The more you fight against your skin, the more it resists.
Blemished skin is rarely caused by not cleansing enough — it’s often caused by cleansing too much. If you tackle it too aggressively, you weaken the skin’s barrier, and that’s exactly what keeps the cycle going.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · no sales pressure
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Perhaps you've been there:
Your skin looks oily and tight at the same time — you’re not sure whether you need more moisture or less oil.
You’ve tried countless products and acids, and nothing keeps blemishes at bay for good.
It always seems to happen just before an important appointment — of all times.
Things used to be better, and then everything came back.
In your mid-30s or later, you suddenly start getting blemishes that you never had when you were younger.
Make-up hides it during the day — but the underlying problem remains.
Why skin becomes blemished — and why „doing more about it" rarely helps
Blemishes occur when sebum and dead skin cells become trapped in the pore. Bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) multiply within it, causing the pore to become inflamed — resulting in blackheads, spots or deeper inflammation. Hormones are the main factor controlling how much sebum the skin produces: androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands. This is why acne is not limited to puberty — it can return or appear for the first time even in your 30s, 40s or during the menopause.
Something that has long been overlooked: skin prone to acne often has a weakened skin barrier. Studies show that acne-prone skin loses more water to the outside environment whilst producing more sebum. A compromised barrier and blemished skin are therefore linked — and much of what we do to combat blemishes further weakens this very barrier.
What makes blemishes worse
- Hormones — Menstrual cycles, stopping the pill, pregnancy and the menopause can disrupt the balance of sebum production.
- Stress — Cortisol increases sebum production and inflammation and weakens the skin barrier; that is why it often flares up just before an event.
- Change of climate & travel — Different humidity, different water, air conditioning: your skin has to adjust and reacts by developing blemishes.
- Hygiene factors — Pillowcases, mobile phones, unwashed hands and make-up brushes constantly transfer bacteria to the skin.
- Over-treatment — too many acids, too much retinol, overly harsh cleansing (more on that in a moment).
What blemish-prone skin really needs
The most common mistake people make with blemish-prone skin is trying to fight it. Harsh cleansers, daily acid treatments and high-strength retinol are supposed to remove oil and impurities — but they also strip away the lipid film that holds the skin barrier together. The skin loses moisture, becomes dehydrated and, in response, produces even more sebum. Exactly the sebum you wanted to get rid of. It’s the same mechanism as with dehydrated skin →.
Does that mean cleansing less often? No — acne-prone skin in particular needs to have make-up, sun cream and sebum thoroughly but gently removed in the evening. Any residue left in the pores overnight just feeds the cycle. The difference isn’t whether, but how: a mild, pH-balanced cleanser instead of a harsh, foaming one. Clean skin, yes; stripped skin, no.
And this is where many people go wrong: skincare that works well for normal, healthy skin isn’t suitable for acne-prone skin. This skin needs extra care for its barrier — ceramides to replenish the lipid film, and consistent UV protection. UV light further weakens the barrier and makes it easier for dark spots to form after inflammation. When it comes to acne, protecting the barrier doesn’t mean „doing nothing", but doing the right things in a targeted way.
And most importantly: consistency. A single treatment will soothe your skin for a week or two — but your skin’s condition will revert to its previous state if your at-home routine isn’t right. Blemished skin can only be soothed long-term through a combination of professional treatment and a skincare regime that strengthens the skin barrier rather than compromising it. That’s exactly how we approach it.
How we treat blemished skin
Problem skin doesn’t need harsh treatment, but rather the right ingredients in the right amounts — to soothe sebum and bacteria without compromising the skin’s barrier. Listed by their role:
Core treatments
Stellar M22™ IPL
Targeted light pulses combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflamed, reddened skin. Reduces active blemishes and the redness they leave behind.
Find out more →HydraFacial™
Deeply cleanses the pores, gently unclogs them and infuses them with soothing active ingredients — without drying out the skin. Effective against blackheads and blocked pores.
Find out more →BioRePeel®
Exfoliates, regulates sebum production and has an antibacterial effect — thanks to a lipophilic phase that preserves the hydrolipid film rather than stripping it away. No visible flaking.
Find out more →Dermalux™ LED
Blue light combats acne-causing bacteria, whilst red light soothes inflammation. Clinically proven to be effective for inflammatory acne — and included in every facial treatment.
Find out more →In addition, depending on your skin type
- Vivace® RF Microneedling — when, once the acne has cleared up, pores and scarring become an issue.
- Dermadrop TDA® — a needle-free infusion of active ingredients to strengthen the skin’s barrier between treatments.
