Acne Skin Treatment
For centuries acne has physically and emotionally scarred millions of people across the world but we now offer a combination of the latest laser treatments together with our medical knowledge to ensure optimal results.
What is acne?
Acne takes many forms but the commonest type (Acne Vulgaris) is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by obstructed sebaceous glands, causing pimples and sometimes deeper cysts or nodules. It commonly affects the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.
What causes acne?
The precise causes are multi-factorial but the basic problem is over-stimulation of oil (sebaceous) glands by hormones such as testosterone. The resulting oily sebum causes the pores to become blocked, allowing bacteria such as P.Acnes to proliferate within the gland, thereby resulting in the classical acne spots and pimples.
How common is it?
Acne is extremely common, typically starting in teenage years and over 80% of adolescents will be affected at some stage or another. Moreover, around 30% will continue to suffer from acne issues into their adult life.
What are the main problems?
Acne is not only emotionally and cosmetically distressing for both teenagers and adults alike but active, inflammatory acne lesions can also be physically quite painful. Moreover, moderate to severe acne can lead to permanent scarring and abnormal pigmentation.
How do lasers work in acne?
There are 2 discrete modes of action:
- Destroy Bacteria: Studies show that certain discreet light spectra actually destroy the bacteria responsible for causing acne spots in the first instance.
- Stimulate Collagen: Lasers stimulate collagen production by heating the deeper layers in the surrounding skin, thereby accelerating the natural healing process. Therefore, spots disappear more quickly than they might otherwise have done.
Thus, this dual action minimises future scarring and also has an additional tightening effect, improving skin tone.
Which lasers are useful for acne?
Both the IPL and long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are suitable for most mild-moderate cases but, for the very severe pitted acne scars, the Erbium:YAG/Fractional lasers are best.
Can I have all acne areas treated?
Yes, all areas of the body can benefit from these laser techniques, including face, chest and back.
Does my colour make a difference?
No, your skin colour should make little difference to the overall result.
Is the treatment painful?
During treatment you might feel some transient pin-prick sensations but no anaesthetic is required other than cooling the skin.
How does it feel afterwards?
There is occasional redness and a slight warming sensation of the treated areas, a bit like sunburn but we minimise this by applying a cooling pack.
A small minority of patients may also develop some bruising or blistering but this usually settles within a few days.
Are there any side-effects?
Very rarely one sees some pigment changes following IPL/laser treatments but these will normally resolve within a few months. However, it is imperative to avoid sun exposure and thus we recommend using high factor sun protection (e.g. Cosmedix reflect SPF 30) for at least two weeks after each treatment, preferably long-term because of the obvious benefits of minimising further solar damage.
How quickly does it work?
Most patients should start to see some beneficial results after only the first month but best results are achieved following a full course as recommended below.
How many treatments are needed?
We normally suggest an initial course of 4-8 treatments at fortnightly intervals to get the maximum improvement in a patient’s acne using IPL or Nd:YAG lasers. This is faster and often far more superior than conventional therapies.
What about future treatments?
Periodic top-up sessions are usually required after the initial course to maintain the benefits, typically every 4-6 months.
Is laser treatment safe?
Yes, our clinics are registered with the Health Care Commission, ensuring the highest level of safety and there is no evidence to suggest that laser treatment can lead to any other skin disorders.
Are there any alternatives?
The conventional treatments offered by the NHS range from simple reassurance for the very mildest cases to topical lotions/creams containing benzyl peroxide or antibiotics through to oral antibiotics and also, more recently, topical and oral retinoids. If taken long term these treatments are certainly effective in active acne but not in all cases and are also not without side-effects. Furthermore, they have little impact on the permanent scars of previously untreated acne.
However, in addition to IPL and lasers we also offer a number of other novel alternatives to your acne problems. We will assess you and individually tailor our advice or treatments which can range from:
- Active Acne Lesions :
- Cosmedix Skin Products help reduce excess surface oils, thereby avoiding blockage of sebaceous glands, reducing the proliferation of P.Acnes and thus future spots. The purity clean exfoliating cleanser contains peppermint essential oil which cools your skin and stimulates circulation, whilst the L-Lactic acid gently exfoliates to deep cleanse into the pores. It successfully manages to add moisturisers to keep skin healthy but without blocking the pores. The clarity serum has a unique blend of oil-reducing and repair-stimulating ingredients and uses the power of nature to control breakouts of acne as well as diminishing the appearance of scarring. It contains Tree Tea oil to speed up healing, witch hazel to clarify, willow herb root to reduce inflammation and the powerful addition of L-Retinol A to stimulate cell turnover, collagen production, etc. This makes it a remarkable product for oily, acne-prone skin. We also offer the Cosmedix pure enzymes exfoliating mask which harnesses the natural power of cranberry enzymes and chirally-corrected L-Lactic acid to tenderly scrub away facial impurities. Moreover, it too adds potent moisturisers to provide softness to acne-prone skin without pore-clogging oils.
