have you have tried different acne treatments such as oral antibiotics (prescription medication such as minocycline), topical antibiotic creams (salicylic acid, azelaic acid and glycolic acid), hormonal therapy such as oral contraceptive or even home therapy such as honey masks, over the counter products, but they failed you? We are here to help!
what is New in acne treatments?
Whether you have cystic acne, papules, and whiteheads, acne is worrisome. But there's good news! Several new laser acne treatments are now available in Edmonton. Here, we will discuss laser, Microdermabrasion and Levulan Photodynamic Therapy System. That being said, good skin care and skin hygiene is essential for any long-term acne removal protocol.
Causes of different types of acne
We will not spend a long time discussing the causes of different types of acne. However, we will provide this infographic to give a brief summary. In summary, we develop acne due to overactive sebaceous glands and less than optimal skin resurfacing (lack of dead skin cells turn over). Therefore, some of us who have these two factors are born with acne prone skin.
Most of the cases we see at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Center are advanced cases. Most patients are desperate as they saw their family doctor or GP and tried all traditional treatments.
Laser For Acne Removal
You may have heard of laser hair removal. But what can laser treatments do to prevent and get rid of breakouts?
The treatment uses light to kill bacteria. Also, the treatment uses IPL, an Intense Pulse Light Therapy. The treatment does the following:
- Kill the bacteria, which causes acne
- Eliminates current acne
- Prevents future breakouts
- resurface old skin
When your skin cells don't shed correctly, bacteria and sebum builds up and blocks your pores. Lasers target the bacteria to help remove acne. Further, it helps to reduce any superficial scars and dark pigments. It is important to know that clients on some acne medication (topical or oral medication) with specific active ingredients, such as Accutane and minocycline, should stop taking the medications for up to six months before the treatment. If not, the laser treatment may worsen acne before noticing positive results
What is the recommended treatment protocol?
It depends on the severity of the acne. If you’re experiencing breakouts, Dr. Kamal (PhD in Pharmacy) recommends six treatments every few months. It's necessary to reduce scarring, deep pigmentation to rebalance the skin. Touch-up treatments will stimulate collagen production, prevent acne and make your skin glow.
Will I see any improvements?
Yes, your skin will look clearer and smoother. For those with sun damage and dark spots, you'll notice your skin colour will look more balanced. In general, your skin will look brighter, supple and smother.
What laser do you use at Albany?
We have over 10 different laser types and wavelength. Therefore, we can customize the acne laser treatment according to your acne type, severity and skin type. Some of the most effective lasers we have are Fraxel laser, Dye pulse 532, 585 and ND Yag 1064 laser.
Silk Peel for Acne
Microdermabrasion is a skin rejuvenation treatment. It combines exfoliation and suction to remove bacteria. Other impurities include dead skin and excess oil from the skin. Also, Microdermabrasion It's a non-invasive treatment that doesn't use chemicals and helps you attain a clear and bright complexion.
Further, the treatment is ideal for all skin types and colours. It doesn't leave any scars. In fact, it helps reduce and get rid of scars! With microdermabrasion, you can get back to your normal activities after the treatment. What this means is, the treatment takes less time to complete. Also, you don’t need any safety recuperation time.
How does Microdermabrasion work?
There are two distinct types of microdermabrasion. The first type involves discharging small crystals into your skin under high pressure. These are aluminum oxide crystals, that contain different elements.
The second type involves using a diamond-tipped wand or a crystal. It has an abrasive tip and gently exfoliates when it's swiped across the skin. The process doesn't release any crystals and it's safe for home use. With this tool, your doctor (or injection certified pharmacists) can adjust the suction level pressure to suit your tolerance. It's best to start with a low pressure to prevent bruising.
How many treatments does it take to see results?
A lot of patients need more than one treatment session to get the best results. We recommend one to two sessions spaced two weeks apart. About six to twelve treatments are necessary, which may cost around $1,658.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion for acne treatment
Microdermabrasion can help different acne types. Also, it has several benefits and they include:
Boost circulation and enhance cell function
Microdermabrasion help boost circulation in the target area. Also, it enhances the function of the cell and boosts the production of elastin and collagen. As a result, it makes skin cells healthier and more resilient.
Improve product results
Circulation increase allows skin products to penetrate deeper into the epidermis for better results.
Fighting Blackheads
Microdermabrasion is especially effective in removing blackheads. The suction removes the solid oily contents in your pores. And exfoliation eliminates the top of the blackheads. Clogged pores hold debris, which leaves pores open. But when they're unclogged, your pore size will reduce in size.
Safe and effective
Microdermabrasion is safer than other available treatments. You may experience redness and tightness after the treatment, but it won't last long. Recovery time is minimal and there are no side effects.
In general, microdermabrasion encourages the production of elastin and collagen. As a result, the treatment helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by increasing the skin's healing process.
LEVULAN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY SYSTEM
The Light Levulan Kerastick Treatment is aggressive treatemtn with long downtime. It's a effective treatment for moderate and cyctic acne. Further, the Levulan Photodynamic Therapy System is divided into two processes.
The therapy utilizes the Blue Light Treatment and the Levulan Kerastick topical solution. It emits visible, cool, and safe blue light to help reduce acne.
How does it work?
First, your aesthetician will apply a Levulan Kerastick topical solution on the acne. The solution will make the breakouts more sensitive to light. Your aesthetician will leave the topical solution on for about two hours. Next, the therapy proceeds with a Blue Light Treatment.
The treatment session lasts for 15 minutes. You may feel minimal discomfort due to the nature of the topical solution. But the discomfort normally improves within 24 hours and as soon as the treatment ends.
After the treatment, patients may experience minor reddening. Some will experience mild swelling around the surrounding skin. In general, reddening will reduce one week after the treatment. But swelling will reduce after two days.
Medical studies show that Levulan Kerastick is an effective acne treatment. Your skin will look clear, smooth, supple and radiant within four weeks.
Do you have acne? Do you want to get rid of them? If so, you should make an appointment with Albany Laser and Cosmetics Centre. We have quality facilities and professionals ready to help you. So book an appointment with us today. We provide a full portfolio of all cosmetic and laser treatment including fillers and Botox, acne scar removal, Fraxel laser, hair removal, non-surgical facelift, microdermabrasion, hydrafacial, eyelid lift, skin tightening, face slimming, jaw contouring and more. Here is our price list