ACNE
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly during adolescence.
About
Acne
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While considered a normal part of growing up, acne can have lasting effects on an individual’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Please read below for more detailed information on the causes of acne, the various types of acne and what treatment options are available to reduce the effects of this condition.
Causes of Acne
Acne develops due to a combination of factors:
Excess Oil Production
The skin naturally produces sebum, an oil that keeps it moisturized. However, during puberty, hormonal changes can lead to increased sebum production, which can clog pores.
Dead Skin Cells
Normally, dead skin cells slough off, but when they accumulate, they can mix with excess oil and block hair follicles.
Bacteria
The presence of a bacteria called *Propionibacterium acnes* in clogged pores can lead to inflammation and pus formation, contributing to the development of acne.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy can affect oil production and trigger acne.
Diet
Some studies suggest that certain foods, particularly those high in sugar and dairy, may exacerbate acne in some individuals.
Types of Acne
Acne can manifest in various forms:
Comedonal Acne
Characterized by the presence of closed (whiteheads) and open (blackheads) comedones, which are non-inflammatory lesions.
Inflammatory Acne
Includes papules (red, raised bumps), pustules (pustules with pus), and nodules (larger, painful lumps).
Cystic Acne
A severe form involving painful, deep cysts filled with pus, often leading to scarring.
Treatment Options
Treating acne involves a combination of lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and sometimes systemic therapies:
Topical Treatments
Over-the-counter products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help reduce inflammation and clear clogged pores.
Medication
For moderate to severe acne, dermatologists may prescribe antibiotics, hormonal treatments (like birth control pills), or retinoids.
Dietary Adjustments
While the link between diet and acne is still under research, some individuals find that reducing sugar and dairy intake may help improve their skin.
Professional Treatment
Options such as laser treatment can provide additional benefits in reducing acne and scarring.
How We Can Help
At SKiiN Laser Clinic
The yellow light energy from the pro yellow laser targets acne caused by P. acne bacteria by reducing these bacteria. It also helps reduce redness caused by inflammation and shrinks sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil).
Red acne marks, also known as PIE (Post-inflammatory Erythema), form due to increased blood circulation at badly inflamed acne sites. These marks are redness that persists even after the acne heals. The yellow laser can help reduce these red marks by targeting the blood vessels in these areas.
Laser Treatment Details
Treatment Time
About 40 minutes.
Side Effects
Slight pricks or tingling and some redness that goes away within a few hours.
Downtime
Many patients experience no downtime.
Results
Effects start to show up about a week after the procedure.
Client Reviews
What our customers say about us
Acne
Pre & Post Treatment Advice
The information provided should be followed by all clients prior to receiving Laser treatment and after the treatment is administered. It is crucial to the health of your skin and the success of your treatment that you read and follow ALL guidelines below.
We cannot treat/test your skin if you:
Have experienced “holiday” sun exposure in the last 4 weeks and/or have a tan.
Have active cold sores.
Had or expecting to have any other medical/cosmetic procedure over any part of your body on the same day.
Inform your therapist if you are using:
Retin-A, Renova, Differin (Adapalene 0.1%), Tazorac (or within the last 6 months).
Any products containing Retinol, AHA, or BHAs or benzyl peroxide.
Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating.
Antibiotics orally or topically.
St Johns Wort or any known product that makes your skin sensitive to light (within the last 3 months).
Steroid creams – prescribed by your GP.
Any prescribed skin treatment creams.
Gold Medications – gold salt injections for arthritis prevention.
Or have used Roaccutane or isotretinoin (within the 6 months)
Have ever used any tanning products such as beta carotene supplements or gummy bears?
Inform your therapist if you have any of the following:
Have any history of melanoma or any other form of skin cancer?
Have active cold sores or warts.
Have open wounds, sunburn, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis, or inflammatory rosacea in the area to be treated.
Individuals with a history of allergies, rashes, or other skin reactions, or maybe sensitive to infection/spots.
Have active cold sores or warts.
Have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
If you are going on holiday and expect sun exposure within the next four weeks.
Suffer from Vitiligo.
Have a history of keloid scarring.
Poorly controlled diabetes.
Suffer from Porphyria or epilepsy.
Have had surgery or minor surgery (within the last 6 months).
Have had any other medical/cosmetic procedures over the treatment area (in the last 3 months).
If you expect or are thinking of having any other medical/cosmetic procedure over the treatment area (in the next few months).
If you have any questions or queries about anything prior to your first treatment or during treatment courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Aftercare
After treatment, the skin will be cooled, and skin barrier protection will be applied to prevent environmental sensitisation.
We recommend that post-treatment:
The skin should not be exposed to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds) for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Use of an SPF is advised for when you are outside and in the sun for very short periods (i.e. necessary for daily life) however, sunbathing/sitting in the sun/tanning beds/prolonged sun exposure should be avoided altogether no matter what sunblock you are using for at least 4 weeks following treatment. (Please ask about the brands we stock/recommend).
We advise that sun protection is worn even if you are not outside (UV radiation is the non-visible spectrum of light and travels at low concentration even at night. Therefore, the treatment increases UV sensitivity, so to be on the safe side please apply)
Wash with cool water (at least tepid) and not hot.
Apply topical products with care (delicately for 48 hours post-procedure).
Avoid hot baths, showers, swimming, steams rooms, or saunas for 24 hours.
Do not use any products that may be drying or irritating for 48 hours.
Do not use any bleaching creams or perfumed products for 48 hours.
Keep the area clean and dry post-treatment.
Do not use any creams, lotions, or prescribed treatments in the treatment area without consulting your practitioner.
The treatment area should not be picked, scratched, or rubbed vigorously at any point throughout your treatment course. Be delicate with the surface of your skin area being treated.
If before or after treatment, your skin feels dry, please apply delicately small amounts of a light moisturiser regularly throughout the day.
If you are having a body treatment, we also recommend wearing loose clothing on the day of the treatment and up to 24 hours post-treatment.
No strenuous exercise/activity for 24 hours.
No excessive alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours after your procedure.
Eat a healthy balanced diet with adequate quality hours of sleep.
Drink plenty of water (we recommend 2-3 litres per day depending on workload and heat stress). Hydrated bodies are efficient at clearing out toxins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many session are required?
On average we recommend 4-6 and then maintenance sessions in the future.