Laser and light therapies can play an effective part of an acne treatment plan, they can be used on their own or as part of therapy package.
Acne Lesions
Excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with naturally occurring dead skin cells (corneocytes) blocking hair follicles. Oil secretions are said to build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic (oil/lipid-loving) yeast Malassezia to multiply uncontrollably. In response to the bacterial and yeast populations, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected. The typical acne lesions are:
| Comedones | A plugged hair follicle, may be open (blackheads) or nearly closed (whiteheads) |
| Papules | A small, solid and usually conical elevation of the skin. Papules do not contain pus, which distinguishes them from pustules |
| Pustules | Collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials |
| Nodules | A small aggregation of cells |
| Cystic acne | One of the more severe forms. These are more inflamed and pus-filled or reddish bumps, which can easily lead to scarring or serious infections |
Types of laser and lights used to treat acne.
there is no one laser or light treatment that can treat pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, acne cysts or acne nodules.
There are many different types of laser and light therapies are used to treat acne.
Blue, red and blue + red light devices:
These are called visible light because you an see the colours, these devices are used to treat pimples.
Visible light is not effective against blackheads, whiteheads, acne cysts or nodules.
Infared light : infrared light has been approved to treat pimples, including those that develop on the back.
Infrared light cannot treat blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.
Intensed Pulse Light (IPL): this treatment is an effective option for managing acne and improving skin appearance. IPL is a laser-based treatment that targets the underlying causes of acne while keeping the top layer of the skin safe. It uses high-intensity pulses of light to create significant changes in the targeted area.
Unlike typical laser procedures, IPL releases a set of different pulsed light wavelengths, which penetrate deeper layers of the skin without damaging the top layer.
When the pulses touch the skin, the energy is absorbed by pigment cells and turns into heat. This heat destroys spots, freckles, hair follicles, and the bacteria that may be causing acne.
IPL can treat a variety of skin problems, including acne, age spots, rosacea, and acne scars.
IPL can also help with hyperpigmentation and redness associated with acne scarring.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): During PDT, a solution that makes the skin more sensitive to light is applied to acne-prone skin. The solution must sit on the skin for a while, between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Next, the practitioner uses a laser or light device to treat the skin.
When will you see results?
Results vary from person to person.
Right now, there’s no way to know who will see clearer skin and how much the skin will clear when treated with a laser or other light treatment.
To get results, most people need a series of treatments.
Several studies have shown that multiple treatments deliver significantly better results than a single treatment.
It takes time to see results.
In studies, researchers continually find that patients see the best results weeks after the last treatment. In one study, patients treated with a type of light therapy called photodynamic therapy had 50% fewer spots at the end of the 4-week treatment period. Twelve weeks after the last treatment, they had a 72% reduction.
Follow-up treatments may be necessary.
Results from lasers and light therapies are generally long lasting. To maintain results, however, patients often need follow-up treatments once or twice a year.
What can you expect immediately after treatment?
Redness and swelling are common after treatment with many lasers and light treatments. Some patients say their skin stings or burns. These are usually mild and disappear within a few hours or by the next day. Other side effects are rare; however, they can occur. These include lingering pain, burns, or blisters. Changes in your skin color and scarring are also possible. Getting treatment from an experienced laser practitioner who frequently uses lasers can help prevent these side effects.
We will get back to you as soon as possible
Location:
62 Commercial Gate, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG18 1EU