Questions About Acne
- Posted on: Aug 15 2018
We have some treatment options that work incredibly well at Creative Image Laser Solutions, so let’s answer some questions about acne and our treatments.
What’s with the zits?
Acne isn’t caused by eating cheeseburgers…or fries…or chocolate…or Doritos. All hooey and misinformation. Acne comes down to the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles. The sebaceous glands produce oil, keeping the skin and hair lubricated and moist. Acne forms when the hair follicles under your skin clog, trapping the oil beneath the skin. You know where acne is more prevalent: on the face, back, neck, shoulders, and chest. It appears as occluded pores (blackheads or whiteheads), red bumps (pimples), pustules, or cysts.
The condition isn’t serious — although don’t tell this to your 16-year-old daughter in the midst of a breakout — unless the acne is cystic in nature. Those cysts can scar the skin.
Causes of acne
Acne is still somewhat of a mystery, believe it or not. Doctors believe it’s due to a combination of factors. The rise in the male sex hormone androgen in teenagers of both sexes is thought to be the primary cause. When androgen levels increase the oil glands enlarge and produce more oil.
Genetics also play a role. Some people are simply more prone to the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger acne outbreaks, even if you got off easy as a teenager. Certain cosmetics and medications cause breakouts for some people, as well.
What is IPL acne treatment?
At Creative Image Laser Solutions, we use intense pulsed light to treat acne. We deliver this light down onto the skin in very quick pulses. The IPL light kills the bacteria living it up in the sebaceous glands. Plus, the IPL light triggers and increase in enzymes that reduce acne.
What happens after IPL acne treatment?
For a few hours after the IPL session, the skin will be pink. Within a few days acne lesions will begin to dry up and heal. Normal skin will come back.
Or add Amino Levulinic Acid for severe acne
If your teen has severe acne, we still use IPL energy. But prior to hitting the acne-riddled skin with IPL we apply amino levulinic acid (ALA) to the skin. The IPL then “activates” the ALA and it gives the acne lesions a serious beatdown. This treatment is strong enough that patients need to stay out of the sun completely for 1-2 days.
If your teenager is suffering from acne, come see us at Creative Image Laser Solutions. Call us at (325) 641-1927 to make an appointment.
Posted in: Acne Therapies
