Skin Club by DermaGenesis

Acne is one of the most common skin disorder. It is influenced by poor skin cell turnover, unhealthy lifestyle, genetic and hormonal imbalance. However, with the advent of Lasers and medical drugs, acne and its harmful effects on the skin can be reversed in few months - restoring skin & confidence!

Acne is extremely common in the 12 to 25 age group. However, there are individuals in the age group of 50 who still do get acne. The basic or precursor acne lesion is called the comedone. It is simply an enlarged and plugged follicle, which is filled with dead cells and sebum / oil and hair. Acne can occur on the face, neck, chest and back.

Causes of acne

• No one knows for sure what causes acne vulgaris, the technical name for pimples, spots, blemishes or zit attack; it is all the same. Researchers do know that it usually starts in adolescence and that heredity plays a big role. Acne can be triggered by multiple factors, more often in combination.
• Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. If the parents had acne, there is a good chance the child will develop it.
• A hormone called androgen stimulates the sebum-producing glands. After puberty, boys produce 10 times as much androgen as girls, and so it is not surprising that more boys than girls develop severe cases of acne
• A bacteria called Propionobacterium Acne, causes the skin fats to break down into irritating chemicals that contribute to an outbreak.
• Occlusion of the pores at the skin surface by dead cells, make up, thick foundation, mechanical occlusion; or occlusion of the duct by overgrowth of the cells lining the duct.
• Other things that can cause acne, or make it worse, are certain drugs, such as those used to treat epilepsy or tuberculosis; exposure to industrial oils, grease and chemicals; and stress and strong emotions (which may account for the big date breakout).
• Some oily cosmetics and shampoos can trigger acne in people who are prone to it.
• Many young women notice they get more pimples around the time of their menstrual periods.
• You may have heard that certain foods, such as chocolate, nuts, cola drinks, potato chips, french fries, and other "junk food" causes acne or make it worse. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Still, if you notice that outbreaks increase after you eat certain food, eat as little of them as possible.
• Oily skin and hair do not actually cause acne. Although there is an association between the severity of acne and the amount of oil a person's skin produces, not all people with oily skin have acne. Moreover, some people with dry skin do get acne too!

Types of acne

There are few types of acne. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the acne.

Comedogenic acne
Common among teenagers. Most people have a tendency to pinch it in order to extract the whitish seed like material. Some of the complications are post acne pigmentation, excoriation, dull texture and rarely scars. Best treated with Fractional CO2 laser, NALR and pharmaceuticals.

Inflammatory acne
Involves mainly adults and middle aged individuals. Hormones and P. Acne bacteria may play a role in this type of acne. Complications are scars, post acne discoloration of the skin and dull texture. Best treated with Fractional CO2 laser, IPL and pharmaceuticals.

Cystic acne

Common among teenagers and adults. This type of acne is normally red, swollen and painful. Cystic acne requires immediate dermato medical intervention in order to prevent long term scarring. Cystic acne is best managed with drugs such as Roaccutane and / or antibiotics along with dermato aesthetic intervention.

Acne with pigmentation / scarring
Pigmentation (marks) and scarring are common sequel of acne. They are best treated with Laser Rejuvenation, Glycolic Acid peels, topical or oral antibiotics. In severe cases, Vitamin A derivative such as Roaccutane can be started. Best treated with Fractional CO2 laser, NALR and pharmaceuticals.

Acne treatment and procedures

Based on the skin type, type of acne and severity of acne, the physician may recommend either one or combine any of the following treatment modalities. It is important for patients to realize that acne can be treated and kept under control, but cannot be cured permanently. There are multiple factors - from lifestyle, hormones, genetics to environmental stress that influences an outbreak of acne and all these deters acne from being permantly cured. In addition to medical treatments, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset is equally crucial to keep acne at bay.

Acne treatment - Fractional CO2 laser

Fractional CO2 laser is the latest in skincare technology and is considered to be the gold standard for skin rejuvenation. Fractional CO2 laser creates numerous microscopic laser punctures, which help promote microcirculation and new cell genesis. Regular treatments will help to replace the damaged acne skin with newer healthier cells. Acne, its discoloration and scars are smoothened in the process.