If acne leaves scars or dark spots, that’s a whole other issue — read more about it at Acne scars → and Pigment spots →. The free AURA 3D skin analysis will show you which approach is right for your skin.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →Three steps to calm skin
AURA 3D Skin Analysis + Plan
We take a 3D look at your sebum, pores and the condition of your skin barrier to identify the real causes of your blemishes. This forms the basis of your personalised plan. CHF 0, with no pressure to buy.
Treat & soothe
We reduce bacteria and inflammation and regulate sebum production — without compromising the skin’s barrier. This is achieved over several sessions, not all at once.
Routine & Maintenance
The results will only last if you look after your skin properly at home. We’ll help you establish a barrier-friendly skincare routine and provide targeted refreshment.
Specialising in skin quality, not in the strongest active ingredient.
Specialisation
Pre-ageing is our focus, not just an item on the treatment list. Our team is V-NISSG-certified.
A barrier rather than a fight
We don’t use harsh products on your skin; instead, we strengthen its barrier and allow it to calm down. This has a longer-lasting effect.
Honest advice
If your current skincare routine is putting a strain on your skin, we’ll tell you — even if the solution is to buy less, not more.
You might be wondering
Why does my acne get worse the more I try to treat it?
This is because many acne treatments weaken the skin barrier. Acne-prone skin already has a more permeable barrier and loses more water — studies even show that acne treatments can further compromise the barrier. A weakened barrier means more water loss, dehydration and, as a reaction, often more sebum. So you’re fighting the symptom whilst simultaneously feeding the cause. The solution isn’t to use more, but to be more targeted: soothe bacteria and inflammation whilst strengthening the barrier at the same time. Find out more about the science behind this at dehydrated skin →.
Should I clean more thoroughly so that nothing gets left in the pores?
Thorough, yes; harsh, no. Make-up, sun cream and sebum must be removed in the evening — any residue left in the pores can lead to breakouts. But foaming, harsh cleansers not only remove these impurities but also strip away the lipids in the skin’s barrier. Studies show that aggressive surfactants damage skin proteins and lipids, leading to tightness, dryness and a compromised barrier. The solution is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser — clean, but not stripped. More cleansing doesn’t make the skin cleaner, but often more sensitive.
Does LED light therapy really help with acne?
Yes, this is well documented. Blue light targets the acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) and renders them harmless, whilst red light soothes inflammation. In a controlled study, the combination of blue and red light achieved an improvement of around 76% in inflammatory blemishes after twelve weeks. At our clinic, Dermalux™ LED offers precisely this blue-red combination — and it is included in every facial treatment.
Why does it always happen just before an important appointment?
This isn’t a coincidence – it’s stress. When under stress, the body releases cortisol, which increases sebum production and the skin’s susceptibility to inflammation, whilst also weakening the skin barrier. In one study, the severity of acne among students increased in direct proportion to exam stress: the higher the stress, the more pronounced the blemishes. So if things get worse just before the event, your skin isn’t working against you — it’s reacting to the stress.
Source: Chiu A, Chon SY, Kimball AB. Archives of Dermatology. 2003;139(7):897–900.
I have oily skin — do I still need moisturiser?
Yes. Oil and water are two different things: oily skin can still be dehydrated; in that case, it lacks water, not sebum. If you neglect hydration and the skin barrier, the skin often produces even more oil to compensate for the loss. The right skincare for acne-prone skin is therefore light but barrier-strengthening — with ceramides and without weighing the skin down. „Oily" does not mean „needs nothing".
How many sessions will I need, and how long will the results last?
Problem skin improves over a course of treatments, not in a single session — usually through several sessions combined with the right skincare routine at home. A single treatment provides relief for one or two weeks; lasting results are only achieved when your routine supports the skin’s barrier. We’ll determine your plan following the AURA 3D skin analysis.
How much does treatment for blemished skin cost?
This depends on the treatment and the number of sessions — you can find an overview on our Prices page →. Not ready for an on-site analysis just yet? Our Skin Quiz → gives you a quick overview in five minutes — no appointment or email required.
Clear skin isn’t achieved by fighting harder, but by following the right plan.
Problem skin can be soothed — not by being harsher on it, but by targeting sebum and inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. The AURA 3D skin analysis will reveal the root cause of your skin concerns and the best approach for you. It’s free, with no pressure to buy.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · Konradstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich Central Station
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What our customers say
„Aleksandra was very professional, warm and friendly. She gave me excellent advice on what I needed, even though I’d booked a completely different treatment. All the risks and considerations were clearly explained, and I never felt like I was being pressured into anything. A great consultation… I’ve found my new go-to place for treatments.'
„A huge thank you to Alex for her advice. Her expertise and her calm, professional manner won me over straight away. She takes her time, tailors her advice to individual needs and gives fantastic tips for a home skincare routine. It’s exactly the kind of consultation you’d hope for – knowledgeable, warm and genuine."
