Acne Treatment With Laser And Chemical Peel

Acne Treatment With Laser And Chemical Peel Acne is the most familiar skin concern mostly appearing on the face (particularly the forehead), upper back, chest, and shoulders. It is caused by blocking the skin pores or plugging of hair follicles by the excess sebum (natural skin oil), dirt, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria (like Propionibacterium acnes). It can be of various kinds including non-inflammatory types like blackheads and whiteheads and inflammatory types like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Usually, this skin condition affects teenagers and young adults who are subjected to hormonal fluctuations.

If one is suffering from acne and wants to know more about the treatment options related to acne. Read the following information shared by the skin doctor and acne specialist in Bangalore at Charma Clinic regarding acne causes, treatment options like lasers and chemical peel, and how these treatments can make the skin look clear and acne free.

Those having acne are likely to find themselves in panic mode or embarrassed. Thankfully, there are different ways to get acne treated. Healthcare providers may suggest some topical or oral non-prescription or prescription drugs. These include topical or oral antibiotics, products containing salicylic acid, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, dapsone, retinoids, isotretinoin, and even oral contraceptives. These medications usually are recommended for mild acne. For moderate to severe acne, the dermatologist might suggest specialized therapies possibly in combination with medications. These include lasers, chemical peels, and rarely steroids.

Laser and chemical peels are skin resurfacing procedures that help in the removal of the affected regions of the skin and promote regeneration of the skin. The end product? A smoother, clearer, revitalized, youthful skin! Both of these procedures have been claimed as the “magic” treatments to clear skin’s textural irregularities and beyond.

In this article, the focus is laid on everything that one must know about acne treatment with laser and chemical peels. After going through it, one can figure out which option is best suited.

Well, the choice depends on the preferred level of intensity, time, the severity and type of acne being treated, and the cost consideration.

Acne treatment with laser What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing makes use of light beams which penetrate the skin and precisely remove the skin layers one by one. There are two kinds of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. The former ones are more intense and work by vaporizing the superficial skin layer while the latter ones are less intrusive to the skin and work by heating the skin dermis without harming the skin surface.

How do lasers help treat acne?

Acne commonly occurs due to excess sebum produced by overactive sebaceous glands. The extra natural oil in the skin can clog the pores and collect bacteria and dead skin cells, thereby leading to the appearance of acne. With laser treatment, these sebaceous glands are made to shrink using heat and therefore reduce sebum production to clear or prevent acne.

Another major cause of acne is the presence of bacteria naturally present in one’s skin that can obstruct the skin pores and finally cause oxygen deprivation in the skin. The acne is formed in an attempt to flush the bacteria out of the pore so that the skin receives a sufficient supply of oxygen. With laser treatment, this acne-causing bacteria gets heat-killed or its growth is inhibited.

Lasers work on the principle of selective photothermolysis and are capable of destroying the excess melanocytes- the melanin-producing cells that are responsible for skin color.

Furthermore, the laser delivers heat to the dermis layer to boost new, healthy collagen production by natural wound healing response. As a result, a new, clear, firm, smooth skin is revealed.

There are different kinds of laser device options to treat acne including:  Smoothbeam- focuses light on sebaceous glands to reduce oil production.  Q-Switched Nd: YAG- treats the redness and inflammation accompanying active acne.

What to expect during and after laser skin resurfacing for acne?

Prior to the treatment, the affected area of the skin is locally numbed with topical anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. The treatment site is properly cleaned.

Next, the laser device is hovering over the skin of the treatment area. At this time, the patients can expect slight discomfort as if a hot rubber band is snapped against their skin.

Following the treatment, a non-stick dressing is applied to the area for 24 hours. From the next day, the area must be kept clean with saline or diluted vinegar solution. To avoid scab formation, the skin is kept moisturized with Vaseline or creams. Oil-free makeup can be applied after the skin has healed. Smoking is not allowed. Activities that can flush the skin must be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Sun protection including daily wear of sunscreen is necessary throughout the treatment course.

Multiple laser sessions spaced a few weeks apart are required to treat acne and improve the skin's appearance.

Acne treatment with a chemical peel

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are acid solutions of different strengths used to exfoliate the skin. There are three kinds of peels based on the penetrating power of the acids: superficial (like lactic acid and glycolic acid), medium (like salicylic acid), and deep peels (such as TCA).

How do chemical peels help treat acne?

When a chemical peel is applied to the acne-damaged skin, it removes the top skin layers to reveal healthy, refreshing, smooth skin from underneath. The chemical peel can reduce the pore size and decrease sebum production, the natural oil in excess can clog the pores and cause acne.

Moreover, the peel also improves the absorption of further topical treatments that are used to keep acne at bay.

What to expect during and after a chemical peel?

After an initial consultation with a dermatologist for acne treatment with a chemical peel, the type of peel that suits best to treat one’s acne is determined by the acne treatment in Bangalore experts at Charma Clinic, skin clinic in Bangalore. Typically, superficial or medium peels such as Lactic acid, Jessner’s solution, Salicylic acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic acid, and Trichloroacetic acid are used to treat acne.

To prepare the skin for peel, in the weeks leading up to the first chemical peel treatment, the patient must apply the prescribed topical medication. This could be a combination of tretinoin and hydroquinone, along with lower-strength alpha-hydroxy acids. Sun exposure, use of makeup, and other exfoliating procedures must be avoided before the treatment.

On the day of the treatment, the dermatologist first cleanses the patient's face and then applies the chosen chemical peel using an applicator, avoiding the eyes and hair. The peel is allowed to stay for a few minutes and later neutralizer is used to deactivate the chemical and prevent burning. The overall process takes about 20 minutes while for deep peels the procedure may last longer. To achieve the best results, multiple sittings are needed for chemical peels over 23 months.

After the treatment, the patients must keep their skin well-moisturized and sun-protected with sunscreen. The patients can expect to see a worse skin appearance following the treatment before it gets better. During recovery, avoid intense physical activities at least for a day and wear make-up or skin tanning for at least 48 hours. As the skin peels, don’t get tempted to pick or pull at the skin and take prescribed topical treatments to maintain skin health.

Non-suitable candidates for chemical peels and laser treatment for acne:     

Those having active skin infections in the area are to be treated.

Anyone with a history of hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Unhealthy people who have a darker skin tone.

Smokers Sun-tanned individuals or those who do not commit to following pre and post-treatment recommendations by experts.

At Charma Clinic the best Skin Specialist in Bangalore provides these advanced treatments for managing acne at his clinic. Other treatments like carbon laser peel, skin cleaning treatments, microdermabrasion, and several antibiotic creams and lotions are also recommended to the patients to manage their acne issues. Apart from this treatment, the skin expert at Charma clinic also recommends their patients with lifestyle changes that can help them to manage and prevent future acne. People experiencing acne, acne, scars, skin darkening, melasma, pigmentation, vitiligo, scabies, dark circles, double chin, wrinkles, fine lines, forehead lines, or any other generic or cosmetic dermatological issues can get effective treatment for all these issues in India at Charma Clinic. Consult today for more information.