–8 weeks.
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Red light (633nm)
Anti-inflammatory adjunct — often combined with blue light. Reduces redness and calms active lesions.
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Combined blue + red LED
Kleresca, Dermalux and similar systems pair wavelengths in one session — see our LED light therapy page for the full write-up.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Topical ALA or MAL is applied, incubated, then activated by red or blue light. More effective than plain LED for moderate–severe acne, with 1–3 days of redness and swelling.
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1450nm diode laser
Targets sebaceous glands thermally to reduce sebum production and inflammation. Several sessions; short-lived redness.
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Nd:YAG 1064nm (long-pulse)
Deeper penetration, safer for Fitzpatrick IV–VI, and helpful for inflammatory acne with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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Isolaz (vacuum + broadband light)
Combines pore vacuum extraction with broadband light in one handpiece — useful for comedonal plus inflammatory acne.
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Fractional lasers
Primarily a scarring treatment and used off-label for active acne. See our laser treatment for acne scarring page for scarring-specific care.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of dermatologists, we picked them.
Consultant dermatologists across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your skin.
Selection criteria
How we choose every dermatologist in our network.
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Consultant dermatologists, not laser technicians working alone
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NICE NG198 pathway offered first — laser positioned as an adjunct
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Fitzpatrick-appropriate device choice, especially for skin types IV–VI
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PDT delivered with proper photoprotection and safety-net advice
Safety and outcomes
What to expect — honestly.
Light-based treatment for acne is well-tolerated but not a cure. The things worth planning are your skin type, your existing regimen, and realistic expectations for a course.
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Adjunct, not a cure
Light-based treatment does not replace topical or oral acne care. NICE NG198 recommends pharmacotherapy first — laser adds to it, or is used when standard care fails or cannot be tolerated.
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Realistic outcomes: 40–70% reduction
Well-selected patients typically see a 40–70% reduction in inflammatory lesions across a course. Results are temporary — maintenance and ongoing acne care are needed.
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Skin type matters
Shorter wavelengths and IPL carry a higher risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV–VI. Nd:YAG 1064nm is generally the safer option for darker skin.
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Transient flare is common
A short-lived acne flare in the first few weeks is well recognised, particularly with PDT. It usually settles as the course progresses.
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Photosensitivity and sun avoidance
PDT patients avoid direct sun for 24–48 hours after treatment. Photosensitising drugs (some antibiotics, retinoids) are reviewed before every session.
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HSV reactivation with PDT
PDT and other ablative-style treatments can reactivate cold sores. If you have a history of HSV, antiviral prophylaxis is discussed beforehand.
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Redness, dryness and mild burns
Transient erythema and dryness are expected. True burns are uncommon and usually reflect device error or the wrong wavelength for the skin type.
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Not for pregnancy without review
Some LED and blue-light protocols are considered reasonable during pregnancy, but PDT and most lasers are avoided. A dermatology review is essential.
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Red flags
Blistering, spreading rash, fever after PDT, or a persistent burn is not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your treatment note
Your dermatology note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever device was used, the note the dermatologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Dermatology language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis and severity
Acne subtype (comedonal, inflammatory, cystic), Fitzpatrick skin type, and whether NICE first-line therapy has been tried.
- 02 Technique
Device, settings and course
Which device was used (blue light, PDT, 1450nm diode, Nd:YAG, Isolaz), settings, session count and interval between sessions.
- 03 Findings
Response, side-effects and skin care
Lesion count, photographs where taken, any redness, PIH, flare or HSV episode, and the topical / oral regimen you continue alongside.
- 04 Impression
Maintenance plan and safety-net
Read this first: when to return for maintenance, when to switch approach, and what to do if the acne flares or a burn develops.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for laser and light-based acne treatment varies by insurer — often self-pay, sometimes funded when standard therapy has failed. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about laser for acne.
Quick answers on how effective it is, which device suits which acne, cost, and how it fits with standard treatment.
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Does laser treatment cure acne?
No. Light-based treatment reduces active inflammatory acne by roughly 40–70% across a course, but the effect is temporary and standard acne care (topicals and, where indicated, oral treatment) must continue. It is an adjunct, not a cure.
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Should I try laser before topical or oral treatment?
NICE guideline NG198 recommends topical therapy (benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid or antibiotic) and, where needed, oral treatment (doxycycline, hormonal treatment or isotretinoin) as first-line. Laser and light are used as an adjunct or when first-line therapy has failed or cannot be tolerated.
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Which device is best for my acne?
It depends on the acne type, your skin type and what you have already tried. Blue light and LED suit mild–moderate inflammatory acne; PDT and the 1450nm diode are considered for moderate–severe cases; Nd:YAG 1064nm is safer for darker skin. A dermatology consultation is the honest starting point.
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How much does a private laser acne course cost in London?
Single LED sessions run £50–£150, PDT £150–£400 per session, and laser sessions £150–£500. A full course is typically £600–£3,000 depending on device and number of sessions. We confirm a firm quote within one working day.
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Does the treatment hurt?
LED and blue light are painless and warm at most. Nd:YAG and 1450nm diode feel like a hot elastic snap on each pulse; topical anaesthetic and cooling are used. PDT stings during the light activation and leaves the skin red and swollen for one to three days.
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Is laser safe for darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)?
Some devices are, some are not. Shorter wavelengths and IPL carry a higher risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064nm is generally the safer laser choice, and LED / blue light are widely tolerated.
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Can I have this while on isotretinoin?
Traditionally most laser and PDT treatments were avoided during isotretinoin and for 6–12 months afterwards. Recent evidence has softened that advice for some devices, but the decision is dermatology-led and must be individualised.
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Will this help my acne scars as well?
Not directly. Active acne treatment and scarring treatment are different pipelines. Scarring is treated with fractional laser, subcision, TCA CROSS and other resurfacing approaches — see our laser treatment for acne scarring page.
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When should I see a GP or A&E urgently?
Rapidly worsening cystic acne with fever and joint pain (possible acne fulminans), a spreading rash after PDT, or a burn that blisters and does not settle within a day are all reasons to seek same-day medical help.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Laser treatment for acne scarring
Fractional laser and resurfacing for pitted or textured scars.
Learn more -
LED light therapy
Blue + red LED protocols (Kleresca, Dermalux and others).
Learn more -
Laser resurfacing
Ablative and non-ablative resurfacing for texture and tone.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more