ACNE


General Information

Acne typically begins during adolescence, when hormonal changes cause the enlargement and obstruction of sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands can rupture into the surrounding dermal tissue causing inflammation, which is made worse by the build-up of bacteria, especially propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This then causes the typical painful, pustular inflamed lesions that can appear on the face (predominantly), chest, back, limbs and virtually any part of the body.

Although most people eventually outgrow their acne in their late teens and twenties, for some it can continue to be a problem into middle age.

Acne can often be of such a severity as to cause physical and emotional pain, and in vulnerable individuals, severe social disadvantage.

Treatment

Skin Deep Sema4 recognizes there is no one product or treatment which will always 'fix' acne. Those with mild acne can be treated with topical agents (gels, creams and lotions). Those with moderately severe acne usually requires a topical agents, but with the addition of an oral medication, usually for six months or more (antibiotics, anti-androgen hormonal agents for females, non-steroid anti-inflammatories). Those with resistant or severe acne may require oral isotretinoin which can have side-effects.

Advice on oral medications can be discussed with you General Practitioner.

Light-Based Therapies for Active Acne

In recent years, a range of light-based therapies have proven effective in arresting or lessening the severity of acne outbreaks. Skin Deep Sema4 clinicians are abreast of developments in this area and Skin Deep Sema4 has purchased a range of state-of the art treatments systems to offer a comprehensive service. Light-based treatments available include:

  • Dual Yellow Laser
  • Chromolite IPL
  • Photodynamic Therapy
  • Blue Light Therapy

The above treatments are effective in targeting the porphyrins contained within the P. acnes bacteria as well as the natural porphyrins present in the sebaceous glands. Thus, these treatments have the combined effect of being both bactericidal and anti-inflammatory.

Blue-light Acne Treatment

Blue light acne treatment is a safe, effective non-invasive procedure that uses light in the blue wavelength range of 405-420mm to kill the Propionobacterium acnes (or P. acnes) bacteria in the skin. It is effective as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with other more traditional treatments. The efficacy and safety of blue light acne treatments is attested to by having FDA Approval in the USA for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris or acne vulgaris that has not responded to other acne therapies.


How does it work?

Acne develops when the skin cells don't shed properly. They stick together and plug up the pores. This blockage causes a build up of sebum (oily secretion) and of P. acnes bacteria leading to inflammation and pustules. The bacteria in acne produce and release porphyrins. When porphyrins absorb light of certain wavelengths (especially blue), free radical damage is produced, and this destroys the bacteria.


What happens during a Treatment?

With Blue Light a typical treatment session requires 15-20 minutes. The patient lies comfortably on a couch while the therapeutic light is applied. There is often a sensation of warmth on the skin but treatment is painless and safe. Patients may listen to music while having their treatments if they wish, or simply relax.

How many treatments are required?

Typically, Blue light treatments are given twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for four weeks. These appointments need to be made in advance and kept so as to maintain continuity of treatment and obtain maximum results.

How effective is Blue light treatment?

Like all acne treatments, Blue light treatment will not totally eliminate acne. Usually it will effectively clear about 70% of moderate, inflammatory acne.

Results are especially impressive if used with conventional treatments such as topical treatments and oral antibiotics.

Will the skin be blemish-free at the end of treatment?

Although the inflammation will be gone from the majority of acne lesions for the majority of patients, some may experience residual redness where the inflamed blemish was located. This will resolve over time.

Are the results permanent?

The underlying acne condition can last for months or years, varying from person to person. The Blue light treatment usually helps control acne flare-ups for four to eight months. In recurrent stubborn cases, monthly top-up treatments for up to one year may be required. After that, occasional top-up may be required.

Is Blue light treatment safe? Are there any side effects?

Blue light is not potent high-energy light such as Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which have to be used with great care. The Blue light used is part of the visible light spectrum which surrounds us and impacts on us every day.

The Blue light which is shone onto the skin penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target without adversely affecting surrounding skin.

Blue light is one of the safest acne treatments available, with no known side effect.

Do patients need to prepare their skin before coming in for treatment?

Yes, wash the face with mild acne cleansers then rinse with water and dry. Women should remove make-up before treatment sessions and should only use oil free make-up between appointments. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after a treatment session has ended.

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