Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people of all ages. It occurs when pores are blocked and filled with oils, bacteria, or dead skin cells. This blockage can be caused by genetics, hormones, bacterial infection in the pore, medications creating increased oil production (known as sebum), dirt trapped on the surface of your skin due to insufficient exfoliation or cleansing practices.
Stress has also been found to contribute to flare-ups so it is important for those dealing with acne to manage their stress levels proactively too.
How does Acne form?
Acne is a common and chronic skin disease involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands. It happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum oil, that stops the skin from drying out, and dead skin cells clog the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, called pimples or zits.
Acne affects 80% of teenagers and many adults, especially women. Most of the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders. The acne scarring that can remain after acne outbreak is often just as distressing and can be permanent if not treated. Thankfully, with good acne treatments and at-home care it’s possible to reduce acne scars considerably.
How do you treat Acne?
Four aesthetic medicine treatments available for acne in Sevenoaks, namely ZO skin health, chemical peels, radiofrequency micro-needling, IPL, and fractional laser, and how they can be beneficial.
-
ZO Skin Health is a skincare program that consists of multiple steps. The first step is to cleanse the skin with a gentle exfoliant that removes excess oil and dirt from the skin. The second step involves toning, to help remove any remaining impurities from the skin and a specialist acne scrub with 2 anti acne medications. The third step involves treatment, which includes application of various face creams that contain retinol and antioxidants to help in the reduction of acne.
ZO Skin Health works by removing excess oil and debris from the skin, reducing inflammation and acne, as well as minimizing the appearance of acne scars. ZO Skin Health is an excellent choice for people looking to achieve an even skin tone and reduce blemishes. Dr Paulina has trained with Dr Obagi himself and will be able to create a bespoke face routine specific to your skin.
-
Chemical peels are another popular treatment for acne. This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which removes the outer layer of dead skin cells. This solution is a mix of different acids like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic and is used to improve the appearance of acne scars and reduce inflammation. It works by penetrating the skin to clear out clogged pores, reduce oil production, and encourage healthy cell turnover, making it an effective treatment for acne-prone skin.
-
Radiofrequency Microneedling is another popular treatment for acne. This treatment involves the use of a device called a radiofrequency micro-needling device. This device delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin, creating tiny channels. This method stimulates collagen and elastin production and promotes the healing of damaged skin. This treatment works by encouraging the healing of acne scars, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the regeneration of the skin.
-
IPL (Intensely Pulsed Light) is a light-based treatment that works by targeting the cells responsible for producing acne. This treatment involves emitting light waves beneath the deep layers of the skin to target bacteria and reduce inflammation. IPL treatment is an excellent choice for people with moderate to severe acne and for those looking to reduce the appearance of scarring.
-
Fractional laser is a treatment that involves the use of a laser to treat acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines. This treatment works by creating tiny wounds beneath the skin, which stimulate the healing process, prompting the growth of new skin cells, and reducing the appearance of acne scars and other signs of aging. Fractional laser treatments are safe, effective, and can be customized according to the patient's needs to give the best results.
Aesthetic medicine treatments can effectively treat acne and improve the overall look of the skin. Four available treatments consist of ZO Skin Health, chemical peels, radiofrequency microneedling, IPL, and fractional laser. Each treatment has its unique benefits, and they can be customized to cater to individual patients' needs.Dr Paulina offers bespoke acne consultations and treatments at her Sevenoaks clinic.
These treatments not only help in the treatment of acne but also improve the quality of life of those affected by it.