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Acne Treatment

What is acne?

Acne is caused by hormonal changes, for example, as children reach puberty the levels of androgens or male hormones increase. This in turn may cause the sebaceous glands, present in the hair follicle, to secrete an oil that forms a solid white substance called sebum. During puberty, skin cells in the follicle shed and mix with the sebum causing a blockage in the follicle.

As more sebum is produced the follicle swells up. A bacteria normally present in the skin, called P.acnes, multiplies in the clogged follicle and results in an inflammation. This inflammation can cause acne lesions such as blackheads, pimples, nodules and cysts. It is an inflammatory skin disease which affects the tiny pores which cover the face, arms, back and chest and the oil glands attached to them.It is an abnormal response in the skin to normal levels of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood.

Both men and women have testosterone circulating in the blood, but in the acne sufferer, this hormone has a profound effect on the skin. This abnormal response is self limiting and eventually acne does get better without treatment, but there is no way of predicting how long this can take, and it may take years or even decades! Acne can also leave scars which are permanent and are easier to prevent than to treat. In the skin, the disease attacks two structures: 1 the pore through which the hairs emerge from the skin -here dead skin cells become more “sticky” and partially block the pore.2 The oil or sebaceous gland -more oil is produced, which gives rise to a generally oily complexion.The partial blockage in the pore restricts the flow of oil onto the skin surface. This results in solidification of the oil which fills the hair channel forming a blackhead. The black of the blackhead is not due to dirt, but a change in pigment in the blockage in the pore.

If the partial blockage becomes complete, the oil builds up around the hair and hair root and becomes infected with bacteria normally present on the skin. The bacteria break down the oil to very inflammatory chemicals which cause redness, pus formation and pain -the “zit”.If the inflammation is deep and severe, or if the spot is manipulated or squeezed, the pus can burst deep into the skin rather than onto the surface. This deep-rooted inflammation and infection results in scarring and cyst formation.

What treatments are available?

At West London Dermatology Centre we have a team of six Dermatologists led by Professor Tony Chu. As a result we can offer expert advice and a range of treatment options from skincare creams to laser treatment. Professor Chu is a world renowned expert and has published many clinical papers on acne including work with the Regenlite/ Nlite laser.

What is Regenlite?

Regenlite (also kown as Nlite) is a laser which was the first such system to receive full FDA clearance for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Following a clinical study by Professor Chu published in the Lancet Regenlite is proven to be comparable if not superior to existing medication for the treatmetn of acne with no side effects and long term results. In this study 87% of patients achieved significant improvement.

How does it work?

Regenlite delivers a specific wavelength of laser light into the skin which both targets the bacteria wich casues infection and at the same time stimulates the skins immune systems to reduce inflammation and repair the damage casued by infection. Regenlite can also promote the productio of collagen so can also improve the skin structure and texture and smooth scarring.

Is it painful?

No, Regenlite uses low level laser energy and is therefore painless. You may feel a mild warming as the laser passes over the skin.

Is it safe?

Yes Regenlite is completely safe. Many clincal studies have been published proving both safety and efficacy. You consultation will be with a Dermatologist and treatment by a trained laser practitioner.

How many treatments are required?

For acne treatment 3 treatments are recommended, one every two weeks. We can then assess as to whether additional treatments would be beneficial. Results can normally be seen a within a few days of treatment. With many people the acne does not return at all with others they may require periodic treatment. You may also be recommended specific skincare creams to assist in unblocking pores and clearing the skin.