Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide regardless of gender or age. It can be a source of great frustration and self-consciousness, leading many to try numerous conventional treatments and remedies in the hopes of attaining clear and healthy skin. However, this often comes with limited success.
The use of laser technology to cure acne has gained significant popularity in recent years. With their ability to target and address various skin concerns, lasers offer a game-changing approach to treating acne. In particular, our MeDioStar is a cutting-edge laser device providing remarkable solutions for your clients who struggle with acne and are seeking a long-lasting remedy.
In this article, we will talk about acne, its various forms, and its causes, as well as explore the effectiveness of our MeDioStar diode laser in treating acne, its unique features, and what to expect during the treatment process.
Definition and Types of Acne
When hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it usually leads to acne and manifests as various types of lesions on the skin. By understanding the different types of acne and identifying them correctly, treatments can be tailored to address specific acne concerns effectively.
- Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Whiteheads are small, white or flesh-coloured bumps that form when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They appear as closed comedones because the follicle opening is blocked, preventing the contents from oxidising and turning dark.
- Blackheads (Open Comedones): Blackheads are similar to whiteheads but have a visible black or darkened surface. As the follicle opening remains open, the trapped debris oxidises and turns dark. This is why they are called open comedones and the dark colour is not due to dirt but rather a reaction between the trapped material and the air.
- Papules: Papules are small, raised, and inflamed red bumps on the skin that can be sensitive to the touch. Papules occur when the walls around the pores break down due to the excess buildup of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation.
- Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus at their centre. They appear as red bumps with a white or yellowish centre due to the accumulation of pus. Pustules occur when the walls around the pores become further irritated, causing the surrounding skin to become inflamed and filled with pus.
- Nodules: Nodules are large, solid, and painful lesions that form beneath the skin’s surface. They result from a buildup of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells deep within the pore, causing a severe inflammatory response. Nodules are often hard to the touch and can lead to scarring.
- Cysts: Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that are larger than pustules and nodules. They develop when the infection goes even deeper into the skin, resulting in a more severe inflammatory response. Cysts can cause significant pain, tenderness, and scarring.
Causes of Acne
Acne is primarily caused by clogged hair follicles and inflammation of the skin caused by a combination of factors. Hormonal changes are one of the main causes, especially during puberty when hormone production increases. During hormonal fluctuations, the skin produces too much sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate it. A buildup of sebum and dead skin cells can clog hair follicles, creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria.
Additionally, certain bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, trigger an inflammatory response in the clogged follicles, contributing to acne development. Genetics, diet (such as high-glycemic foods), stress, and exposure to environmental factors can also contribute to acne. Identifying these causes can help develop targeted treatments to effectively manage and control acne breakouts.
How The MeDioStar Works
Our MeDioStar laser is a state-of-the-art diode laser system that offers effective treatment options for numerous dermatological conditions, including acne. It utilises advanced laser technology to target and address the underlying causes of acne, providing long-lasting results and client satisfaction.
To effectively treat acne, the MeDioStar emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the target chromophore in the skin, more specifically the excess melanin and haemoglobin present in acne lesions. When the laser energy is absorbed by the chromophore, it creates a controlled heating effect in the tissue that is being treated.
When the MeDioStar laser is directed onto the affected areas of the skin, the created heat in the sebaceous glands reduces their size and inhibits the production of excessive sebum. As the laser targets the sebaceous glands, it helps regulate oil production, a key contributing factor to acne.
In addition to reducing sebum production, the laser’s thermal energy has an antimicrobial effect. Acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, which thrives in clogged follicles, are being destroyed resulting in reducing inflammation and preventing future acne breakouts.
The controlled heating effect of the MeDioStar laser also stimulates collagen production in the skin. This collagen remodelling helps to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, including reducing the appearance of acne scars and promoting skin rejuvenation.
Furthermore, our MeDioStar is equipped with a number of features as well as various handpieces to maximise your efficiency and provide a more comfortable treatment experience for your clients. With a user-friendly interface and an advanced 360° skin cooling system, the MeDioStar offers your clinic cutting-edge technology to benefit from. To find out more, check out our device page.
Acne Laser Treatments with the MeDioStar
- Consultation: As with any other laser treatment, an initial consultation is necessary to assess your client’s skin type and condition and determine the best treatment outcome to suit your client’s desire. Additionally, any essential precautions regarding medications or topical creams need to be discussed.
- Pre-Treatment Preparations: Your client may be advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and certain skin products leading up to the appointment. On the treatment day, your client’s skin must be thoroughly cleaned to remove makeup, oils, or impurities. Protective eyewear needs to be provided and a numbing cream might be applied to the targeted area to minimise any potential discomfort during the treatment.
- Laser Application: With the MeDioStars intuitive interface, the correct settings can be adjusted easily and the state-of-the-art handpieces allow for comfortable application. The wavelength emitted by the laser and absorbed by the pigment in the skin targets the acne-causing bacteria, shrinks oil glands, and reduces inflammation.
- During The Treatment: During the procedure, your client may feel a warm or tingling sensation on their skin. While the before-applied numbing cream can help minimise any discomfort, your client will likely still experience some mild sensations.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, a cooling agent may be used to soothe your client’s skin and reduce redness or swelling. You need to advise your client on specific post-treatment instructions, such as applying moisturisers, avoiding sun exposure, and using sunscreen to protect the skin during the healing process.
- Multiple Sessions: Similarly to other types of laser treatments, acne laser treatments also require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. The exact number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of your client’s acne and their skin’s response to the treatment.
Conclusion
Acne can be a persistent and frustrating skin condition, affecting individuals of all ages and gender. Traditional treatment options don’t always provide the desired results, leaving many to search for an effective solution. Acne laser treatments are becoming more popular as an alternative, giving you the opportunity to invest in a new laser device and set yourself apart from your competition.
Our MeDioStar presents advanced laser technology to target the root causes of acne and deliver remarkable results. Benefit from its precision, effectiveness, and innovation to treat not only acne but various other skin conditions and ensure client satisfaction. Get in touch and find out more about our services.
