Acne Treatment
How common is acne?
Acne is the most common skin condition encountered in adolescents with a prevalence of 54% and 40% amongst women and men respectively. In most cases, acne clears up as we get older. However, if not properly treated, it can cause permanent scarring and pigmentations to the skin.
How does acne happen?
Acne usually starts in puberty and menstrual cycle, where the body is experiencing changes in hormones level. This stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce more oil, called sebum. Sebum is transported onto the skin surface via the hair follicles. Skin cells are shed from the hair follicles and stick to the sebum, causing the pores to clogged. Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes start to grow and leading to inflammation, causing acne.
How to treat acne?
Prescriptive Topical Acne Creams
Prescriptive Topical Acne Creams are available in various formulations and strengths. The creams help to break open the comedones, reduce oil production, improve inflammation and gently exfoliate the skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels are used to clear acne faster! One or more peeling agents are applied to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Repeated treatment can help to prevent blockage of the pores and levelling out superficial scars.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) reduces sebaceous secretion, helps in reducing inflammation, decreasing the redness and pigmentations left behind by the lesions.
Oral and/or Topical Antibiotic
Oral and/or Topical Antibiotic helps to reduce colonisation of Propionibacterium acnes.
Laser
Laser improves acne differently depends on the type of lasers. Generally, lasers decrease sebaceous glands secretion (reducing “oily face” appearances), exfoliate the clogged pores, reduce redness caused by active or chronic inflammation, decrease pore size and resurface deeper acne scars!
How fast can I see the result?
Generally with any treatments of acne, one will require at least 2-3 months to see the improvement. The treatments are usually performed in conjunction with each other. It is important to take note that proper skincare at home plays an important role in reducing the risk of recurrence of acne.