

You’re not alone. Acne is a very common skin condition. Most people experience it at some point — often during their teens, but it can persist into adulthood or start later in life.
Acne develops when several things happen at once:
Hormonal changes play a major role. Acne can flare with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Certain medications, including some hormonal contraceptives, and steroids, can also worsen acne. Oily skincare or hair products, and picking at the skin, may aggravate it further.
There is no single cause — acne usually develops due to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors which is why seeking expert treatment can be the only way to resolve breakouts.
Acne varies in severity, and understanding the type you have helps guide treatment.
Mild acne
Moderate acne
Severe acne
Acne can also leave behind pigmentation or scars — either raised, indented, or areas of darker or lighter skin. Severe or persistent acne should always be assessed by a dermatologist early to reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

There is no single “cure” for acne, but treatments are very effective at controlling it, preventing new breakouts, and reducing scarring. Understanding why we are getting these breakouts is the first step, and dermatologists can help you understand this. In the meantime, the following may help your skin:


Good daily habits support treatment and protect your skin long-term:
Acne can affect confidence and mental wellbeing. If your skin is impacting how you feel, it’s important to talk to someone — and to seek professional support early. One of the reasons this clinic was founded is because seeking support for acne felt overwhelming. Read our founder’s story here.

You should book a dermatology consultation if:

Early, evidence-based treatment makes a real difference. Acne doesn’t need to be “lived with” — it can be controlled safely, effectively and with a plan that fits your life.
At No. 23 Skin, acne care is medical, joined-up and personal. We don’t chase quick fixes or trends. We diagnose properly, treat with evidence-based dermatology, and support your skin long-term.
Our ambition is to clear your skin and get you out the door without having to layer on the concealer or hide away. Talk to us via our contact form, via phone on 02039411815 or book online for a consultation to start your journey to clear skin.
CoFounders x

So, when do you see a dermatologist? There’s really no right or wrong answer. Some people come to us after referrals from their GPs. Others, when they feel all other options have been exhausted. Most come to us as their first port of call, seeking the expertise of a dermatologist so they can get reassurance and their skin back to health, fast.
Who are we? Armed with a combined experience of over 50 years, including world-leading clinical dermatology services in the NHS, and countless skin success stories, our doctors and dermatologists know their field inside out, using only treatments which are medically approved and – crucially – actually work.
Our team includes some of the UK’s leading acne specialists — from consultant dermatologists like Dr Ketaki Bhate PhD, who’s won national awards for her acne research, to Dr Sukhi Dhariwal and Dr Maria Zamurrad, who offer both in-person and digital care depending on what works for you. Our dermatologists also work together and are in constant contact through their clinical forum so you get the expertise of more than one mind with us.
Whether your skin is flaring suddenly or you’ve been dealing with acne for years, we’ll create a personalised plan that actually works — grounded in evidence, not guesswork. No referral needed. Just real answers, from doctors who get it. We have three clear options for acne – read more here.
If you’re looking for the best dermatologist near you for mole checks or mole removal, our team at No. 23 Skin includes leading specialists in skin cancer screening and minor skin surgery.
Whether it’s a new mole, a change you’ve noticed, or simply peace of mind, our doctors are experts in early detection and will guide you through what’s normal — and what’s not. You can book directly with consultants like Dr Maria Roest (former NHS skin cancer lead), Dr Dhariwal (current NHS dermatologist), or Dr Zamurrad, who specialise in mole mapping, diagnosis, and removal. We offer appointments 5-6 days a week for fast, expert access.
Same-day checks, digital reviews, and in-person procedures — all under one roof in West London. No referral needed.
You’ll need half an hour in the diary and they are very experienced so you know you will get the results you’re looking for. We are committed to transparency, ensuring you fully understand the benefits and outcomes of each treatment before proceeding.
One of our key aims is to provide the most connected dermatology service so we don’t just fix your skin—we future-proof it.
To ensure a high level of patient care we have some of the most experienced dermatologists working with us. They are warm, compassionate, and most importantly have a proven track record of excellent outcomes.
We are regulated by the CQC , GMC, and British Association of Dermatologists. Our internal checks include daily checks on safety, infection prevention, clinical results discussions, and patient feedback, and we hold regular clinical governance meetings to ensure top dermatology care.
All staff go through extensive training, and we work collaboratively in a no-blame culture. We’re proud of what we achieve and can only do this through strict governance and constant communication. Ultimately delivering the best care to you and your skin’s health.
We provide you with a same-day working diagnosis so you can get on with treatment, fast. Sometimes, we may recommend you book you back in for a follow-up to check progress. We can also see you more frequently if you need the support – all this will be discussed with you when you come in for your appointment so that you get the personalised level of service that fits your needs, time, and budget.
No you don’t need a GP referral to see a private dermatologist in London, you can come to see us directly. If you’re claiming through health insurance, sometimes they will require you to see a GP first so do check with them. If you are self-funding (which most of our patients are) then you can book in and see one of our specialists right away. We try and keep some appointments available within the week so you can be seen quickly if necessary.
Yes. As best clinical practice, private dermatologists will write to your GP (with your consent) so that your medical records are kept up to date. You’ll also get a copy of this letter. If you would like to continue your treatment within the NHS then this will be outlined in the letter with the recommendations from the dermatologist.
Like most dermatology clinics in London, we take a deposit at the point of booking and then full payment after the consultation, within the clinic. Most people opt to pay with a card/via a payment link. We can also invoice your health insurer if you provide us with a policy number and authorisation code ahead of the appointment. If you do not provide us with this information, we’ll just ask you to pay for the appointment (£205-350). See our list of fees at the top of the page.
Yes, private dermatologists are covered by most major insurers — if they choose to be. At No. 23 Skin, many of our doctors are recognised by providers like BUPA, AXA, WPA, Cigna and others.
That said, every policy is different, so it’s always best to check directly with your insurer before booking. Or just give us a call on 020 3941 1815 — we’re happy to guide you through what’s covered and help you get the care you need.
We know that opening up about your skin can feel daunting. It was one of the key reasons we founded this clinic – from our personal experience of feeling this way – so we provide a space that is open, warm, and supportive – not only for your skin but emotionally too.
We don’t just take on any dermatologist in London, we ensure that they are clinically excellent, but first and foremost, human – we’re easy to talk to. And we strive to ensure that our follow-up care is second-to-none, so you’re not on your own after you leave the clinic.
Sometimes, yes — especially if we’ve had a cancellation. It’s always worth giving us a call to check. And if we can’t see you the same day, we’ll always offer you an appointment within the week.
Our team includes 6 lovely doctors, so we can usually find the right person quickly — whether it’s for acne, a worrying mole, or a general skin concern.
📞 Call us on 020 3941 1815 to check today’s availability.
If you know the appointment you would like to book (Dermatology Consultation for most skin concerns) then click here to book online.
Not sure where to start? We hear you. Call us on 02039411815 or email hello@23skin.co.uk we will be happy to answer your skin queries and guide you to the best service for your skin needs.
Follow us
no23skin