Laser For Acne

Acne is caused by the body's increased production of the hormone androgen (which both women and men produce) which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The increased production of oil by these glands causes the pores to become blocked so that the oil cannot come up to the skin surface. The acne itself is an infection caused by a skin bacterium that feeds on and breaks down this oil. As the bacteria multiply, waste products and sebacic acid are created and they irritate the sebaceous gland which becomes inflamed - causing what is known as a blackhead, a pimple or a nodule.

About 10 of the world's population are struggling with Acne right now and spending huge amounts of money trying to get rid of their Acne problems. Normally Acne attacks people between 15 to 35 years of age. Acne is causing all sorts of psycho-social problems such as low self-esteem which can affect the individuals through their whole life.

After medical control laser treatment can benefit patients much more then alone medical treatment. Various lasers have been studied for acne treatment. Pulse Dye laser, diode laser, 1540 nm erbium glass laser and Intense Pulse light source are commonly used. Multiple sittings with regular follow-up and medical treatment can give best results.

Topical Treatment 1 month prior or at least from the start of Light Plus IPL treatment the patients apply adapalene cream or gel on the acne affected area every evening. Adapalene has to be prescribed by a doctor. Adapalene makes the skin thinner and thereby helps opening the sebaceous ducts enabling secretion of oil and fatty acids produced by the sebaceous glands.

IPL Treatment The Light Plus uses the IPL, 590-1200nm, to target the blood vessels that supply the sebaceous glands in the skin. The heat from the flash-lamp heats up the haemoglobin in the fine blood vessels near the skin surface which causes a minor injury to the sebaceous glands and slows down the overproduction of oil that leads to acne Photo Rejuvenation is a non-ablative process using low fluency IPL to rejuvenate the facial skin as well as the skin on the neck and breast.

With increasing age because of environmental and internal factors various effects takes place on skin, cumulative called aged skin. These effects are:

• Benign vascular lesions: Telangiectasias, Phlebectasia, Rosacea, Diffuse redness

• Pigmentation due to sun damage, Mottled pigmentation, Hyper pigmentation, Lentigines, Ephelides, Superficial melasma

• Photo-aging, Skin texture, increase Pore size, Wrinkles.

• The IPL Target chromophore is Haemoglobin which absorbed light. Light is transformed into heat.

• Heat is conducted to the smallest and most superficial vessel walls causing destruction of the vessel if 70º C > 1 ms.

• The vessels also release growth factors which stimulate collagen production in the dermis. These give rise to reduction in wrinkles and reduction in pore size.