How IPL works in acne treatment

There is a growing amount of evidence that shows traditional methods of acne treatments are no longer working, and many doctors and dermatologists are turning to laser therapy as an alternative. Acne presents itself as a rash of red, angry spots and pimples usually starting in adolescence, although around 25% of adults will also experience the condition. Overall around 80% of individuals will have some form of acne to a greater or lesser extent during their lifetime, but it is commonly associated with the onset of puberty and, sadly for many youngsters, part of the teenage angst.

Acne is caused by the immune system which creates an inflammatory response to a bacteria living in our skin called P.acne. This bacteria lives mainly in the sebaceous glands, and stimulates the glands to overproduce an oil called sebum. The skin pores get blocked up with the excessive amount of oil, the bacteria multiplies and spots and raised red bumps and blotches appear usually on the facial area. The traditional methods of treatment involve cleaning the skin to get rid of the oil and reduce bacterial growth and prescribing antibiotics. However, over time the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, which is why alternative forms of treatment are now on offer.

A dermatologist may recommend chemical peels as one form of treatment, but for many people who are looking for a more natural process, then Intense Pulse Light or IPL technology is available in and around the Perth area. IPL is a very sophisticated process of laser technology that can effectively treat acne conditions as well as a range of other skin problems. The big advantage of IPL is that it is able to treat the skin without disrupting the surface, which for acne sufferers is very important. Removing acne has to be undertaken by targeting the bacteria in the skin so treatments such as microdermabrasion are not suitable.

IPL works by stimulating the skin’s own natural processes for clear complexion and the treatments are similar to having a really powerful camera flashlight held next to the face and skin areas being treated. The intense light, that is being emitted, is converted into heat energy and targets very specific proteins in the P.acne bacteria. The trained specialist who is using the IPL device, is able to very precisely adjust the wavelength of the laser beam or combination of wave lengths, to suit the individual condition being treated. The power of each pulse, the duration and number can also be changed to suit the individual’s skin physiology and severity of the acne, so this is a very accurate and customised treatment.

Unlike Botox, dermal fillers and skin needling, there is no injection into the skin because the laser is targeting proteins in the bacteria, so the aforementioned treatments are not appropriate. IPL can be used also for a variety of other conditions as it can target proteins in collagen so it works as a wrinkle relaxer, or target colour pigments such as melanin in age spots or dealing with thread vein removal. Laser hair removal is a different process but the IPL is a very versatile device and its full use can be discussed with the appropriate skin specialist, of which there are several in Perth.

So for a natural approach with no fuss, no pain and no invasive medical procedures for acne, IPL technology is spot on!

---

If you are in Perth, Australia, Liift Aesthetics are great and can also help you when it comes to anything else that is IPL related.