Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicle plus its sebaceous glands).

Therefore it typically affects areas with the highest density of sebaceous follicles (face, upper chest and back).

It results from increased sebum production by sebaceous glands, altered keratinisation, inflammation, and bacterial colonisation of hair follicles.

The excessive production of sebum combines with dead skin cells and clogs up the hair follicles.

Acne patients typically present with:

comedones (clogged follicles) subdivided in 2 types:
- black heads or open comedones: the pore at the surface of the skin is open and exposing its content to the air. The black color is dead skin cells, bacteria and oil stuck down in the pore.
- white heads or closed comedones: clogged follicles without an opening.
papules: small red bumps
pustules: similar to papules but inflamed, with a white tip in the centre (pus).

Twenty per cent progress to more severe acne, with nodules and cysts (larger painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin).

Pruritus, pain, erythema and tenderness are frequently described.

The onset of acne typically correlates with the onset of puberty, when sebum production increases, and its incidence is maximal in teenagers. However Acne can persist into adulthood.

Acne can lead to permanent scarring and dyspigmentation, and the psychological impact of this very common condition can be important and disabling.

Therefore we always encourage each patient to see a dermatologist who can propose different treatments like retinoids, benzoyl peroxyde, antibiotics, hormonal therapies, spironolactone or isotretoin.

However, pharmacological treatment of acne can be a challenge for dermatologists. Furthermore the potential side effects and microbiome disruption of these treatments, and the development of resistance to antibiotics explain the growing interest for adjunctive acne therapy.

Cosmetic interventions have been shown to be effective and improve quality of life of patients with Acne.

Treatment Options

MicroDermabrasion

(with Diamond Peel Dermabrasion System)

Why this treatment?

A well known procedure used for decades (first introduced in 1985), suitable for all skin colour and type as the abrasion levels can be adjusted.

An increasing interest for its properties, with a growing list of indications, including Acne and Acne Scars.

A minimally invasive procedure, less aggressive alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasion, performed without the use of anaesthesia (painless), with minimal side effects and down time.

A decreased sebum levels noted immediately at the end of the procedure and at the end of treatment sessions.

Effective in the treatment of scars with a clinically significant improvements in skin appearance, and improvement of collagen fiber density and distribution.

The possibility to combine it with other dermatologic or cosmetic treatments to produce a positive effect on the improvement of Acne.

A quick recovery of the skin barrier after the procedure, allowing to perform it on a weekly basis.

Learn More About MicroDermabrasion

MicroNeedling

(with Collagen P.I.N.)

Why this treatment?

Another well known process (its original conception can be traced back to 1995), which can safely address a variety of concerns in all skin types, with an adjustable needle length.

Induce a natural wound healing, with a very low risk of dyspigmentation (as opposed to Laser and Chemical Peel), minimal side effects and down time.

Multiple studies highlight evidence of its potential in the treatment of scars secondary to acne or other causes (surgery, trauma, varicella, burn) and even hypertrophic scars.

Effective treatment for both acne scars and associated pigmentation in patients with dark skin color.

Microneedling is considered as a safe treatment for Acne Vulgaris.

It can also be combined with other dermatologic or cosmetic treatments to maximise benefits.

Well tolerated by patients.

Short healing time.

Learn More About MicroNeedling