Acne
Acne and the resulting scars can negatively impact self-esteem and emotional well-being.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common, inflammatory skin condition characterised by blockage and inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Most people experience acne at some point in their lives, and it’s important to know that the condition is not caused by poor diet or hygiene habits. Known causes include bacterial overgrowth, hormonal changes, oils in the skin, follicular plugging, certain medications, genetics, and more. Acne can be very minor, with periodic blemishes, or quite severe, with inflamed, painful papules and nodules. For some, acne and the resulting scars can negatively impact self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Symptoms of Acne
Acne is most common among teenagers and those with oily skin types, but can also affect adults of all ages.
The condition presents as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules (small red, tender bumps), and nodules (large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin). Cystic acne is characterized by painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. These spots and blemishes appear most commonly on the face, chest, upper back and shoulders.
Acne treatment options at Laser Smooth can help to prevent the condition, as well as manage active blemishes and minimise the possibility of scarring. At Laser Smooth we work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that includes treatment, skincare and scar management.
Acne Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available to assist in the reduction of acne and it is definitely not a case of "one size fits all". It is necessary to get your skin assessed so that a treatment plan is tailored for you and your needs. Following are some of the treatments that are available at Laser Smooth.
Skincare
The consistent use of a quality skincare regime is necessary in targeting acne. Laser Smooth recommends ASAP skincare as this is Australian made and manufactured for Australian conditions. Their Soothing Gel is great for easing the painful inflammation that comes with some acne skins. Your total skincare routine would be prescribed to you during your free skincare consultation so that it is personal to your skin conditions. It may include products such as our Gentle Cleansing Gel, Daily Exfoliating Gel, B+ Super Complex or Clear Complexion Gel.
LED Light Therapy
Laser Smooth uses Aduro's LED Light Therapy, a medical grade LED mask. When using the blue light, particularly when paired with the near infrared light, it can help manage and combat acne by oxygenating the skin to eliminate the p-acne bacteria from the skin while acting as a pain blocker. Redness and inflammation can be reduced significantly, allowing current acne lesions to recover. This LED light therapy is also available as a Personal LED Mask.
Microdermabrasion and Peels
Another piece in the care puzzle is the use of microdermabrasion and ASAP Peels. These can help eliminate the buildup of dead skin cells that lead to blocked and clogged pores. These clogged pores can then lead to blackheads as well as the pustules and cystic acne.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser Skin Rejuvenation uses short blasts of high-intensity light to gently heat the upper layers of your skin to treat sun damage, vascular issues, pigment irregularities, and acne.
This Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment uses a series of impulses to transmit yellow, green, and red light onto the skin. The yellow and green light kills acne-causing bacteria that live on the skin, while the red light targets the sebaceous glands and prevents them from creating too much sebum. Laser Skin rejuvenation is also helpful in the reduction in the appearance of scars.
Homecare
There are some other basic things that you can do at home that can also assist in reducing both the pain and incidences of acne. The increase of essential fatty acids in your diet can be beneficial. You can increase your intake of fish such as mackerel and salmon, and certain nuts such as chia and flaxseed. You can also take fish oil supplements. Zinc is also helpful in the reduction of acne and a supplement may also be helpful here. It is best to seek doctors advice before starting on supplements and always take the recommended dose. A low GI diet can also be helpful as insulin spikes are thought now to increase sebum production.
Non-dietary tips include changing your pillowcase nightly and your bedding regularly as the buildup of dirt and oils on your bedding can irritate your skin.
Let’s explore the best treatment options for your skin.
Your Skin Will Thank You!