Unfortunately, acne is something most of us have experienced at one time or another. As many as three out of four teenagers have experienced it to some extent.
It is most prevalent during adolescence because hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil glands) into producing more sebum (oil), increasing the chance of acne. While most people outgrow acne in their late teens or early twenties, many continue to be affected much longer. Aggravation of acne in later life may occur with menstrual periods, use of birth control pills, use of oil-based products and stress.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the oil produced by sebaceous glands does not reach the surface of the skin but is trapped in tiny pores or follicles. This plug may close off the pore, causing the follicle wall to bulge, which creates a whitehead. If the pore stays open, the top surface of the plug may become darkened, causing a blackhead. In both cases, the bacteria, P. acnes, thrives in the clogged follicles. When the bacteria and pus leak from the follicle into the surrounding tissue, pimples are formed.
What is ClearLight™ Phototherapy acne treatment?
ClearLight Phototherapy is performed by our doctor for patients in our region to clear moderate inflammatory acne without any side effects. ClearLight directs intense blue light to the treatment area to eliminate the bacteria that cause acne. The light causes the photodestruction of the bacteria that causes acne without damaging any of the surrounding tissues. ClearLight treatments work well on all skin colors and can treat any area of the body.
Older acne treatment options
In the past, the basic steps of acne control included topical antibacterials and antibiotics, oral antibiotics, Retin-A™, Accutane™, astringents and exfoliants. Unfortunately, many of these treatment options come with unpleasant side effects.
What are the benefits of ClearLight Phototherapy for acne?
- It is a drug-free treatment.
- Unique blue light technology precisely targets and destroys P. acnes.
- There are no side effects and no downtime.
- The entire treatment regime only takes eight weeks.
- Quick treatments.
- ClearLight Phototherapy really works.
Will my acne return when I stop ClearLight Phototherapy treatments?
ClearLight treats only inflamed, mild to moderate acne blemishes. Should your acne flare up in the future, you can come in for another ClearLight treatment program. Cystic and/or nodular acne or comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) do not respond well to ClearLight treatments. You may experience little or no clearing of these lesions.
How many ClearLight Phototherapy treatments will I need?
Our physician performs ClearLight treatments in eight sessions, spread over a four-week period. This is all that is required for most patients. The treatments are safe, simple and rapid with no recovery or post-treatment care required. Many of our patients simply relax and listen to music during their treatments. They resume their normal activities when they leave the office.
Can anything be done to treat existing skin damage from acne?
We also offer treatments to smooth out the appearance of acne scars and treatments to repigment scars that have lost their natural skin color. These lasers deliver their energy through your skin's surface to stimulate the production of new collagen beneath the scar. These systems have delicate handpieces that release a cooling spray onto your skin, to keep you comfortable, just before the laser energy.