Acne – Battling The Source Of Our Insecurities
Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”
Acne can be so superficial, yet the wounds and scars that it can leave upon our spirit go a lot deeper than we think. From just a few pimples here and there to severe forms of cystic acne; when it comes to your skin there truly is nothing worse than literally having been branded by a colony of zits and inflammation. I remember being asked once If I had the chicken pox!!!!! My acne had never left me so mortified.
Acne treatments and creams had plagued my life for years, and no matter what I tried it all severely irritated my skin. Until I discovered lasers, I quickly learned how profound the results were and how laser acne treatment requires specific lasers to target the bacteria that are infecting follicles, eliminating the infection without the need for antibiotics or medications (like Accutane). A specialized BlueLight laser can also be used for this purpose. As soon as my acne was in retreat, the doctor that I went to see at American Medical Aesthetics used 2 additional lasers to shut down the inflammation that was accompanying my acne. It completely helped in reducing any of the swelling that I had, and it removed the redness and pigmentation that I was experiencing.
In many cases, acne treatments are integrated with a package of silk peels (dermal infusion facials) administered by one of AMA’s certified Medical Aestheticians. The Dermal Infusion procedure infuses into your dermis a natural substance called Salicylic acid, which is clinically proven to further reduce acne and cystic acne breakouts. In this procedure, a precise amount of the dead layer of your skin (Stratum Corneum) is also removed, which promotes further healing and rejuvenation of your skin to its silky smooth radiant state. In addition, the Medical Aesthetician will customize an anti-acne daily skincare regimen for continued acne treatment maintenance.
HOW IT WORKS:
Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), which is a natural substance found throughout your body. It is a clear solution that is applied to your skin and left on for 30-45 minutes (Incubation). Once absorbed into your skin the ALA is activated with a specific wavelength of light in the blue spectrum. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Active cells such as sebaceous glands absorb ALA and, consequently, when the ALA is activated by the blue light a patient’s overactive sebaceous glands will be dramatically impacted and shut down; hence the term “Photodynamic” acne treatment. The ALA will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are small 1-3 mm bumps on your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea. Skin oiliness is decreased and the appearance of pores is minimized. The entire skin texture improves following a Photodynamic Acne Treatment.
After Photodynamic Acne Treatments the typical patient will be red and have skin peeling and crusting for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 2-3 days are the most intense. Complete resolution typically requires 2-3 weeks. Pressed mineral base foundation will hide most of the redness. You will be advised to remain indoors for 2 days following your acne treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for up to 48-hours after treatment.
The advantage of Photodynamic Acne Treatment is the rapid reduction cystic acne lesions without scarring or surgical excision. Your skin appears refreshed and younger following each acne treatment. The doctors at AMA typically advise 2-5 treatments 3-4 week intervals between each treatment to obtain optimal results. There are no known systemic side effects to this skincare treatment.
In order to enhance the absorption of the ALA into the skin it is recommended that a portion of the outermost dead layer of skin be removed (Stratum Corneum) before applying the ALA. Typical methods include various skincare scrubs or dermabrasion techniques. At AMA a light Erbium laser peel is used, which is much more effective, extremely precise and safe, and greatly enhances the results of the ALA Photodynamic acne treatment. (The laser peel is included in the treatment price).
WHAT TO EXPECT:
At your complimentary consultation, AMA patient educators will advise you on the acne treatment and/or cystic acne treatment you will be receiving and give you a detailed step-by-step outline of the procedure. You will also be advised of the proper pre and post-treatment skincare instructions.
After your acne treatment, expect to have some degree of redness, ranging from a mild “sunburn” pink to a deep red (depending on your skin type and skin sensitivity). Patients are photo-sensitive to sunlight for up to 48 hours following treatment. During this time it is advisable to stay indoors and out of direct or indirect sunlight. Skin peeling and crusting is expected for several days after the acne treatment. During the first week, a strict skincare regimen must be adhered to for proper healing and optimal results.
In cases where the patient also suffers from existing acne scarring, sun damage, age spots, rosacea and wrinkles, Photodynamic acne treatments can be customized along with other specialized protocols such as the various procedures incorporated into The Spectra™-Lift.
