Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions which can affect all age groups, but usually starts at puberty. It occurs because of changes in your skin which lead to it becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This leads to inflamed bumps and pus formation. There are a variety of contributing factors, including genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, friction, or using thick and greasy skincare products.

Symptoms

​Acne should be treated early and effectively, as it may cause long term effects like emotional distress and permanent scarring. In early stages, whiteheads and blackheads are common. As inflammation sets in, painful bumps or pimples, sometimes with pus, start to form on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders and upper back. When severe, large painful swollen cysts develop, which leads to scarring.

Treatments

The primary aim of acne treatment is to clear the acne and prevent scar formation. Multiple treatment options are available, and the treatment option(s) of choice depends on the type and severity of the condition.

Treatment options are generally divided into the following:

  • Topical treatment
  • Oral medications – antibiotics, hormonal therapy,
    isotretinoin
  • Adjunctive treatments

Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. If it is not treated adequately, when older bumps heal, others will appear. Following the diagnosis of acne, our dermatologists will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.

Adjunctive Treatments

3 steps regimen to cleanse – extract – hydrate to address the excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts. Regular treatments will reveal a healthier skin and particularly well suited for individuals with acne prone skin and acne scarring.

Cystic acne lesions can take weeks or even months to resolved on their own, often leaving deep and permanent acne scarring. For persistent acne, a mild steroid injection can reduce inflammation quickly to reduce risk of scarring.

The yellow light energy from the Pro Yellow laser treats acne by killing Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria that causes acne. At the same time, it also
shrinks sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil) and reduces inflammation. Early treatment of acne with yellow laser can reduce the risk of permanent acne scarring.

Morpheus 8 is a technology that uses radiofrequency with micro-needling. While it is more commonly associated with treatment of acne scar, it is proven to also help treat active acne effectively. Morpheus 8 does this by using radiofrequency energy to kill the acne-causing bacteria on the skin and reduce the size of oil glands. When used at the optimal setting, it is effective for treatment of nodulocystic acne with overall improvement of skin texture at the same time.