What causes Acne?
Acne is a disorder of the skin’s sebaceous glands that results in congested and plugged pores that become infected with bacteria which can lead to outbreaks of lesions. Acne is caused by pores which become clogged. It is not necessarily caused by diet or lack of hygiene. Acne treatments typically aim to destroy the bacteria or improve the function of the skin.
Though commonly considered as a teenager problem and usually beginning in adolescence, 20% of all adults suffer from varying degrees of active acne. For most people acne is a significant problem that has a high impact on their lifestyle and quality of life. As one of the most common skin disorders, over 80% of the population aged 14-30 will suffer from it regardless of gender, or skin type, and 25% of these will have permanent scars.
Treating Acne with AFT Photofacial (Advanced Florescent Technology)
Destroying acne at its source
Acne is a widespread and socially frustrating condition, while not life-threatening, acne can cause long-term physical and emotional scarring. Acne is believed to be caused by a mix of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Current treatment options have, for many patients, been ineffective and accompanied by negative side effects. High costs and long required treatment periods also make many medications an unsatisfactory solution. Now, armed with AFT Photofacial technology, providers can effectively clear moderate inflammatory acne with AFT Photofacial yields quick, impressive results without side effects, pain or photosensitivity.
The AFT Photofacial Advantage
Common acne management approaches are problematic. At best, inconsistent, at worst harmful, conventional methods do not satisfactorily solve this widespread problem. Topical applications, like ointments, and creams, are popular for treating acne, but may irritate the skin, and do not actually reduce acne bacteria. While antibiotics may be effective in some cases, they often require long-time use, and are not recommended unless necessary. Some acne drugs have been linked with potentially serious side effects. Effective and comfortable, AFT Photofacial works quickly and thoroughly to kill acne bacteria and suppress the overactive sebaceous glands. Destroying bacteria faster than they proliferate, AFT Photofacial counters acne with no side effects or downtime.
Who can be treated?
Healthy adults and teenagers can undergo AFT Photofacial acne treatment. If you suffer from a specific illness or take medication on a regular basis, please notify your provider.
What to expect?
AFT Photofacial acne treatment is non-invasive and painless. A full-face session takes about 30 minutes, while a chest or back may take somewhat longer. After treatment, patients immediately resume regular activities, an all-important feature for active teens and young adults. After your course of treatment, you may notice improvement not only in your inflamed acne, but extra benefits with this acne treatment includes a reduction in undesired red spots and brown spots. Occasionally, improvements in tone, texture and pore size can be observed.
Is it safe?
The parameters of AFT Photofacial are specifically designed to match your skin type, assuring exceptionally exact and gentle treatment. Clinical trials conducted by leading authorities on pulsed light document its safety and effectiveness.
Does it hurt?
While pain tolerance is an individual matter, most people tolerate AFT Photofacial treatment well, and describe the sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. The majority of patients require no anesthesia.
How does AFT therapy technology work?
High-intensity AFT Photofacial permeates the tissue, reaching and precisely targeting the acne-causing bacteria. As the intense light penetrates the tissue, it sets off a chemical reaction in which endogenic porphyrins, ring-like molecules found in all living organisms, increase, attack and destroy the bacteria, stopping acne at its source. It is important to control active acne breakouts to avoid a life time of living with the potential scarring that acne can produce if no treatment is elected.
How else can Acne be treated?
Blue Light Therapy
P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for causing acne inflammation, pump out tiny molecules called porphyrins. When those porphyrin are exposed to certain wavelengths of light (Blue Light Therapy in this case), they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria. Without P. acnes around to cause inflammation, acne clears up.
An Overview
Blue Light Therapy is an FDA approved skin treatment that harnesses specific bands of the light spectrum in order to target and eliminate acne bacteria. For years, it was clear that direct sunlight could help diminish the signs of acne, but for obvious reasons, sustained exposure to the sun could also do as much damage as good. This is why scientists set to work on pinpointing which parts of the spectrum helped trigger the chemical reaction that was breaking down Propionibacterium acnes. They found that it was visible violet light, rather than ultraviolet light, that was killing the bacteria. This meant that acne patients could be treated with high intensity, narrow-band Blue Light Therapy, without having to worry about the skin damage risks of UV light.
Blue Light Therapy is a safe, highly effective means of treating P. acnes, as well as acne vulgaris. Blue Light Therapy treatments activate the skin’s natural porphyrin, which in turn destroys the acne bacteria. While it’s a very skin-safe acne treatment. Some more severe acne cases might also not respond as well to treatment.
How Long Does this Procedure Take?
Blue Light Therapy treatments take about 30-60 minutes with typical packages of 4 to 8 treatments. They can be combined with aesthetic services to provide the best possible outcome.
Blue Light Therapy Side Effects:
The treated area often feel tender with a mild redness after your Blue Light Therapy.
Length of Blue Light Therapy Results:
The duration of your results depends on the treatment plan you undergo. Blue Light Therapy results generally last 3-4 months. For acne sufferers whose skin has become resistant to ointments and medications, or for those who simply want to eliminate the daily hassles of such acne treatment regimens, blue light acne therapy has become a popular treatment option. Blue light therapy systems offer acne treatment as a gentle and non-invasive option. Occasionally, improvements in tone, texture and pore size lines can be observed. A series is recommended.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical Peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as acne, aging and sun exposure. There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:
- Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) — These are the mildest form of Chemical Peels and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin with no downtime. The peels’ ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic and fruit acids.
- Betahydroxy Acids (BHA) — The most common type of BHA is Salicylic. BHA’s are usually less irritating than AHA’s and are lipid (oil) soluble. Becuase of this, BHA’s are excellent for oily, thickened skin with blackheads and whiteheads. You may experience light peeling that lasts a few days.
- Trichloracetic Acids (TCA) — This type is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of Chemical Peel.
Things That Go Bump – 45 minutes – $140
Blue Light Therapy treatment and a Beta Hydroxy Peel. Blue light therapy which consists of blue light wavelengths is beneficial to those who are acne or blemish-prone. Blue light is a safe and cost-effective option for those who cannot tolerate prescription drugs. Combined with a beta peel which eliminate bacteria, dissolve sebum, exfoliates, and stimulates collagen productions.
BioMedic Micropeel Plus – 30 minutes – $85
This peel is done with a 20% or 30% Salicylic acid. There is moderate discomfort while this peel is being applied. This is a self timing peel and is left on the skin until the burning sensation is complete. The skin will be red for a few hours and slight peeling will begin in 48 hours.
AFT Photofacial for Acne – $250 per session
Blue Light Therapy for Acne -$90 per session or series of 6 – $450
Extractions – 30 minutes – $50
There are several ways to deal with ugly, clogged pores. Depending on the type of clogged pores and how they present themselves, our methods of extraction are effective, yet gentle to the skin.
Deep Pore Cleansing Facial – 60 minutes – $85
A must-have facial to rid the skin of impurities and combat acne. A deep cleansing, light peel and extractions help to clean out congested pores. An oil absorbing masque is applied to clarify the skin. High Frequency is used to kill bacteria in the skin.
Acne Facial - 60 minutes – $85
Breakouts and blackheads beware! This facial is designed to target the bacteria which cause acne to thrive. We start with a deep pore cleansing, then apply a salicylic peel, extractions follow help to clean out congested pores. An oil absorbing masque is applied to clarify the skin and cryogenic therapy is used to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.