Acne is the most common skin disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin, and effects over 80% of adolescents and many adults. Almost everyone has tried conventional approaches to treating acne – creams, cleansers, products promoting “clear promises” as advertised on TV, prescription drugs, and other home remedies – with few if any beneficial or long-lasting effects. Many people also encounter significant side effects from treatments using topical medications and antibiotics, which makes it even more frustrating when these therapies are just not working.
Acne occurs when oil produced by the sebaceous glands does not reach the surface of the skin. Instead, it gets trapped and obstructs the skin’s tiny pores or follicles. This obstruction action may close off the pore, causing the follicle’s wall to bulge, which creates a “whitehead” of bacteria. If the pore does stay open, the top surface of the skin and its obstruction may become darkened, causing what is commonly known as a “blackhead”.
In both cases, the acne bacteria (Propionibacterium) thrives in these clogged pores and follicles. When the bacteria and the pus leak from these follicles into the surrounding tissue, pimples form. Reasons for acne are multi-factorial which range from heredity, to hormone production, and nutrition.
Available topical treatments for acne are slow and frequently irritating to the skin. The use of oral therapies (antibiotics) may be associated with an increased bacterial resistance or can possibly cause severe side effects (oral isotretinoin). Hormone replacement is an option in females, but may not necessarily be appropriate for all patients. A narrow band UV free blue light has been shown to decrease inflammatory acne lesions. Clearance via this protocol is about 80% for extended periods.
We take a combination approach to the treatment of acne using all available state-of-the-art technologies and research available. Typically we start with a retinoid therapy but also combine this with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL lasers, and Photodynamic Therapies that take advantage of blue and red LED light therapies. There is no one solution for acne (as many claim) and therefore at VIP Aesthetics we offer the newest in treatment modalities for our patients so they can gain clearance from this skin condition.
Schedule your appointment at VIP Aesthetics today to learn more about our acne therapy treatments.
