For many teenagers, acne is the bane of their life. At a time when hormones come into play it can have a detrimental effect on confidence – especially when it comes to dating.
The only reassurance is that if you suffer from acne you are not alone. Up to 80% of people suffer from acne at some point throughout their teenage years. The degree to which people can suffer varies greatly. For some it is a handful of vicious spots, where as for other it is more cystic in nature. Either way it can greatly impact on self-confidence, as one sufferer recalls: “I always had spots but I never really felt bad because all of my friends did too. I didn’t have really bad acne like some people have but I did try a lot of things to get rid of it. It gets harder as you get older. I became really self-conscious because there was no way of hiding it.”
Common misconceptions about acne only worsen the negative impact it can have. Many falsely believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene or from eating certain foods such as chocolate. In reality the cause of acne is more biological in nature. Hormones definitely have an impact, with hormonal changes acting as a trigger. It is also believed that there may be a genetic link, meaning that those whose parents were acne sufferers are more likely to be similarly affected.
For many, the immediate response is to begin using a range of over-the-counter products, which often have little (if any) affect. The next step is usually a visit to a GP. Many girls turn to the contraceptive pill in an effort to control their acne, which can stabilise hormones. However this isn’t an option for male sufferers.
Doctors will usually turn to antibiotics to treat acne. Low-dose medications target the bacteria within the acne, however visible improvement does not happen overnight – it can take anywhere from eight weeks to begin the notice the impact, and courses are usually a minimum of six months. Side-effects and reactions can also happen. The limited effectiveness of antibiotic treatments usually leaves acne sufferers feeling like there is no solution.
Breakthroughs in technology, however, have introduced a revolutionary new treatment. N-lite acne laser has been found in trials to significantly improve the appearance of acne in comparison to those who received the dummy treatment. The results were particularly evident within the first month of treatment.
Nurse Helen Smith explains “the pulsed dye laser [N-lite laser] helps destroy the bacteria in p.acne. After treatment we always advise on which prescriptive skincare products to use to maintain the results.” Products such as the Jan Marini and Obagi range are usually used in combination with the treatment, to achieve and maintain and acne-free appearance.
N-lite acne laser treatment can effectively treat both teenage and adult acne. The treatment itself is relatively simple, and lasts around 20-30 minutes. It involves the passing of the laser over the full area for treatment. The treatment itself is much more comfortable than you would expect, with many patients reporting that the treatment is reasonable painless. Instead it feels like a small pinch – not at all painful.
Treatments are typically performed 2 weeks apart, and most patients require around 3 treatments. It effective treats active acne without leaving unsightly scars. Prior to undergoing any treatment, patients will always have a tailored skin consultation with one of our expert medical practitioners, who can design a treatment plan according to patient needs.
For many sufferers of both adult acne and teenage acne, N-lite acne laser treatment has been revolutionary. Banishing acne results in a return in lost confidence levels of acne sufferers and a boost in self-esteem.
To book an appointment for a FREE consultation with one of our expert medical practitioners at the Manchester clinic, contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or book online.
