Many of us will be plagued with acne at some point in our lives – just when you think you’re safe, those hormonal changes kick in and – it’s blemish-central. Acne is characterised by primary lesions on the face, chest, and back, which form when the skin pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Such lesions are either noninflammatory (open and closed comedones, also called whiteheads and blackheads) or inflammatory (papules and pustules).

Understanding Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Acne is most common during adolescence but can affect people of all ages.

Acne & Blemishes

Acne is a common inflammatory disorder of the face, back, and chest that is characterised by the presence of blackheads, pustules, and potentially cysts and scars. Acne usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots, which most adolescents will have at some time, to a more serious problem that may be embarrassing, sap self-confidence and cause scarring. The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, which is present in both men and women. This causes the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil is visible) and whiteheads. During the teenage years, you make much more sebum than when you were a child. This is due to the hormonal changes of puberty which stimulate the sebaceous glands. As a rule, the more sebum that you make, the more greasy your skin feels and the worse acne is likely to be.

Mild-To-Moderate Acne – Blackheads, Whiteheads & Small Pimples

Topical (applied to the skin) prescription products are the most common medical treatment for mild to moderate acne. The active ingredients often target only one cause of acne – help to control abnormal shedding of skin cells, or kill bacteria or reduce excess oil production. Newer combination treatments have been developed that include several active ingredients and target multiple factors at the same time. The main active ingredients in topicals are: Retinoids, Antibiotics, and Benzoyl peroxide.

Untreated acne can lead to scarring.

How Acne Scars Form

Acne scars can be a frustrating and persistent problem for many people. While acne itself is a common skin condition, the scars it leaves behind can be even more challenging to treat. Fortunately, advancements in laser technology have led to the development of effective treatments like the Edge Fractional CO2 laser, offering hope for those seeking smoother, clearer skin.

Acne scars develop when the skin’s underlying structure is damaged during an inflammatory acne breakout. The severity of the scar depends on the depth of the damage and the body’s healing response.

Types of Acne Scars

There are several types of acne scars, each with its own unique appearance:

• Ice pick scars: These are narrow, deep scars that resemble puncture wounds.
• Boxcar scars: These are wide, box-shaped scars with sharp edges.
• Rolling scars: These are broad, shallow scars that create a wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface.
• Hypertrophic scars: These are raised, red scars that occur when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process.

Edge Fractional CO2 Laser: A Revolutionary Treatment

The Edge Fractional CO2 laser offers a minimally invasive approach to removing acne scars. It works by delivering controlled pulses of laser energy to the affected areas of the skin. This energy creates microscopic wounds, which trigger the body’s natural healing response. As the skin repairs itself, it produces new collagen, leading to improved skin texture and reduced scarring.

Benefits of Edge Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The Edge Fractional CO2 laser offers several advantages for treating acne scars:

• Improved skin texture: The laser can help smooth out uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
• Reduced scar depth: The laser can significantly reduce the depth of ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
• Enhanced collagen production: The laser stimulates the production of new collagen, which helps to plump the skin and fill in scars.
• Minimal downtime: Unlike traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, the Edge Fractional CO2 laser has a shorter recovery time.
• Versatility: The laser can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.

The Treatment Process

The Edge Fractional CO2 laser treatment typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation
• Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed and numbed with a topical anesthetic.
• Laser treatment: The laser is applied to the affected areas in a controlled manner.
• Post-treatment care: The treated area may be red and swollen for a few days. Your dermatologist will provide specific aftercare instructions.

Recovery and Results

After the treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort for a few days.

The results of Edge Fractional CO2 laser treatment are typically noticeable within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for the full effects to be visible. Multiple treatment sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

While the Edge Fractional CO2 laser is generally safe and effective, there are some potential side effects, including:

• Redness and swelling: This is a common side effect that usually subsides within a few days.
• Crusting: The treated area may develop crusts, which should not be picked or scratched.
• Pigmentation changes: Temporary changes in skin color may occur, but they usually fade over time.
• Infection: Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection.

The Edge Fractional CO2 laser is a promising treatment option for individuals struggling with acne scars. By targeting the damaged skin and stimulating collagen production, this laser can help improve skin texture, reduce scar depth, and restore a more youthful appearance. If you are considering this treatment, you may schedule an appointment with me at 6532 2400.