Acne

Acne Overview

Acne – The most commonly dreaded of all skin conditions. Acne Vulgaris (common acne and often referred to as zits or pimples) is the single most troublesome skin disease for teens and young adults. Fortunately, it is also one of the most manageable chronic skin problems. Acne problems can begin early, even before preteen years and can continue for some all through middle adulthood. Early medical treatment becomes a necessity in order to prevent long term problems such as scarring and discolouration of your skin. The very first step in managing acne scars is the PREVENTION of further scarring, hence treating active acne is the priority. Most patients don’t realize that the majority of acne can be treated using the correct over the counter skin products such as active Vitamin A creams, exfoliating washes, and gentle cleansers. Using the correct type of make up in women is essential.

Acne is caused by a combination of excessive sebum production (sebum is the natural lubricant your body produces to keep your skin supple), dead skin cells and a form of bacteria called P. acnes. Acne is a medical condition that is not your fault. It is most often caused by hormonal changes which affect your body’s ability to regulate sebum production and skin cell turnover. Acne can begin at any age but typically shows up during puberty when hormones begin to surge. Nearly 85% of those aged 14 to 24 deal with some level of acne, even if it is only the occasional “zit” that shows up the day before a date or a job interview.

All acne is not alike. Frequently misinterpreted as adult acne, Acne Rosacea is a different condition. Treatment programs are not the same for this type of acne as for Acne Vulgaris. If you are an adult and your acne is “new,” you should have a medical evaluation so you can receive the correct care for this condition. Regardless of the type or grade of acne that you have, you will benefit from using the correctly formulated products.

Before & After Acne Photos

Frequently asked questions about Acne

  • Treating acne early is important to prevent scarring

  • Specialists in Medical Aesthetics such as skin care therapists have a variety of ways to effectively treat your acne, including creams, diet, peels, low level laser light, and broadband light technology.

  • The cause of acne is often due to many factors including genes, diet, stress as well as the type of skin care and make up you are using.

  • High level treatments such as Accutane are indicated only if you fail other treatments, or if you have cystic acne. This should be discussed with a Dermatologist.

  • RF or RadioFrequency treatments incorporated into acne treatments can markedly decrease scars, including the use of our EndyMed Intensif

  • Treating acne early with an effective acne management and scar prevention plan can reduce acne scarring

We now understand that there is no one single cause of acne, but a multitude of different factors that contributes to this condition. The most important factors are genetic, followed by hormones, stress, diet, and skin care. All of these factors can cause bacteria to multiply, pores to block and oil to form. This results in acne.

Acne can be mild and non-scarring, such as black heads and white heads, or extreme and scarring. In 90% of cases, acne can be managed with BHA or AHA peels, light therapy, correct skin care, diet and combination treatments. The skin care specialists at LSG can formulate an acne free skin care plan for your type of acne. 

Extreme acne includes cystic acne and extensive bacne. These forms of acne are treated by dermatologist with a tablet called Accutane. 

The ABSOLUTE first step is to ensure that you are using the correct products on your skin- namely a suitable cleanser, moisturizer and active ingredients to help exfoliate blackheads and reduce oil production. Diet is another contributing factor in some cases of acne. Reduce sugar and dairy intake may help some patients. 

The majority of acne patients will not need to be on prescription tablets. Most cases of acne and oily skin can be treated with over the counter acne skin care. Skin care experts at LSG can guide you through a process of chemical peels, phototherapy and products for acne prone skin. For more on a FREE SKIN CONSULT call LSG today. 

We will guide you thru the multitude of treatments depending on your lifestyle, your previous responses, family history but most importantly the severity of your acne. The skin experts at LSG will direct treatments at the factors that cause acne, in some cases it maybe due to oil production, in others it maybe hormonal.

This is an overview of how we approach acne treatments.

Acne Skin care – cleansers and moisturisers. Patients suffering from acne and oily skin will need to have the correct skin care as the basics of treatment.

Cleansers that are endorsed by Skin Specialists include Obaji, SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica. Moisturisers that are do not clog pores include the Obaji and SkinCeuticals range. The sunscreen of choice is EltaMD.

Prescription strength creams, gels, and lotions- These products are prescription medications designed to reduce oil production, normalize bacterial counts and help with breakouts and blackheads. We use a combination of peels and such as lactic acid, and salicylic acid in combination with vitamin A to help combat acne prone skin.

