Gaydio listener Neil Gilligan was delighted to receive a £300 voucher for skin rejuvenation treatment at Laserase Bolton when his friend won a Gaydio competition.

Neil, who is 25 and lives in Salford, suffered from acne on his face for many years and, as a result, he was left with acne scarring on his cheeks and chin. Neil had been saving up for professional treatment for the scarring for a while, so he was delighted when his friend David Hawthorn won a £300 voucher towards skin rejuvenation in a Gaydio / Laserase Bolton competition. Knowing how unhappy Neil was with his acne scarring, David kindly gave the voucher to Neil for his birthday.

Neil said: “I was really pleased with the voucher because I had been thinking about getting treatment for a while. I had acne up until I was about 21 and the scars it left made me feel very self-conscious. The voucher has allowed me to start my treatment sooner than I could have done and I am very grateful for that.”

Laserase Bolton, one of the leading laser clinics in the North West, has been helping people with acne and acne scarring for over 21 years and uses a combination of laser treatments, pulsed light, micro-needling and medical skin peels.

Neil has already had a treatment session with the Harmony Pixel Laser and is delighted with the results.

“I am really happy with the treatment so far,” said Neil. “I have had my first session and I am already seeing good results. The treatment was painless and the nurse at Laserase Bolton was really friendly and put me at ease. I have now booked my next two appointments for June and July.”

Sister Saria Tahir, who is treating Neil, said: “Acne can sometimes cause scarring to the skin, which often lasts long after the spots have disappeared, and this can be very distressing to people. After all, if you have struggled with acne at some point in your life, the last thing you want is to be left with scars reminding you of that difficult time.

“Laserase Bolton can treat both of the main types of acne scarring – pigmented acne scars and pitted acne scars – using a variety of different techniques to improve the look and feel of the skin.”

Not everyone who has acne is left with scars, but there is evidence to suggest that it is hereditary and that those who suffer from severe cases of acne are more likely to be left with scarring. Either way, it can cause distress long after the acne has gone.