Acne Treatment
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What is Acne?
Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits.
Acne lesions usually occur on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
A large majority of people in Australia have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfigurement and permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are affected by the disorder.
What are the causes for acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. Some of the factors are:
- An increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting and stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.
- heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.
- Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne.
- Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
Acne Treatment Information:
Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved. The key to getting rid of acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming lies in knowing that:
- Resolution takes time.
- What works for one person may not work for another.
- A dermatologist’s help may be required.
Resolution takes time. Treatments that promise “fast”, “miraculous” or “overnight” results often capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for a quick resolution. However, the fact remains that acne does not clear overnight. On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 6 to 8 weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne.
What works for one person may not work for another. What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type and the kind of acne lesions present.
A dermatologist’s help may be required. With so many factors affecting clearance and a multitude of treatment options available (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions, as well as the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation.
The knowledge gained from considering these factors allows dermatologists to create effective individualized therapy that will resolve the patient’s acne over time and prevent new lesions from forming.
We do sometimes combine two or more treatments together to achieve better result. A patient may be instructed to use one medication, skin product or treatment in the morning and another at night. Alternatively, two medications may be combined in one prescription medication. Due to possible side effects, over-the-counter medications should not be combined unless directed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.
Acne responds especially well to early treatment. We do recommend that acne be treated as early as possible to maximize effectiveness as well as help prevent scarring.
There are several treatments available for “Acne” or old “Acne Scarring” at our clinic. These include: Max 7 , Micro-Dermabrasion , IPL , Peels , and
Acne Pitting
For old acne pitting and scarring, we do recommend a combination of Micro-Dermabrasion, Herbal Aktive Peel and EndyMed 3 Deep Fractional SkinResurfacing ( FSR)
Micro-Dermabrasion is a great non-invasive treatment for treating old acne scarring. It is designed to rejuvenate and smoothen out the skin surface as well as to lighten up the hyper-pigmented area.
Cost: $ 130 per session and generally for a mild scar we recommend and course of 10-12 fortnighly treatments.
Herbal Aktiv Peel™ ‘New Skin in 5 Days’ is a biological method to resurface the skin. It has a 50-year history of high levels of safety combined with significant results for a wide range of skin conditions. It consists of a compound of dried, crushed botanicals with scientifically proven actions. No synthetic acids or abrasives are added to the formulation. Practitioners do not need to wear gloves during application, and there is no danger if the herbs inadvertently get into the eyes.
“There was a glow… as though someone had switched on a light bulb beneath my epidermis.”
Shonagh Walker, beauty writer for Woman’s Weekly
The Herbal Aktiv Peel™ treats a wide variety of skin conditions including:
* Acne
* Pigmentation
* Sun damage
* Ageing
* Stretch marks
* Milia /blackheads
* Scars
* Enlarged pores
* Impure skin
As well as many other skin conditions – and it does so naturally; without the use of any harmful or irritating ingredients.
Cost: $1460 including home care products.
Each treatment, patient, laser operator and result is unique!
You are, however, safe in using photos to explore your options and to evaluate your expectations.