Chemical peels – are aimed at exfoliation and decreasing inflammation. They are an excellent method of treatment for blackhead and white head acne, and to reduce oil and congestion. At the clinic we have a wide selection of peels. Our Specialists will customise a peel based upon your acne type and your skin sensitivity. In most cases one peel can remove as much as 75% of blackheads. We also have AHA or fruit acid peels, and BHAs or salicylic acid peels as well as AFA (amino filaggrin acid) peels and glycolic. Our V Carbon peel includes madelic acid and lactic acids. In patients with very sensitive skin we use lactic acid. Some patients require one peel; others will require a series of peels spaced 2 weeks apart.

Celluma treatments/ Blue and red light acne treatments – also known Low Level Emission or LED (light emitting diode treatment). This treatment is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial – it works by destroying the bacteria that causes acne and at the same time decreases inflammation in the skin. Blue light destroys the bacteria associated with acne, whilst red light stimulates collagen production. The very latest scientific evidence shows that a combination of red and blue light works best. Specialist will often combine LED treatments with either topical creams, or with AHA chemical peels. This treatment is especially useful in patients who are pregnant and cannot take tablets to control their acne.

Laser treatment for acne – Laser can be extremely useful to treat many types of acne including blackhead acne, whitehead acne, papular and pustular acne as well as hormonal acne. LSG uses what is known as the carbon laser peel to treat acne. A thin layer of carbon and Hyaluronic Acid is placed on your skin. This carbon is absorbed by your oil glands and acts as a target for the laser. This causes a photoaccoustic effect, in turn killing the bacteria that causes acne.

Yes. It is now proven that acne can be worsened by diet. Diet itself is not the sole cause of acne, but may contribute to flares-up. High sugar foods, processed foods, as well as milk and milk products have shown to flare acne up. Eating complex carbs, and protein can improve acne. Eating a well balanced diet high in zinc may also help. We encourage patients to eat a healthy well balanced diet, low in simple sugars.

Yes. Concurrent treatment of acne and early acne scars is the best method. Why? Because early acne scars are much easier to treat compared to late scars. Early acne scars respond better to treatment, additionally patients will have little or no downtime with the Carbon Laser Peel. Our EndyMed Intensif is another great option. For more information on the Carbon Laser Peel or RF Intensif Microneedling please give us a call.

Acne and acne scarring can be treated with various methods, depending on the maturity of acne scars. Early scars (less than 3 months old) are best treated with the carbon laser peel, as this address both acne lesions and acne scars. For old scars, treatments such as Microneedling, Intensif, or Fractional lasers such as Fraxel can remodel scars.

All acne scar revision treatments depending on the acne scar type, downtime, and skin type or skin colour of the patient. Lets briefly discuss these 3 factors so you have an understanding of scar revision.

Identification of acne scars– this is the most important aspect of scar revision. Acne scars can be sub typed into box scars, ice-pick or deep scars, rolling scars, atrophic, hypertrophic or lumpy scars, pigmented scars, and anchored or tethered scars. Each type of scar will have an optimal treatment. Examples include –

  • Ice pick scars- best treated with TCA CROSS and Punch Excision, and NOT Fraxel laser / laser resurfacing.
  • Rolling scars- best treated with Fraxel and Fractional laser resurfacing & RF Microneedling.
  • Box car scars- can be treated with TCA CROSS or fully ablative laser resurfacing & RF Microneedling
  • Atrophic scars- can be treated with Fractional lasers, followed by fillers
  • Tethered scars- best treated surgically with subscion by a doctor
  • Pigmented scars – best treated with Carbon Laser Peel, Medical Facials such as Oxygeneo, Chemical Peels

Downtime of procedure– this refers to the time taken off by the patient due to recovery. Some acne scar revision procedures are associated with a long recovery time, some with no downtime. Examples include-

  • Fillers for acne scars- no downtime
  • RF Microneedling – 12- 36 hours downtime
  • TCA CROSS- 5-7 days downtime
  • Fractional and Fraxel laser- 3-6 days downtime
  • Fully ablative laser resurfacing – 7- 10 days downtime
  • Carbon Peels or Facials – none to 1 day

Skin colour of the patient- this is very important as darker skin patients such as ethnic skin, will need more conservative settings compared to fair patients. This is because darker skin patients can pigment or darken with laser treatments and TCA peels a lot easier than fair skin patients.