„I really appreciate that there’s no pressure to buy extra services or products – just genuine, high-quality care. After nearly a year of visiting Alestetics, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Alex has been professional, kind and attentive throughout my visits. I highly recommend them!"
„I love coming here; it always feels like I’m going to a spa. They don’t try to sell me anything and are very open about what the treatments can (and cannot) do for me. They take health and wellbeing very seriously and always make sure I know how to look after myself outside the clinic as well."
„Alex is amazing! She listens to what the customer needs and explains the process. She is very knowledgeable and also makes recommendations. For me, her fluency in English is extremely helpful when we communicate."
„I had a Vivace treatment combined with PRX-T33. The appointment went smoothly; the staff were very professional and efficient. The clinic is close to HB and centrally located. Alexandra was very nice and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back!"
„I had RF microneedling and EXILIS treatments on my stomach at Alestetics and am extremely pleased with the results. In fact, the results are much more noticeable than I had expected. Katia is highly professional, very attentive and incredibly warm. I highly recommend her!"
„I spent a long time looking for the right salon for me and I’m absolutely delighted that I chose alestetics®. The salon is beautiful, and everything is spotlessly clean and hygienic. Thanks to the team’s caring, friendly and professional manner, I felt very comfortable and safe throughout the entire treatment."
„I’ve been to Alestetics several times now. Before the treatment, they carried out an Aura skin analysis, during which they explained my skin condition to me in great detail — it was incredibly professional and transparent. Katia, Antonia and Alex are incredibly caring, knowledgeable and professional. You never feel like 'just another customer'."
„Today I had my first laser treatment (4 areas) with Katia and I felt completely at ease. She was particularly sensitive to my needs, as I can be a bit sensitive to pain at times. Her friendly manner made the treatment a really pleasant experience!"
„Katia is simply brilliant at her job! I’ve now had my third laser treatment. As I’m quite sensitive to pain, I really appreciate the fact that Katia always distracts me with a friendly chat. I feel very well looked after."
„I had a wonderful experience at the aesthetics clinic with Katia. She took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything clearly, and made sure I felt confident throughout. I would highly recommend Katia for high-quality and truly personalised treatment."
„Review of the BTL Exilis treatment. I’m an active man and work out regularly, but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get rid of that stubborn belly fat. I noticed a difference after just the first treatment. After several sessions, the difference was clearly visible."
„All the treatments here are sensational. This wellness haven truly lives up to its reputation. It’s centrally located — right next to Zurich main station — and the atmosphere at the spa is serene and calm. Every visit to Alestetics is my monthly treat and feels like a mini-break."
„I’ve had several Endospheres treatments at alestetics. Alex and Katia are very professional, but also very friendly and caring. They’ve always taken my needs and wishes into account (avoiding the tummy after pregnancy). I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
„I had five EXILIS treatments with Katia at alestetics®. The service was excellent – Katia is very professional and warm, and explains everything in detail. You feel at ease with her straight away. I’d definitely recommend her!"
„I feel understood, and they're absolutely lovely and professional!!"
„I had an excellent experience with the Icoone treatment. Antonia was simply fantastic – very professional, warm and incredibly friendly. She took plenty of time and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire treatment."
„I visit Alestetics regularly for Hydrafacial and microneedling treatments. The team are really friendly and flexible. The location is perfect, and the studio is clean and comfortable. After three treatments, my skin feels much clearer and my pores are slightly smaller."
„I feel completely at ease with Alex and her team! From the welcome to the treatments, the hygiene and the atmosphere: everything is simply always perfect. I originally came across Alestetics because of their laser treatments, but now I also go there for my facials."
„The treatments at Alestetics have worked wonders on my sensitive skin. With Katia, you’re in absolutely professional hands!"
„I'm absolutely delighted to have found this clinic in Zurich where, after just four sessions, I've seen amazing results! The girl who looks after me, Katia, is so lovely; she put me at ease right from the start and is incredibly professional!"
„My favourite salon in Zh! Top-notch service, lovely welcome tea, friendly staff, helpful consultations, and I left feeling happy and glowing, looking gorgeous after my treatments. Thanks Katia, Alexandra, and the Alestetics team – one love!"
„At first, I was really impressed by the Endospheres therapy. But the Icoone treatment has surpassed everything: it massages the skin gently and painlessly from head to toe. I started the treatments less for firmer skin and more for my health. The team are like best friends to me."
„Very friendly and professional staff, who take the time to carry out a skin analysis and offer valuable advice! I highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to have the AURA 3D skin analysis and to discuss my daily skincare routine."
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