What is active acne?
Active acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects over 80% of adults and is particularly prevalent in teenagers. It appears most commonly on the face, chest, back and neck.
If it remains untreated it can cause permanent damaged skin commonly known as acne scarring. An outbreak of acne can re-occur every 4 to 5 years and around 30% of suffers continue with acne issues into their adulthood.
How can Active Acne be treated?
There are a number of different treatments available for acne – some of which are more effective than others. The ones we recommend are:
- NLite-V
- Microdermabrasion
- Specialist skin products e.g. Jan Marini and Obagi.
- Skin peels
Active acne can also be treated using antibiotics which are usually prescribed by a patient’s GP or dermatologist. Many of our patients have found that antibiotics have been ineffective for the treatment of their acne, that they have experienced unwanted side effects or, particularly for younger patients, that they do not want to have to take a prolonged course of antibiotics for their treatment. Our treatment options are an effective alternative to medication.
Nlite-V
NLite-V (FDA approved) is one of the most highly acclaimed treatments for active acne and is the most popular active acne treatment we provide at Skin Medical.
“The biggest break through in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris” – Dr Tony Chu
Nlite-v – how does it work?
Light energy initiates the release of free radical oxygen which kills and reduces the p.acne bacteria that cause spots. At the same time, it also reduces any associated scarring by promoting new collagen growth from the deeper layers of the skin.
Most patients are treated with a 30 minute session. The number of treatments required will vary depending on the individual’s skin condition. Some patients may require only one treatment but most are recommended to undergo a course of treatments to ensure a sustained improvement in their skin which will occur within 3-6 months. Many patients then choose to have a maintenance programme every 6 months or annually.
For full details about NLite treatment, see the treatment page.
SKIN PEELS
Skin peels can be used to give the skin a more fresh appearance and to even out skin tone. We use: 40% and 70% glycolic peels, 20% salicylic blue peels, 40% tebiskin peel and the VI Peel. Peels are mixed at the time of treatment to suit the exact needs of the individual patient. At consultation the practitioner will be able to recommend which peels are most suitable for your skin.
MICRODERMABRASION
Medical microdermabrasion uses a highly controlled flow of fine, medical grade crystals and vacuum suction to remove the dead, outermost layer of the skin. This skin exfoliation process reveals the new, living cells that are soft, smooth and receptive to nutrients.
Microdermabrasion is performed by passing a hand-piece over the skin. This evenly removes the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum). At the same, the underlying epidermis is stimulated by the abrasion from the crystals and the vacuum, which promotes new collagen that thickens the dermis. Improvements in the texture and appearance of the skin will be immediately visible after the first treatment.
All acne treatments take approximately 30 minutes. There is no downtime following treatment so patients can resume normal activities immediately.