Most patients will have multiple scar types, and hence several treatment sessions are needed for the very best results. If you are fortunate enough to have scars such as shallow to medium depth box car scars with fair skin type, then you may only require one treatment.

  • Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing may aggravate acne and make it worse by removing the skin’s natural protective barrier
  • Acne is not just a simple skin infection. The cause is a complex interaction of changing hormones, sebum, overgrowth of a normally harmless bacteria and inadequate skin cell turnover.
  • Acne cannot be cured by drinking lots of water.
  • There is no evidence that sunbathing or tanning beds will help to clear acne.
  • Some people believe that acne cannot be helped by medical treatment and that you must “outgrow” the condition. This is not true. Treatments usually work well if used correctly and will prevent scarring and the intense psychological pain brought on by lowered self esteem.
  • The progestogen-only contraceptive pill may make acne worse.
  • In women, the hormone changes around the monthly period may cause a flare-up of breakouts.
  • Thick or greasy make-up may, possibly, make acne worse. Non-comedogenic or oil-free products are most helpful for acne prone skin types.
  • Picking and squeezing the acne may cause further inflammation and scarring.
  • Sweating heavily or being is high humidity conditions may make acne worse. For example, doing regular hot work in kitchens.
  • Acne may develop under tight clothes. For example, under headbands, tight bra straps, tight collars, masks etc. This may be due to increased sweating and friction under tight clothing.
  • Some drugs can make acne worse. For example, phenytoin which some people take for epilepsy, and steroid creams and ointments that are used for eczema. Do not stop a prescribed drug if you suspect it is making your acne worse, but tell your doctor. An alternative may be an option.
  • Anabolic steroids (which some body-builders take illegally) can make acne worse.

Acne often starts with a comedone and can progress to more severe forms if not treated.

closeup of papule - least severe form of acne

Papules:

 Inflamed small, pink bumps on your skin which can be tender to the touch.
pustule or pimple - second most severe form of acne
Pustules (pimples):

Papules topped by pus that may be red at the base

acne vulgaris nodule

Nodules:The large, painful, solid forms of acne that are lodged deep within the ski

acneic cyst and scarring of the skin
Cysts: painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring. Cystic acne can have profound psychological impact and should always be treated as early as possible. Response is rapid when treated with stronger acne programs.