Immediately after the treatment the skin will appear red and in rare cases, minimally swollen. There may be numerous microscopic dots on the treated area, which will develop into fine scabs within a day or two. The scabs will disappear within 3 - 4 days; after which the skin is smoother and clearer. The entire recovery process takes about 3 - 5 days. During this time, patients are advised to apply more moisturizer and sun block to soothe the skin and stay away from excessive sun exposure. An individual may require 4 – 7 treatments done once in 2 - 3 weeks. The actual number of treatments will depend on the severity of the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle. Click here to know more about Fractional CO2 laser.

Acne treatment - Non Ablative Laser Rejuvenation

Non Ablative Laser Rejuvenation (NALR) using carbon peel is a new technique of using medical grade Lasers for skin rejuvenation. This technique uses the Q switch NdYAG laser at 1064 nm. A layer of carbon is first applied onto the skin. The carbon acts like a ‘magnet’ and adheres to the dead cells, both on the skin surface and the walls of the open pores. The laser is fired onto the carbon. The carbon absorbs most of the laser energy and is fragmented along with the dead cells, resulting in a perfect skin exfoliation. The exfoliation unclogs the pores and reduces acne. Simultaneously, the laser energy is distributed as heat energy into the dermis and weakens the post acne marks, stimulates new cell growth and restores the skin integrity. An individual may require 4 – 7 treatments done once in 2 - 3 weeks. The actual number of treatments will depend on the severity of the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle. Click here to know more about NALR.

Acne treatment - Intense Pulse Light

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is useful to treat acne that appears red (erythematous acne); which is obvious in fair skinned individuals. Though IPL does not assist in skin exfoliation or unclogging of the pores, it helps to even out skin tone, reduce redness, reduce inflammation and produces a smoother and healthier skin. Immediately after the treatment the skin may appear red and in rare cases, minimally swollen. Very rarely, there may be scab formation, which disappears within 3 - 4 days. During this time, patients are advised to apply more moisturizer and sun block to soothe the skin and stay away from excessive sun exposure. An individual may require 4 – 7 treatments done once in 2 - 3 weeks. The actual number of visits will depend on the severity of the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle. Click here to know more about IPL.

Acne treatment - Chemical Peel (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

Chemical peel or exfoliation, though may be outdated, still has a role in treating acne. These treatments normally involve a series of skin exfoliation using approved chemical agents. The most commonly used exfoliating agents are Glycolic acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Salicylic acid or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and Tricholoracetic acid (TCA) peel. A layer of exfoliating agent, such as Glycolic acid is applied onto a cleansed skin. Glycolic acid helps to dissolve the protein bonds that adheres the different layers of skin together. Once the protein bonds dissolve, the dead cells that line the surface of the skin is exfoliated. After a few days, new healthy cells grow over them.

Acne treatment - Medical drugs

Commonly used drugs for treating acne include:

• Retin A - a vitamin A analog cream containing Retinoic acid
• Diffrein - a vitamin A analog gel that is suitable for sensitive skin
• Azelaic acid - suitable for sensitive skin and to treat post acne pigmentation
• Neomedrol lotion - combination of antibiotic and corticosteroid
• Oral antibiotics such as Minocycline, Doxycycline or Tetracycline
• Roaccutane - an oral vitamin A analog
• Dianne 35 - an oral contraceptive pill

Note: All the drugs must be used under medical supervision. Please note that these drugs (especially Vitamin A analog) are strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Cost

The cost of treatment for acne (for the facial area) using Laser or IPL ranges from RM 600 - RM 700 per treatment. Laser can also be used to treat acne on the chest or the back.

Photo gallery

Pictures of acne treated using a combination of IPL, Lasers and Chemical Exfoliation. Click on the thumbnail for larger image.
(Pictures are copyright protected and are the property of DermaGenesis (Australia) Pty Ltd. Unauthorized use or reproduction is strictly prohibited.)