Acne Reduction

Acne is a skin condition typically comprised of red pimples, inflammatory cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads (comedones).  The condition occurs when pores become clogged, or when sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much oil, blocking off the pores and causing the accumulation of dirt, debris and bacteria.

With overgrowth of bacteria, an inflammatory reaction can ensue, resulting in a red pimple or whitehead.  If the inflammation occurs deeper in the skin, the result can be firm and painful cysts.  Acne can be the result of many factors, including hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, medications, excessive sweating, oily cosmetic products or even stress.

Keeping acne under control can sometimes be difficult.  Many options are available, including over-the-counter and prescription creams and antibiotics which target the various causes of acne. But even with the wide range of acne treatments, chronic breakouts may still be difficult to treat.  Most non-prescription treatments only target the skin surface and do not reach the root of the problem.  Antibiotics can also create problems by destroying the normal “healthy” bacteria in the body, cause side effects such as photo-sensitivity and diarrhea and even lead to antibiotic resistance.

More advanced acne treatments such as laser acne therapy can be a more effective option to treat stubborn breakouts.  Laser acne therapy reaches the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin’s surface and reduces the production of oil from the skin glands as well as targeting Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacterium that causes acne inflammation.  It is an excellent alternative for those who wish to avoid taking antibiotics or who have sensitivity to the creams and lotions that are often used. The laser procedure can also improve the skin’s texture and lessen the appearance of scars, so it may be good treatment option for people with both active acne as well as acne scars.

Immediate improvement can be seen with one treatment.  However, optimum results can be achieved with even only three to five treatments.  Avalon Laser can consult with you to create a management plan tailored to your specific skin type.