Methods we use to treat acne

Our Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy is the only all-in-one low-level light therapy device designed to manage a variety of pain and skin conditions. Cleared by the FDA for pain management and skin care, Celluma uses light energy to improve cellular health by accelerating the repair and replenishment of compromised tissue cells. Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy is a non-invasive, painless treatment, which requires no recovery time, and can be used on all skin types. In just minutes a day, you can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while experiencing an improvement in skin texture, quality and smoothness. Using wavelengths that are scientifically proven to stimulate fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin.
BBL Blue Light treatments are also known as ‘Forever Clear BBL’. It is an effective, comfortable, fast and safe treatment that treats inflammatory acne deep within the skin. Forever Clear is a 3 step treatment that utilizes broadband light and infrared light to target inflammatory acne, cystic acne, and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.  The three steps reduce bacteria, oil, inflammation, and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.  The Forever Clear Acne Treatment targets and speeds the healing of existing breakouts and prevents breakouts. Forever Clear BBL is a great treatment for both men and women, and anyone battling cystic, and inflammatory acne on face, chest, and back. It is a great treatment for targeting deep lesions early on as soon as you can feel them forming beneath the surface of the skin.
Advances in cosmetic medicine have led to the development of a non-invasive procedure that treats many common skin care concerns. Photodynamic Therapy is a revolutionary procedure that safely and effectively treats acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, sun damage and actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions). The treatment process for this procedure involves two steps. The first step involves the application of a clear, photosensitizing agent known as Levulan also known as D-Aminolevulinic Acid. This topical solution is then activated with a specific light source. Red light, blue light or intense pulsed light (IPL), are the primary wavelengths of light that are used. This is a highly precise procedure that only targets the affected cells.
Office-based chemical peels are essential for maintaining skin’s health and appearance and they are available exclusively through an authorized SkinCeuticals skincare professional. These peels work synergistically with SkinCeuticals home care to yield optimal results. Helps reduce visible signs of photoaging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Benefits of Professional Peels include: Improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness by exfoliating surface cells. Softening and smoothing the skin’s surface texture. Decreases the frequency of acne breakouts and fades the appearance of post-acne discoloration. Maintains and enhances the benefits of a SkinCeuticals homecare regimen. Complements benefits of almost all of our other in-office procedures
The AFA peel is a type of chemical peel that has become an essential part of many men and women’s skincare regimen. AFA stands for Amino acid Filaggrin. It is an antioxidant that works to retain the moisture in your skin, leaving it looking fresh, renewed, and hydrated. AFA peels are also acidic. They work as effective exfoliants yet cause minimal irritation to the skin because they are made from the same type of amino acids found in the body. The AFA peel is actually one of the few chemical peels that do not make your skin sun-sensitive, making it the perfect option for all skin types.
DMK believes in Natural, Non-Invasive and Pain Free solutions to skin conditions and age management. DMK formulations are botanical based & pharmaceutical grade because this ensures that our product contains enough of an ingredient to experience significant visible results. Pharmaceutical grade means less than 0.1% impurities in DMK formulations. Great skin doesn't happen with one product or one treatment but if your consistent with your routine and realistic about your expectations DMK can really make a difference. DMK Enzyme Therapy is a hard setting face and body mask that is applied from the décolletage, up the neck and over the face. The mask contains living enzymes that stimulate our own natural enzymes to speed up cellular processes within the skin.
A medical grade facial uses both medicinal and natural corrective measures to help erase the signs of stress your face is showing. These facials target the root cause of your skin problems, whether it be the need to remove toxins with powerful antioxidants or the need to counter years of UV ray exposure. Our patients see a tremendous improvement in their conditions because of the way we target the underlying cause of their problems. Our  facials are results-driven, meaning we create a unique facial for each client based on their specific skin needs and goals. The experience is very relaxing, but you’ll notice real changes in your skin due to the active ingredients and solutions used in our treatments.  That why we use the term “Medi-Facial” – it’s simply an enhanced facial geared towards achieving specific results.
Dermal Infusion is a non-invasive skin treatment that combines three areas of skin rejuvenation: exfoliation, extraction, and serum infusion. Your technician will best determine a custom blend of serums for you based on your skin concerns and desired results. The Dermal Infusion device has a chamber that is loaded with your custom blend of serums, which are infused into your skin during the treatment. The pen-like instrument has a diamond-tipped head that exfoliates, plus a vacuum that dislodges dirt and debris from pores, while the hidden chamber infuses the serum blend into your freshly exfoliated skin.
HydraFacial™ MD is the celebrity secret to maintaining healthy skin throughout life, but it doesn’t come with a celebrity price tag. Laser Spa Group offers HydraFacial™ MD  that our surrounding communities can take advantage of. The lavish secret for getting deeply hydrated, detoxed, and rejuvenated skin for a brighter, more luminous complexion. Best of all, HydraFacial™ is a relaxing, indulgent facial treatment for your skin. By combining advanced medical technology with a luxurious and invigorating spa therapy, we’re confident that the HydraFacial™ system quite simply offers one of the best facials available.
