Options For Acne Treatments in Toronto

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions around. It’s a skin ailment that people of all races can suffer from, and at all ages. Acne directly affects the skin’s oil glands – and the lesions most often occur on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. In the majority of cases, acne is not a serious health risk, although severe cases can lead to permanent scarring. The worst situation for most sufferers is the emotional distress and self-esteem anguish. Laser acne treatment, when performed by a professional in the field, can make a big difference, and with excellent results. 

Better understanding of acne

Human skin is covered with thousands and thousands of microscopic hair follicles (particularly in areas like the face, neck, chest, and back). Acne, sometimes referred to as “acne vulgaris”, is a result of over-productive sebaceous glands (the glands in the skin that secrete an oily “sebum” through the hair follicles). Clearly, there’s a connection between acne and hair follicles.

Over the long term, when the hair follicles are clogged with oil and debris, acne begins to emerge as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. And because excess “sebum” isn’t draining properly through the skin, there’s a potential for bacteria to grow, and acne lesions start to develop. This is where laser acne treatment can be an effective treatment, especially in the early stages.

Two primary types of acne

With “non-inflammatory” acne, existing pimples can spontaneously get unplugged and actually heal. Or, they become non-inflamed blemishes called comedones (whiteheads or blackheads).

With “inflammatory” acne, a blackhead or whitehead can rupture – either randomly or by picking at the skin. That’s why it’s important not to touch acne-prone skin and disturb the blemishes.

Acne scarring laser treatments

Lumenis® IPL (also referred to as Intense Pulsed Light) uses intense flashes of light to treat acne scars. Each treatment activates a biochemical response in the skin that kills acne bacteria at the source. Lumenis® IPL is non-invasive treatment, and is effective after acne lesions have healed.

Acne Treatments in Toronto 

In treating acne, IPL uses short pulses of intense light that penetrates the skin. In this way, acne bacteria is attacked and killed in the skin pore. In addition, the treatment reduces any inherent inflammation. Treatments vary with severity, but several sessions are required for good results.

For most clients, skin-care experts will recommend from 4 to 6 IPL treatments as a protocol. Also recommended is a 4-week “recess” between treatments. After each treatment, some clients may experience some skin redness, but this dissipates quickly. Daily routine can resume immediately.

Without question, Lumenis® IPL should be performed by a skin care expert who has experience. Since all skin treatments pose some risk, it’s very important to work with a skin care professional to understand the pros and cons of treatment. Lumenis® IPL is approved by Health Canada.

Those suffering with acne

Acne is most common with teenagers and young adults. It’s estimated that 80% of people between of 10 and 30 will have an acne outbreak at some point. In fact, there are people in their 40s and 50s who get acne as well. Notwithstanding the physical issues that surround acne, it’s the psychological aspects that are most debilitating - like poor self-esteem and poor self-image. With professional laser acne treatment, both physical and psychological issues can be well managed.