Acne - FAQS
How do the Acne treatments work?
Laser: Our RevLite® EO Q-switched Nd:YAG laser targets sebaceous glands (from where oil is secreted) and redness and pigmentation (which are present during and after breakouts). The light energy destroys some of the sebaceous glands, removes the redness and pigmentation and stimulates the production of collagen (the skin’s support structure).
Skin Peels: We use a BHA (salicylic acid) and AHA (Lactic acid) peels to target the sebaceous glands to reduce the production of sebum. Pigmentation and scars are improved as cell turnover reveals as smoother and more even skin tone.
Diode Light Therapy: Blue diode light is proven to produce a chemical reaction to kill the bacteria (P. Acnes) that causes acne, whilst red light is proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces redness.
Which treatment should I choose?
This will depend on the type and severity of your acne together with your age and suitability to have treatment. Laser is available only to patients over the age of 18 but not everyone is suitable for laser. For patients 16-18 and over, Skin peels and Diode Light Therapy are a good alternative.
Dr Montero will discuss which will be the most suitable and effective treatment for you during your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
Laser: A course of 8 treatments are recommended - 1 every 2 weeks
Skin Peels: A course of 3 treatments are recommended - 1 per month for 3 months
Diode Light Therapy: A course of 12 treatments are recommended - 3 per week for 4 weeks
How long are treatments?
All treatments are quick and effective and your appointment will be approximately15-30 minutes
How do the treatments feel?
Laser: You will feel a little heat as the laser moves across your skin, but this is quick and painless.
Skin Peels: You will feel a slight ‘prickling’ sensation which passes almost immediately as your peel is neutralized.
Diode Light Therapy: The light emits no heat so you can relax in comfort during your treatment.
What happens immediately after treatment?
Laser: There may be mild redness immediately after treatment but this generally fades quickly so you can return to your normal activities.
Skin Peels: We recommend a skin peel on a day or evening when you have nothing planned as the peel will be left on your face overnight. Your skin looks and feels normal, it’s just as if you have a moisturizer on, but you cannot wash your face or wear make-up until the following morning. You can resume your normal routine the following day and wear make-up. Our skin peels are as effective yet not as aggressive as some peels. Your skin will not go ‘black’ or shed but may feel drier than normal. This can be lessened by extra moisturizing if you feel you need it. The great thing about the course of skin peels is you get the great result without any of the side effects usually associated with skin peels and have no disruption to your lifestyle.
Diode Light Therapy: There are no visible signs of having treatment. You can reapply make-up immediately after and resume your daily routine.
When should I see results?
Laser: You may feel your skin is little drier after one or two treatments and you should see breakouts and inflammation reduce and redness lessen after a few treatments.
Skin Peels: You may have a breakout immediately following your peel as the oil is brought to the surface. This passes quickly after which you can see a visible improvement in your complexion. This cyle will be repeated after each peel but should lessen as the peels take their full effect
Diode Light Therapy: You should see an improvement after 3-4 treatments. Your breakouts should reduce as should any redness and inflammation and your skin will begin to look and feel smoother.
How do I get the best out of my treatment?
As acne is a condition related to the over production of sebum (oil) moisturizing the affected areas should be avoided. The sebum and dead skins cells often ‘stick together’, clogging pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, spots and pustules.
It is natural to want to cover up these spots with make-up or concealer but as these are often oil-based they can make the situation worse. You can greatly help yourself by changing to a powder based mineral make-up or concealer. We have patients who show such a dramatic improvement just by changing to a powder based mineral make up that they can shorten their treatment. We have selected one of the best mineral make-up’s available but there are many brands available on the high street. Choose one that doesn’t contain talc (which is a mineral but is an irritant to the skin) or any other non-mineral additives.
Do not pick or squeeze any of your spots however tempting. This often leads to scars some of which can be deep and difficult to remove.
Use a soap-free cleanser to wash your face (you should wash your face morning and evening). Soap dries the skin which leads to even more production of sebum to compensate for this dryness.
How do I get started?
Book a free consultation with Dr Montero who will analyse your skin and recommend the best treatment options for your condition.