Acne Treatments

Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population.  Acne typically begins in adolescents with hormonal changes, which cause enlargement and then the blockage of sebaceous glands in the skin.  Skin cells clump around the pore blocking the outlet.

The glands then swell with accumulation of sebum (oil) and bacteria (usually proprioni-bacterium acnes (P.acnes) can then accumulate and produce the painful, inflammatory pustules of acne which can result in scarring.

MICRO DERMABRASION

Suitable for; Active acne, acne scarring and enlarge pores - The sand and suck mechanism can actually clear the glands of plugs of sebum and any infected pustules.  On average six treatments are advised at fortnightly intervals.  This is dependant on skin types and problems.  Redness settles after only 1-24 hours.  The procedure is not usually painful, taking less than one hour.

Micro Dermabrasion is not a cure for acne but by clearing blockages it improves the appearance of acne remarkably and can prevent the onset of scarring.  It is a great adjunct to the use of antibiotics, topical creams or blue light.

BLUE LIGHT

Suitable for mild to moderate papulo - pustular acne.

The Vein & Skin Clinic uses the Iclear blue light 405-420nm, which can achieve (from USA studies) over 60% clearance of acne lesions, following a series of 20-40nm treatments, twice a week for 4 - 6 weeks.  The Iclear uses high intensity blue -violet light that activates phototoxic substances called porphyrins, present in these bacteria.  The activated porphyrins start a chemical reaction that destroys the P.Acnes bacteria without any damage to normal skin and without any pain to the patient.

The Vein and Skin Clinic has recently acquired the Omnilux which uses red light for decreasing the inflammation associated with active acne and an adjunct to the Blue Light for destroying the p.acne bacteria.  The Omnilux also uses near infrared light for treating deeper acne lesions, scarring and rejuvenating the skin.

Clinical results demonstrate a better response then conventional antibiotic or topical therapy treatments.

Studies have shown that approximately 20% of patients do not respond.  This could be attributed to the existence of deep acne cysts or the infection with non P.acnes bacteria.

PHOTODYNAMIC ACNE TREATMENT

Using Blue Light and ALA Suitable for all grades of acne especially cystic acne and rosacea.
A new procedure is now available that enhances the effect of Blue Light on the destruction of P.acnes bacteria and blocked sebaceous glands.  The procedure is called  Photodynamic Acne Treatment using 20% ALA (amino-levulinic acid) and Blue Light.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment is a process by which a photosensitizing agent (ALA) is applied to your skin.  The ALA is then activated with a specific wavelength of light, which "turns it on."

Prior to Photodynamic Acne Treatment, the best available treatment option for cystic acne was Isotane.  However, with Isotane there are many systemic side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood despression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes.  Photodynamic Acne treatment provides a viable alternative for all types of acne treatment.

Photodynamic Acne Tretment is performed as follows:  The ALA is applied to your skin and left on for 30-60 minutes.  ALA is a clear solution and painless.  ALA is then activaed with a specific wavelength of light called Iclear Blue Light.  This takes about 8 minutes.  The ALA is preferentially taken up by both the P.acnes bacteria and by the acne sebaceous glands.  This stimulates more porphyrins and hence greater photo activation with blue light and greater destruction of P.acnes bacteria and sebaceous glands.  The ALA will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small (1-3mm), benign, bumps on your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea.  Skin oiliness is decreased, and the appearance of pores is minimized.  The advantages of PDT are rapid treatment of acne lesions all over the face or trunk.  We advise 2 - 3 treatments at 3 week intervals to obtain optimal results.  There are no systemic side effects.

The downside of PDT is that you will be red and have some peeling for several days after the treatment.  Usually, the first 1 - 2 days are the worst.  We advise remaining indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 24 hours after PDT.