Acne Treatments

How do we develop acne?

Acne appears when an oily substance called sebum clogs pores. In many cases the condition is aggravated when the sebum production is stimulated by hormones which in combination with dead skin cells will lead to white and blackheads (comedones). Our own skin bacteria Propionobacterium acnes also known now as Cutibacterium acnes will digest lipids from excessive sebum production, inducing an inflammatory papule. 

To summarize, a pre-exiting skin condition, hormonal hyperactivity, combined with the lack of a correct skin care routine might be the triggering factors for developing acne. 

You will often hear that acne is not influenced by your diet. Nevertheless, a recent study with more than 20000 participants revealed that consumption of fatty and sugary products, sugary beverages and milk was associated with current acne in adults. 

These findings are extremely interesting and suggest that a Western diet which is rich in animal products and fatty and sugary foods is indeed associated with the presence of acne in adults.

Recognizing your acne type

It is crucially important to recognize how many types of acne we usually deal with and which is our condition.

• Inflammatory acne is characterised by red inflamed papules, pustules and nodules which will often lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation
• Hormonal acne is characterised by adult-onset acne with inflammatory acne along jawline, cheeks and neck
• Nodulocystic acne is characterised by severe inflammatory acne with deep nodules and pustules 
• Comedonal acne is characterised by blackheads and whiteheads also known as comedones

In addition to this, one size does not fit all, therefore some of us, will produce intense inflammation leading to pustular and cystic acne, which in return will lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. 

Treatment

It is important to note that acne treatment is a long journey, it might take a minimum of 4-6 sessions before the result is visible.

Early treatment is extremely important in order to prevent acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Only 20-30% of the scars will improve over time therefore further treatments will be required. Treatment depends on severity, type of skin and colour. 

• Classical facials

Our deep cleanse Deep cleanse and hydraglow are the first step in clearing your skin and decongesting your suffering pores.

The products used with the treatment will help balance your skin tone, hydration , oil production and are the basis of preparing your skin for the next step of your acne clearing journey.

• Chemical peels for acne and acne scarring

You have probably heard million times by now, but the key to smooth and clear skin is exfoliation. Chemical peels are exfoliants that help treat and prevent the appearance of acne lesions, but also improve overall skin texture, have anti-ageing effects and minimize the appearance of pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation together with melasma and rosacea. 

Superficial chemical peels can be classified in alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). They differ by their lipid-water solubility, AHAs are water soluble and BHAs are oil soluble.

AHA are derived naturally from sources such as bitter almonds (mandelic), sour milk (lactic) or sugar cane (glycolic). 

BHA’s are able to enter deeper into pores, which contain sebum and help to control exfoliation of the dead skin cells and oil that is built up inside the pore, through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These are considered superficial or mild peels, that will help in cell renewal, reducing acne, superficial lines, address minor hyperpigmentation with minimal to no down time. Usually used in a course of 5-6 treatments they can dramatically improve the appearance and texture of your skin.

            Medium chemical peels include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 35%-50%. TCA is appropriate for congested skin and acne, intense sun damage and pigmentation, but also deeper lines and wrinkles. 

• Microneedling for acne scarring

One of the best collagen induction therapies, microneedling is the best way to improve the appearance of acne and acne scars. It induces formation of collagen and elastin, the two main proteins predominantly responsible for the structure of the skin. The outcome is youthful, rejuvenated looking skin. Microneedling has been safely used in a wide variety of other skin conditions like enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks on the face and body and even hair loss.

The microneedling device involves using adjustable, disposable microscopic needles that will create micro-channels with a variable depth from 0.25mm to 2.5mm. These micro injuries will stimulate our body’s natural wound healing response, thereby releasing innate growth factors and inducing new collagen formation. Medical microneedling devices used in clinics have the potential to create tissue remodelling in many areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back with long-lasting results and little to no downtime afterwards. It also allows a deeper transdermal delivery of active substances through our skin barrier offering a better penetration of active ingredients and cosmeceuticals.

• Mesotherapy for acne scarring
  

Mesotherapy is an advanced therapy that can be used at any age and by all skin types and has proven results on improving acne scarring.

Our choice of Mesotherapy is a unique anti-aging, poly-revitalising complex that combines hyaluronic acid with 59 skin revitalizing ingredients. It feeds the skin with the essential ingredients to stimulate the dermis repair and renewal process.

It can be easily combined with other effective therapies such as microneedling, as they will act synergistically to improve uneven skin texture and the appearance of acne scars by stimulating new collagen and elastin production.

Usually, the mesotherapy cocktail is injected directly into the skin where acne scars are present. Mesotherapy is a treatment capable of improving acne scars by providing small quantities of active ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid directly to the area where they are needed.  The vitamins stimulate the skin cells, especially fibroblasts, which cause increased production of collagen and elastin fibres, as well as neutralising free radicals and improving circulation as well.

• Lasers

Lasers can be used in the treatment of acne and acne scarring. 

Our Laser Genesis used in treating acne, is a non-invasive, non-ablative laser that stimulates new collagen, tightens the underlying skin and improves acne and scars and diminishes pore size while also improving fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone.

A must know rule in acne treatment is that it is important to be patient and persist with the treatment even if there’s no immediate result.

• LED therapy

LED therapy known as photodynamic therapy is a treatment where light is applied to the skin in an attempt to improve symptoms of acne. 

Blue LED light is most often used to treat acne. It does so by reducing activity in the sebaceous glands, so they produce less of the oil that can plug the hair follicles, leading to acne. Blue light also kills acne-causing bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes. Often blue and red light are used in combination to help fight acne — the blue light targeting the C. acnes and the red light targeting inflammation and redness.

• Our bespoke treatment

Based on our solid experience in treating acne, at Skinglow Clinic we designed two bespoke treatments that combine all the above technologies based on the individual case.

First, we invite you for a complimentary skin assessment to understand better your condition and discuss together a treatment plan to match customer’s lifestyle and achieve the desired results. 

 Based on the findings, we will propose a treatment plan to match your desired results. 

Our approach has yielded great results and in part is the merit of our customers who understand the importance of following our advice of the individualized treatment plan and also the homecare recommendations.