Update:
For years, dermatologists have been quite aware that heat from lasers and light-based therapies are capable of damaging the sebaceous oil glands. Accomplishing this helps patients secrete less oil. With chronic acne sufferers, the rigorous flow of sebum carries dead skin cells from the pore lining, causing them to clump and form persistent and deep pore blockages which are difficult to remove. According to Dermatology News, it may be possible to actually destroy the sebaceous oil glands through the selective use of laser energy. Using this approach, it is possible to match certain wavelengths with very specific targets in order to leave the surrounding cells and tissues unharmed.
Researchers are now investigating a specific wavelength that will only be absorbed by sebum. Laser energy would then be able to enter the sebaceous oil glands in order to destroy these structures, without causing damage to the epidermis and the dermis.
Further research will be needed to observe actual improvements in acne conditions.
But for the time being, patients are still able to benefit from light-based therapies such as laser to reduce oil secretion and achieve other objectives without the side-effect risks associated with drug chemicals, such as unblocking pores and destroying bacteria which contributes to acne scarring.
Acne Treatment Services Los Angeles:
Acne treatment is becoming more and more necessary in the United States. Acne, also known as pimples or zits, is one of the most common skin conditions in America. It is characterized by the occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition characterized by red pimples on the face. There are also multiple noninflammatory acne lesions that can be found on the skin known as comedones. This type of acne includes whiteheads, blackheads, small bumps, nodules, and cysts. Thanks to Dr. U’s expertise, his acne treatment will leave you feeling beautiful again.
While there are tons of acne products on the market, it is often that they won’t be able to fully address the issue. While some choose to avoid acne treatment in an attempt to let their skin heal naturally, acne can still cause damage when left alone. For those who are able to get their acne to clear up, it isn’t always the happy ending they were hoping for; dark spots or scars can show up in place of the acne. When it comes to chronic acne, having professional help through acne treatment is a smart choice.
What Causes Acne or Pimples?
The cause of pimples form comes from the pores on your skin being blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. Each pore on your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore and onto your skin. These causes are due to things like:
- Hormones and oil production
- Skin turn over causing debris ((Hyperkeratinization)
- Genes
- Stress
All these issues can lead to regularly blocked pores.
Hormones
Hormones are not steady, they can surge and become imbalanced numerous times in a persons life, because of this, they are a popular reason for adulthood acne. The androgens (male hormones) are a main contributor to acne because it stimulates oil glands, which in turn alters the development of skin cells that line hair follicles. Hormonal acne is very common for those who are pregnant, menopausal, have Cushing’s Syndrome and have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Hyperkeratinization
Generally speaking, skin cells will slough off over time, leaving its follicle as a result of hair growth. In certain conditions such as hyperkeratization, individuals will produce higher levels than normal of keratin. When this happens it causes any dead skin cells to clump together, blocking the skins pores. The blocked pores will lead to acne.
Genetics play a huge roll on who is predisposed to these physiological conditions. Those where the acne is inherited will find themselves with a larger number of lesions, and usually an earlier onset of the symptoms than average.
Stress
The connection between stress and acne is now a very recognized correlation by the National Institute of Health. When you are stressed a common effect of this is a hormonal fluctuation. Unfortunately, if you are stressed about your acne, this can make even worse.
Outside of the listed reasons, there are many other ways in which to aggravate or worsen your acne. This can include rising hormones during menstruation, picking t your acne lesions, and wearing restrictive clothing or hats.
The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements in Acne Treatment
There are a lot of celebrities who have come out publicly to endorse different acne treatment products. However, celebrity endorsements for acne treatments cannot always be trusted. Artists such as Adam Levine, Katy Perry, Julianne Hough and Jurnee Smollett-Bell all promote Proactive, claiming it to be the acne treatment that worked for them. But since a large amount of money is behind these endorsements, can the promotion of this acne treatment be trusted? When it comes down to it, Proactive has the same ingredients that other acne removal products contain and only work in some cases.
When Do You Need to See a Dermatologist for Acne?
It is important to seek out acne treatment from a doctor right away to prevent inflammation and scarring. Acne treatments that garner little to no results include over the counter creams, cleansers and pore strips.
What Is Acne Treatment?
Acne treatment includes over-the-counter creams and cleansers, as well as prescription antibiotics and specialized lasers.
How Do You Treat Acne?
Dr. U will determine the safest and most effective form of acne treatment for each individual patient. This is typically determined by identifying the specific causes which contribute to the acne. There is often more to acne than just blocked skin pores. In fact, with extremely stubborn cases, there are often multiple issues at work. These include:
- Internal sloughing of skin cells which create very deeply embedded pore blockages
- Bacterial proliferation which leads to inflammatory responses
- Hormonal surges which enlarge the size of the sebaceous glands, causing the release of more Oil as well as frequent pore blockages
If you have a question about acne treatment, do not hesitate to Ask Dr. U at no cost.
Medical Acne Treatment
Some patients may benefit from the use of medical drug acne treatment for their acne condition. This may be the case when there are very extreme physiological imbalances contributing to challenging lesions. Patients must be aware that there is a much higher risk of dangerous side effects and complications with the use of drug acne treatment. But this option may be resorted to as a last measure if other forms of acne treatment have failed.
Hormone Acne Treatment
This involves the use of oral contraceptives to lower the concentration of androgen hormones and reduce the secretion of sebaceous oil.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics work to counter the reproduction of bacteria beneath the skin. These drugs should only be reserved for very severe forms of acne since microbes can develop resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotics like Clindamycin, Erythromycin, and Tetracycline are commonly used for acne treatment.