- The Obagi ClenzidermMD Skin Products is a three-step system comprising a deep cleanse and skin preparation following by a highly effective treatment lotion. It produces faster results and is far superior to many other treatments for mild-moderate acne.
- Medical Peels: We use the Cosmedix purity peel which penetrates excess oil and clears the skin of blemishes, heals acne lesions, reduces inflammation and exfoliates the skin to reveal a glowing, dewy complexion. The blueberry smoothie scrub invigorates the skin and is an exceptional acne treatment, using active blueberry extracts to exfoliate the skin, thus restoring a youthful glow without visible irritation.
- Medical Micro-Dermabrasion can be offered to more deeply exfoliate the skin, unblocking pores, clearing dead and damaged surface skin cells, thereby stimulating new skin growth, etc.
- Cosmedix Skin Products help reduce excess surface oils, thereby avoiding blockage of sebaceous glands, reducing the proliferation of P.Acnes and thus future spots. The purity clean exfoliating cleanser contains peppermint essential oil which cools your skin and stimulates circulation, whilst the L-Lactic acid gently exfoliates to deep cleanse into the pores. It successfully manages to add moisturisers to keep skin healthy but without blocking the pores. The clarity serum has a unique blend of oil-reducing and repair-stimulating ingredients and uses the power of nature to control breakouts of acne as well as diminishing the appearance of scarring. It contains Tree Tea oil to speed up healing, witch hazel to clarify, willow herb root to reduce inflammation and the powerful addition of L-Retinol A to stimulate cell turnover, collagen production, etc. This makes it a remarkable product for oily, acne-prone skin. We also offer the Cosmedix pure enzymes exfoliating mask which harnesses the natural power of cranberry enzymes and chirally-corrected L-Lactic acid to tenderly scrub away facial impurities. Moreover, it too adds potent moisturisers to provide softness to acne-prone skin without pore-clogging oils.
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Acne Scarring :
- Cosmedix Skin Care Products: Thought microdermabrasion was good? Try the blueberry smoothie scrub which contains highly effective lactic-acid (from yogurt) and is an excellent exfoliating scrub / mask. It is particularly good on oily skin but also effective as an anti-aging, rejuvenating treatment. Blue cornmeal and exfoliating beads in a delicious and refreshing blueberry gel leave you with smooth, sparkly skin with the old acne scars a fast fading memory!
- Medical Peels such as the Pomegranate Peel which works to even out the top layers of the skin and mildly stimulates collagen, the Deep Sea Peel which relies on the healing power of the ocean to generate collagen and stimulate deeper changes in the skin, the Timeless Peel which increases cell turnover and removes layers of dead skin using 30% chirally- corrected L-Retinol A, etc.
- Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up is extremely light, natural, hypoallergenic and ideal for acne-prone skin to help cover blemishes and to increase your confidence. Ideal camouflage for those not yet ready for a more permanent answer to their acne scars.
- Cosmedix Skin Care Products: Thought microdermabrasion was good? Try the blueberry smoothie scrub which contains highly effective lactic-acid (from yogurt) and is an excellent exfoliating scrub / mask. It is particularly good on oily skin but also effective as an anti-aging, rejuvenating treatment. Blue cornmeal and exfoliating beads in a delicious and refreshing blueberry gel leave you with smooth, sparkly skin with the old acne scars a fast fading memory!
How much does laser acne treatment cost?
The initial consultation is entirely free of charge and with no obligation. We will recommend a highly individualised treatment programme which could include a combination of the above approaches in a holistic manner. The precise cost will vary depending upon the severity of acne and the surface area involved. However, as a guide for IPL acne treatments:
| Half face | £80/treatment or | £450 for a course of 6 |
| Full face or shoulders | £130/treatment or | £720 for a course of 6 |
Try combining this with microdermabrasion prior to IPL and Cosmedix post-treatment skin care for maximum results.
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