Carbon Laser Peels are the go-to treatment for celebrities around the world. After originating in South Korea and being embraced worldwide, this treatment instantly produces a “wow factor.” Carbon laser facial is the most advanced treatment for treating acne, pore refinement, dull complexion and pigmentation. At LSG we use the PicoWay Laser, which is the world’s most advanced laser for skin rejuvenation. The PicoWay is passed over the skin using a layer of liquid carbon that penetrates deep into the pores. Laser destroys the carbon taking dead skin cells, contaminates and oils with it. Treatment is very safe, completely painless and highly beneficial with minimal to zero downtime.
The key to optimal skin health is a skincare professional. By combining a customized at-home regimen with powerful in-office treatments and targeted skincare solutions, the result is healthier skin with visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. At LSG we offer SkinCeuticals skincare products. SkinCeuticals is an advanced clinical skincare line that offers comprehensive formulas to correct signs of aging, promote healthy skin, and prevent skin damage. Ranging from anti-aging moisturizers and eye creams to acne cleansers, vitamin C serums, and retinol products, our advanced skincare products are backed by science. Physicians and skincare professionals define cosmeceuticals as products on the cutting-edge between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Active ingredients in cosmeceuticals are expected to be clinically proven to enhance skincare efficacy.
Microdermabrasion is a safe, effective and quick form of mechanical exfoliation. At Laser Spa Group we use a diamond tip microdermabrasion machine to exfoliate away the outermost layers of the epidermis, while stimulating collagen formation in the deeper layers of the skin. Can be used as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with all of our resurfacing or BBL treatments to promote exfoliation and better product and light penetration into the skin.
In the world of earthy purifying wonders, charcoal is right up there with clay and mud. It’s been called the holy-grail ingredient and has been purging impurities since ancient times, thanks to its ability to attach to and absorb toxins. ​ In the past few years, charcoal has exploded in the world of skincare. Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne. V Carbon Peel is a unique non-invasive treatment uses activated charcoal for an exfoliating and purifying effect that enhances facial lifting by penetrating deep into the pores. It’s the ideal system for tightening dilated pores and removing dead cells from the superficial epidermal layer for an overall new look. V-Carbon allows to make medium or deep peeling treatments depending on the patient’s needs.
Experience the 3-in-1 super facial professionals are calling better than Microdermabrasion. Incorporating patented OxyGeneo Technology for unparalleled skin nourishment & oxygenation, see younger looking skin after your first treatment. Get the exfoliation benefits of microdermabrasion plus deep facial rejuvenation with the infusion of essential revitalizing nutrients and healing skin oxygenation from within. OxyGeneo™ treatments are suitable for all skin types – any ethnicity and pigmentation, sensitive skin, and even for those who keloid (scar) and couldn’t otherwise have abrasion treatments.
The Intraceuticals treatment, adored by Victoria’s Secret models, pop queen Madonna and other Hollywood stars, is a hyperbaric oxygen system. Due to the Intraceuticals system and use of a high-pressure jet of oxygen, the skin is enriched with hyaluronic acid and serum, which intensely moisturises the skin and provides it with vitally necessary materials, maintaining the skin moisture and providing a clear glowing effect immediately after the procedure! Intraceuticals is the number one treatment from the world’s most famous beauty therapists! Intraceuticals has been awarded the Prix H. Pierantoni pour l’innovation award for outstanding innovation in the field of cosmetology!
Some of the many benefits of receiving this treatment deal with stimulating collagen production through the increase in microcir­culation. This then helps to detox and rejuvenate the skin. Furthering the treatment's anti-aging benefits, cryo facials are said to restore firmness to the skin and will even cause the skin to feel tighter right after the treatment. In rejuvenating the skin, the cryo facial also restores radiance, soothes inflammation and improves skin texture and tone. This treatment can even go as far as to help clients who are suffering from more severe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamindrip® is a scientifically formulated intravenous solution for the effective treatment of moderate to severe dehydration, and has been found to be effective against acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders. VitaminDrip treatments fo directly into the bloodstream. Hydrate, boost energy levels and release those unwanted toxins = amazing. The amount of nutrients in the blood can reach much higher, more therapeutic levels. Nutrients that enter the bloodstream immediately to help the body begin healing itself. Enjoy energy for days not hours without the crash.
“You look tired” – the three words none of us like to hear! When we are not well-rested it shows. A good night’s sleep is also incredibly important to our overall health and well-being. A number of factors contribute to a great sleep and we have found one of them. Introducing enVy: the pillow that puts the ‘beauty’ in ‘beauty sleep’. While offering therapeutic neck support, it also prevents wrinkles and sleep lines. Over time, facial wrinkles can form from the way we sleep with our face against our pillow; the opposite of beauty sleep.
INTENSIF combines the deep skin tightening benefits of radio frequency and the collagen-producing technique of microneedling. This patented technology delivers thermal energy deep within the dermis to stimulate collagen without damaging the surrounding tissue. The radio-frequency thermal energy is delivered in multiple passes through tiny needles at varying depths to provide a 3-dimensional coverage to lift and tighten the skin from within. INTENSIF is the latest advancement in tightening skin and reducing wrinkles on the face and sensitive neck area. If you’re looking for serious results, without the downtime and risk of surgery or aggressive CO2 lasers that leave you embarrassed to leave the house, INTENSIF is the treatment for you. After INTENSIF radio-frequency treatment, there is no need to hide in the house for weeks. Over time, your skin will begin to look more youthful as wrinkles diminish.

Products & Treatments we offer to treat Acne

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