Specialist Skin Clinic

For acne that hasn’t responded to creams, gels or antibiotics, there’s now a laser option that treats the cause, not just the surface.

AviClear works by targeting the sebaceous glands that produce excess oil — one of the main drivers of acne. Fewer overactive glands mean less oil, fewer blocked pores, and clearer skin over time, without antibiotics and without the side effects that can come with some oral medications.

It’s suitable for mild, moderate and severe acne, and is typically delivered as a short course of sessions with minimal downtime in between.

Ask Dr Maria if AviClear is right for you: link in bio or 02920 617690.

“I’d put off getting my moles checked for years. Booking the mole mapping appointment was the easiest part – actually going was what I’d been avoiding.”

Everyone hesitates. Whether it’s the appointment itself, the type of treatment, or simply the worry. Today is International Self-Care Day, which symbolises that self-care is a 24/7 commitment.

If there’s a check, a chat or a treatment you’ve been meaning to book, this is your reminder.

Book your appointment: link in bio or 02920 617690.

The hotter temperatures mean we’re all wearing fewer clothes to try and cool down. However, it also means you may notice things you’d normally ignore — like skin tags.

Skin tags are often more noticeable in hot weather because increased sweat and humidity can cause chafing in skin folds where they typically develop, such as the neck, underarms, and groin

Heat also causes blood vessels to dilate slightly, which can make the tags swell or feel more prominent.

Skin tags are completely harmless, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them if they bother you.

Don’t try to remove them at home; it’s not effective, and it can scar. In clinic, they can be removed quickly and safely by our medical team, with minimal downtime.

Book a consultation: link in bio or 02920 617690.

Not every mole worry needs a biopsy. Sometimes what you need is a clear picture — literally.

Mole mapping is a whole-body imaging service that photographs and catalogues every mole and mark on your skin in one sitting. It gives Dr Maria a complete baseline of your skin, so at your next check, any change — however small — is easy to spot against the record.

It’s particularly worth considering if you:

• Have a large number of moles
• Have a personal or family history of melanoma
• Have fair skin, red or blonde hair, or a history of sunburn
• Simply want the reassurance of a documented baseline

The scan itself is quick and non-invasive. Any lesions that need closer attention are examined there and then by our consultant dermatologists, and your images are kept on file for future comparison.

Ask us about mole mapping: link in bio or 02920 617690.

More skin on show, more sun on your skin. This is the time of year moles get noticed – or missed. This month, we’re highlighting the ugly duckling sign.

An ‘ugly duckling’ is any mole that doesn’t look like the rest of the moles on your body.
If you see a mole that looks different in colour, shape, size, or border.

Around 20,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year, and most cases are linked to UV exposure — meaning most are preventable, and even more are treatable when caught early.

You know your own skin better than anyone.

🚨 Don’t ignore it! Early detection can save lives.

Book a mole check: link in bio or 02920 617690.

Noticed your skin’s been more reactive this month? Heat does that.

When temperatures climb, the skin barrier works harder to regulate itself. Add sun exposure, sweat, air conditioning, and pool chlorine, and the result is often redness, tightness, breakouts, or flare-ups of conditions like rosacea and eczema that are usually well controlled.

This isn’t your skin being ‘sensitive’ out of nowhere — it’s a barrier under stress.

What helps:

· Simplify your routine; drop actives like retinoids or strong acids until temperatures settle
· Rinse off sweat, chlorine and suncream at the end of the day
· A fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturiser rather than a heavier summer ‘treat’
· Cool showers over hot ones

If your skin is still struggling once the heat breaks, or a flare-up isn’t settling, that’s worth a proper look from one of our consultant dermatologists, rather than trial and error.

📍 Find us: 10 Penlline Road, Cardiff | 02920 617690

“Why is my skin worse in summer?” is a common question we get asked.

Your skin isn’t being dramatic. Here’s the science behind why it gets worse every summer.

Every June, the same questions come into the clinic: “Why is my acne flaring up again?” “My rosacea is so much redder.” “My eczema was fine until the heatwave.”

The short answer: summer asks a lot of your skin. Higher temperatures, UV exposure, sweat, humidity, chlorine, and changes in diet and activity all affect your skin barrier, oil production and inflammation levels – often at the same time.

Here’s what’s actually happening for different skin types:

☀️ Acne-prone skin: Heat and humidity increase sebum production. Sweat mixes with bacteria and blocks pores. Sunscreen that isn’t non-comedogenic makes things worse. Breakouts cluster around the jawline, chest and back.

☀️ Rosacea: UV radiation is one of the most consistent rosacea triggers. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, intensifying flushing and redness. Air conditioning – going in and out of temperature extremes – compounds this.

☀️ Eczema and dermatitis: Sweat is an irritant. When combined with sunscreen, insect repellent, or chlorine, it can trigger significant flare-ups, particularly in the creases of the elbows, knees, and neck.

☀️ Pigmentation: Even a modest amount of UV exposure without protection can deepen existing pigmentation or trigger new melasma, especially if you’re using active skincare ingredients like retinol or AHAs.

The good news: all of these conditions are manageable with the right dermatologist-led approach.

Book a consultation with our skin experts at Specialist Skin Clinic, Cardiff. Link in bio.

Friday feedback! I decided I would like my microbladed eyebrows removed as I felt they were too dark now I’m a woman of a certain age! Also, I had a few surface age veins on my face, I was subconscious about.

I initially had a consultation with Aiste, Senior Laser Practitioner. She thoroughly examined the area I wanted treated and realistically explained what could be achieved, the equipment she would use, the time frame, and the cost. I would most likely require four appointments (which I did), each six weeks apart. Also, every skin is different, so each treatment is tailored to the individual.

Aiste was lovely, very welcoming, and professional, and made sure I was comfortable at all times. I highly recommend her! Such a lovely lady. The clinic is spotless and bright and welcoming as are the staff on reception.

You can see from the photo that the black microblading has disappeared! I’m so pleased, and I can say it was an easy, near painless experience. The redness in the other photos is directly after treatment, but within a few hours, it settled.

I’m so pleased with the whole experience and will most certainly visit again for ongoing maintenance.

Award-winning dermatology – right here in Cardiff 🏆

We’re proud to be recognised as Best Clinic Wales at the Aesthetic Awards, but what we’re most proud of is the care we give every patient.

Over 20 years of clinical experience.
Treatments delivered under consultant dermatologist supervision.
Safe and effective across all skin types.

If you’ve been thinking about booking – there’s never been a better time. Link in bio.

cardiffdermatology