Oral Retinoid
These acne treatment drugs may be used for cystic acne. They work to reduce oil secretion. However, these medications are highly toxic and patients must be aware of their risks prior to committing to a treatment program. Brand name versions of this include Accutane, Claravis, Sotret, and Amnesteem.
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids work to regulate the life cycle and shedding of skin cells. Therefore, they may be resorted to as acne treatment in cases where desquamation is a central cause of patient’s acne issue. Example of these would include tretinoin (Retin A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (tazorac).
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is available as gels, creams, lotions and cleansers. This form of acne treatment is used topically and may be recommended for mild to moderate cases. Unlike antibiotics, there is no risk of these microbes developing a resistance. It can also help dislodge blockages closer to the skin’s surface by causing the outer layers to peel.
Photodynamic for Acne Treatment in Los Angeles
Photodynamic acne treatment may be the best option for patients who have very busy schedules and cannot keep up with the application of creams, lotions and cleansers; it is very safe and effective. It has been shown to be an effective acne treatment in severe cases of pimples including nodulocystic types of pimples. During photodynamic acne treatment, light energy, which can be come by way of visible light, blue light, or laser, is applied to a skin that has been primed by a photosensitizer typically delta aminolevulinic acid (Levulan). The interaction between the light energy and levulan in the skin is a reaction that results in the death of Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria implicated in the causation of acne), resurfacing of the skin with the consequent clearing of blocked pores. All these factors will result in the resolution of the acne lesion, as well as improvement in the clearance of blemishes, discolorations and acne scars, hence why it is an effective acne treatment.
Vbeam Laser Levulan Photodynamic Therapy For Acne Vs Other Light Sources
Dr. U prefers using the VBeam laser in conjunction with Levulan because together, they can do things that other light treatments cannot. Vbeam laser Levulan PDT is done every 4 weeks instead weekly, which is obviously more convenient for the patient. The VBeam Laser levulan PDT has been shown in studies to be more effective than others and has been shown to work even on nodulocystic acne that is resistant to isotretinoin (Accutane) treatment. And lastly, a topical anesthetic cream is utilized in conjunction with Vbeam and levulan for maximum patient comfort.
Spectra Laser
The Spectra laser system uses a single wavelength (1060nm) which can safely be used for all skin tones. It is able to unblock deeply embedded pores, eliminate microbes and burn away the outer sac of highly active sebaceous glands so that they secrete less oil. When using this acne treatment, patients are able to then achieve major milestones in the clearing and improvement of their skin.
Combination of VBeam and Blue Light
The Office of Dr. U also offers treatment programs which combine the use of photodynamic technology with laser. The Vbeam laser (585-595nm) is used in conjunction with a photo enhancing lotion known as Levulan. This lotion enables the skin to absorb more of the light energy than it would alone. Therefore, the Vbeam system can do a better job of unblocking pores & killing bacteria. Dr. U uses the best acne treatment to help patients get rid of their unwanted acne.
Before and After Photodynamic for Acne Treatment By Dr. U
Photodynamic for Acne Treatment Using Lasers and Levulan
After receiving photodynamic acne treatment using lasers and Levulan, this Los Angeles patient achieved a big difference in his acne.
This Los Angeles patient successfully used laser skin treatment for acne to remove her pimples and acne scars.
Acne Treatment Services Los Angeles: Photodynamic for Acne Treatment Video Results
Teen’s Life Changing Laser Treatment For Nodulocystic Acne
This patient suffered from nodulocystic acne. Although his condition seemed quite severe, he was able to achieve significant improvements through a combinat…
This Los Angeles patient had severe nodulocystic acne, as well as severe acne scarring. While he tried conventional acne treatments such as oral antibiotics and creams, nothing seemed to work. While Accutane was an option, his parents feared the side effects and turned to Dr. U. Dr, U began acne treatment with monthly Photodynamic therapy using Levula and the Vbeam laser, followed by acne scarring treatments with Fraxel Dual laser. The results are shown 6 weeks after his last Fraxel Dual treatment.
When Dr. U asks the patent if he is happy with the results, the patient says, “Oh yea, it’s definitely an improvement. From the first picture I just saw it is definitely a big improvement. I’m very happy.” When asked if any of his friends have commented on his new appearance, he tells Dr. U, “Yea, a lot actually. I do track and last track season my acne was really bad. So this year a lot of people told me that my acne is really improving.” He adds that he has been hanging out with his friends a lot more, thanks to his new look. He feels more confident and less conscious, and no more pain in his face. When asked if he would do it again, he says, “Oh definitely!”
Acne Treatment Services Los Angeles: A Discussion on Photodynamic Acne Treatment With Dr. U
In the following video, Dr. U answers commonly asked questions regarding the photodynamic treatment of nodulocystic acne.
Treatment of Severe Acne Scars with Fraxel Lasers: Lomita Patient Results
Acne scars create permanent textural changes in the skin. However, they can be considerably improved with medical treatment. Dr. U outlines the choices that …
Acne Treatment Services Los Angeles
The Office of Dr. U is committed to helping patients experience excellent results. Specific parameters of the skin (e.g. presence of bacteria, skin texture etc.) are measured before and after treatment. Results are then calculated as percentiles, comparing individual patients to the data of other similar individuals within their age and ethnic group. To get started, fill out our consultation form or call us at 1800-499-DRUCLINIC (3782) to schedule an appointment.
Acne Treatment Services Los Angeles FAQ
Is acne treatment painful?
Usually, the outbreak of acne itself can be more painful than the acne treatment.
How much does acne treatment cost?
The cost varies depending upon the lasers Dr. U decides to use. Treatment costs can range from $75 per treatment to $400 per treatment. Most patients will be cleared with somewhere between 4-8 treatments.
Addressing your own severe acne may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Dr. U is here to address any other questions you may have about acne treatment:
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