Patient Case Study: Tara's Skincare Story

At Experts in Skin & Hair we' re making expert dermatology more accessible for Brighton, Hove and Sussex residents. With our medically trained team of specialists, and our investment in the state-of-art diagnostic technology, we ensure every patient receives the right support, accurate answers, and lasting results.

So when we achieve positive outcomes for our clients, we can't help but feel proud of our clients journey – seeing them go from skin sensitivity, low confidence to glowing with confidence.

Tara's Acne Journey with Experts in Skin & Hair

"I Got My Life Back in Six Months"

When Tara, 24, from Haywards Heath, first began struggling with acne, she never imagined it would shape her confidence for years. She'd sailed through her teens without a single breakout - then at 17–18, everything changed.

"My skin suddenly became something I had to think about all the time," she says. "It was embarrassing, painful, and completely knocked my confidence."

Like many young women, Tara found herself spending increasing amounts of time and money trying to cover or manage her skin - buying skincare, trying new makeup, researching routines late at night. At university, she became more self-conscious, withdrawing from situations without even realising it.

"Acne is something you can't hide. It affects how you talk to people, how you show up, everything."

Long NHS waits - and a difficult choice

Tara visited her GP several times and initially tried the combined contraceptive pill. Other short-term medications helped briefly, but nothing made a lasting difference.

Meanwhile, NHS waiting times to see a dermatologist kept getting longer - a minimum seven-month wait in her local area.

"It wasn't anyone's fault," Tara stresses. "The NHS is under so much pressure. But when acne affects your confidence every single day, waiting seven months just feels impossible."

She was told the most effective long-term treatment for persistent acne is isotretinoin (Roaccutane).

That's when she found Experts in Skin & Hair in Brighton - and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Paul Farrant.

"Paul immediately knew what was going on with my skin"

Tara booked a private consultation and was seen within a month.

"Paul was so down to earth and reassuring. He explained everything really clearly - what isotretinoin does, what the real side effects are, and what's just online noise."

Feeling informed and supported, Tara started her six-month course of treatment.

Her only significant side effect? Dryness - and even that was manageable with moisturiser and lip balm.

Clear skin by month three

Tara began to see changes fast:

• 6–8 weeks:inflamed spots reduced
• 3 months:clear skin
• 6 months:treatment complete

"One morning I woke up and realised I didn't have a single new spot," she says. "I'd forgotten what that felt like."

Her mental health remained stable throughout treatment, and under Paul's care she followed all safety guidelines, including contraception requirements.

She also avoided permanent scarring - something she now feels hugely relieved about.

"It changed my confidence completely"

Tara describes the result as "life changing."

"I can leave the house without makeup. I don't dread seeing people. I feel like myself again."

She hopes her story helps others who are debating whether private dermatology is worth it:

"If you're struggling, it's okay to ask for help sooner. Acne isn't 'just cosmetic' - it affects everything. For me, seeing Paul changed my life in six months."

Expert-led acne treatment in Brighton

Acne is one of the most common reasons people visit dermatologists, yet many don't realise how effective treatment can be. At Experts in Skin and Hair, patients have access to:

• Consultant dermatologists
• Evidence-based treatment options
• Monitoring and support throughout isotretinoin
• Rapid appointments without long waiting lists

If you're experiencing acne that's affecting your confidence, wellbeing or daily life, our expert dermatology team is here to help you explore your options safely and clearly.

Ready to feel confident in your skin again?

If acne is affecting your day-to-day life - or you simply want clear, expert advice - we're here to help.