WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is a disorder of the skin’s sebaceous glands that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions on the face, back and neck. When the skin pores plug up with the skins’ own secretions infection frequently follows.  Acne is one of the most common skin diseases with over 80% of the population from age 14 to age 30 suffering in one degree or another. 

Acne begins when a build up of oil occurs in the hair follicle, creating a plug that traps oil and dead cells under the surface of the skin. The clogged follicle becomes a fertile breeding ground for P. acnes bacteria-the main causative agent of acne. The P. acnes bacteria thrive when there is no oxygen. Acne is an equal opportunity offender hitting both males and females with about equal severity and intensity.

Approximately 20% of all adults suffer from varying degrees of active acne. For some, it is simply annoying. For others it is devastating. Disfiguration may have a significant impact of our lifestyle and self esteem issues. Sometimes, we feel as devastated as the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Sulzberger and Zaldems have stated that “…There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris.”

CLASSIFICATION OF ACNE (BURTON SCALE)

Acne can be mild or quite severe. A medical evaluation is needed to determine where you stand as a patient and how we may help you.

NEW RESEARCH AND TREATMENTS

New research has shown that by targeting the pore with light, it creates an oxygen rich environment that destroys the P. acnes bacteria.

There are many available treatments ranging from over the counter skin treatments to prescription medications which must be taken for months or longer. Many patients do not respond to these treatments and many see only minimal results. Laser therapy is available but risks of pigment changes are present. You can experience striping of your skin also.

The trend in modern medicine is toward non- invasive skin treatments. These treatments generally take less time and have less complications. It truly is a technological breakthrough in medicine and skin care.

LIGHT HEAT ENERGY(LHE)

Phototherapy, however, has long been known to have a beneficial effect on acne vulgaris. Many different machines are available to treat acne including laser machines. At To Life! we use the modern technology of light and heat energy which effectively clears inflammatory acne lesions in usually just one third of the time generally that it takes for standard topical and oral treatments to do the same. Using a unique 3-prong approach of green light, red light and heat, LHE quickly destroys the P. acnes bacteria. Green and red light reach deep into the pore, while the heat intensifies the process and gently opens the pores to release the clog and sooth the inflammation.

HOW MAY LHE BENEFIT YOU

Most people experience significant success in acne clearance. It is fast with treatment time being generally less than one- third(1/3) the time of traditional treatments . This significantly reduces our risk of scarring. The treatment is safe and has virtually no harmful side effects.

LHE TREATMENT PROCEDURE

The length of a complete LHE acne clearance treatment will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the acne being treated. Generally two visits per week over a four(4) week period are required. A minimum of eight (8) visits are required to achieve the optimal results.

Each treatment takes about ten minutes. There is a slight stinging sensation with the impulse generated by the machine. Other than this there is no downtime or exposure to antibiotics and all of the various side effects of creams, ointments, etc. Drug free therapy, what a dream!

Visible results are seen shortly after starting treatment with clearance up to 90% on the average. This is quick treatment and quick results for a basic ten minute treatment time. It is generally faster than any other treatment .  Total treatment time is generally one third the time of common medication therapy.

RESULTS:

In an article published in Cosmetic Dermatology Volume 17, No 5 pages 287-300 the authors state in conclusion that “… A mean reduction of 60.2% in the inflamed lesion count was achieved in just a third of the time required for standard topical and oral treatments to obtain similar results. In 75% of the treated areas, a reduction in inflamed lesions of 50% or greater was achieved. The study demonstrated remarkable safety results, with only minor and transient erythema documented in a negligible percentage of patients. No adverse side effects, discomfort, or patient downtime associated with this modality, and patients are spared the risks associated with exposure to antibiotic acne medications.”

The light and heat energy produced by the machine we use works on the principle of photothermalysis.  The green light causes the porphyrin molecules to release oxygen radicals. The oxygen radical attacks the acne bacteria and destroys it. The red light produces anti-inflammatory results. The heat opens the pores and speeds up the chemical reaction set off by both colors of light. Simple, isn’t it?

Treatments will need to be periodically continued during the active acne phase of life. No treatment will guarantee the disappearance of acne forever. We still have to eat right and keep our skin clean and happy.

For a video on how the procedure for acne clearance works click here:    ==================            

SIDE EFFECTS

Some patients experience redness, photosensitivity and light crusting of the skin for a day or two after treatments. Each treatment is individualized to each patient to minimize any side effects. Some non-infected acne lesions will not respond to treatment with this modality. This only involves approximately 10% of the acne lesions out there.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY!

Don’t live with your acne unless you must. Face it and eliminate it! Call us for an appointment and we shall see if we can be of help to your life and body.