Laser Acne Treatment

Fantastic for mild to moderate acne and associated skin discolouration.

Acne affects over 80% of the population aged 14-30. Although commonly considered to be a problem of adolescence, 25% of the people affected by acne in their teens will go on to develop permanent scars and acne can continue, or even first occur, into the 30s and 40s. The effects on personal appearance caused by acne and the resultant scarring can cause significant psychological and social problems if left untreated.

The primary cause of acne is over-active sebaceous glands.  The sebaceous glands of people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of testosterone.  While often called the 'male hormone', this isn't the case, as testosterone occurs naturally in both men and women.

Where people are prone to acne the testosterone triggers the sebaceous glands to produce an excess of sebum.  At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles are not shed properly and clog up the follicles, so resulting in a build-up of oil in the hair follicles. This causes blackheads and whiteheads to form.

For some people, their acne does not progress beyond this stage.

However in other people, the build-up of oil in the hair follicles creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called 'Propionibacterium acnes' to grow.

These bacteria normally live harmlessly on your skin but when this ideal environment is created, they reproduce in far greater than normal numbers. They feed off the sebum and produce substances that cause a response from your body's immune system. This inflames the skin and creates the redness associated with acne spots.

In more severe 'inflammatory acne', cysts develop beneath the skin's surface. These acne cysts can rupture, spreading the infection into nearby skin tissue, which can result in scarring.

Laser treatment using Intense Pulsed Light has shown good rates of success in clinical trials. It is non-invasive and does not require a prescription. It is a good alternative to strong prescription drugs such as retinoic acid.

How does it work? 

The wide spectrum of Intense Pulsed Light used helps destroy bacteria and control the secretions in the sebaceous glands.

A mild chemical (Glycolic) peel prior to laser treatment is recommended as it removes the dead skin cells that block the pores causing pustules. The light is then better able to penetrate the skin.

The IPL also has the beneficial side-effect of stimulating the production of new collagen in the skin, so improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of scarring. It can also reduce the appearance of red or brown areas of skin often associated with acne breakouts.

How long does it take?

A typical treatment will take around 30 minutes.  This time period will be extended should you choose to have a mild Glycolic peel prior to the IPL treatment. 

Usually up to 6 sessions will be required, though of course this can vary from person to person.  In our experience 6 sessions of IPL treatments plus the Glycolic peel we recommend you undertake prior to each treatment results in a significant improvement.

How long does it last?

We can't 'cure' your acne.  All we can do is significantly reduce the levels of bacteria present that cause the infection and so reduce the levels of inflammation and the number of break-outs you experience.  As said already, it can also improve the skin texture and reduce the appearance of scarring.

We can treat all 'active' sebaceous glands, killing bacteria and reducing the volumes of sebum production. Sebum is a fluid produced naturally by the body to protect the skin.  It is a necessary function of the skin.  Sebum will therefore continue to be produced and re-infection may occur.

Does it hurt?

The skin on the face can be quite sensitive, and in acne-sufferers may already be inflamed.  The Intense Pulsed Light used to treat the condition creates heat, which can become mildly uncomfortable.

In advance of the treatment a cooling gel is applied and we can offer the use of a chilled air jet to cool the face as it is treated if you wish.

Are there any side-effects?

As with all treatments affecting the skin there is of course a small risk of side-effects.  Following the treatment your skin may feel a little sore.  There may be some slight reddening of the area treated.  This doesn't happen in all cases, it depends on the skin type and area treated.  We apply cooling aloe vera gel to all areas treated, which is very effective at reducing any inflammation that results.  The redness and sensation of warmth will last only a few hours, or maybe overnight, but soon disappears leaving no ill-effects.

Before we commence any treatment we take the time to undertake a detailed consultation with you, making sure that you are comfortable with the process and that you have no pre-existing conditions that could adversely affect it.  You will have a 'patch-test' undertaken, to be sure that your skin does not react adversely to the IPL.  If you experience no adverse reactions to this small test, then we can proceed to treat the area affected.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £175 per treatment with discounts for multiple sessions.

What do I do now?

Call The Brookdale Clinic on 01565 651832 and book your initial consultation.  You can ask questions, gain reassurance and then start treating the acne that so affects your life.

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