Whether you’re a teen or an adult, you may have struggled with acne at some point in your life. Millions of people everywhere suffer from acne, which can cause both emotional and physical scarring. Acne is not only embarrassing but can be painful. Many over-the-counter products can help, but sometimes they are just not enough. If you are struggling with acne or other skin concerns, you may want to consider IPL treatments. 

If you suffering from active acne or acne scarring, IPL treatments can help. At Health Expressions, we take a comprehensive approach to acne treatments. We offer various services, including IPL treatments, to help you achieve the clear skin you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re searching for acne treatment Rochester, NY, or acne treatment near me, come in or call (301) 244-4717 for a consultation.

WHAT IS ACNE?

When hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, it can cause an inflammatory skin condition called acne. Acne can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne is most common in adolescents and young adults but can affect people of all ages. 

There are many types of acne, but the most common are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and cysts.

• Blackheads and whiteheads are also known as comedones. Small bumps appear when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
• Papules are small, red bumps that can be tender to the touch. Pustules are similar to papules but also contain pus. Papules are caused by a cellular response to acne.
• Pustules are small, red bumps containing pus caused by a bacterial infection. A pustule that develops over a sebaceous follicle usually has hair in the middle.
• A cyst is a sac-like lesion filled with liquid or semi-liquid material that includes white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It is larger than a pustule, may be severely inflamed, extends into deeper layers of the skin, and can result in scarring. Cysts and nodules are often found together in a severe type of acne known as nodulocystic.

What Causes Acne?

Many different factors can contribute to the development of acne. Poor hygiene or eating certain foods can contribute to acne, as well as hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, can trigger acne breakouts. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or lithium, can also cause acne. And some people may be genetically predisposed to developing acne.

Why Does Acne Cause Scarring?

Acne scars are caused by the body’s natural healing process in response to inflammation from acne lesions. When the inflammation goes deep into the skin, it damages the collagen and elastin fibers that provide structure and support. 

As the body heals, it produces new collagen and elastin fibers, which are often irregular and do not match up with the surrounding tissue. This repair process can result in physical scarring.

WHAT ARE IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS FOR ACNE?

IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a type of light therapy used to treat various skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, sun damage, age spots, dark under-eye circles, melasma, and uneven skin tone. IPL treatments work by delivering pulses of light energy to the skin. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the skin, which destroys the cells responsible for acne and stimulates collagen production. 

IPL treatments are safe and effective for all skin types. IPL treatments are often used in combination with other acne treatments, such as topical medications or chemical peels. 

IPL wavelengths or filters address a specific area for treatment:

• Acne-causing germs are destroyed by blue light with a wavelength of 420 nm.
• Oil production is decreased by a red light at 639 nm.

What Is IPL Treatment Like?

IPL photofacial treatments are quick and easy, and there is no downtime afterward. During the procedure, a device is placed against the skin, and pulses of light are emitted. Most people report feeling mild warmth or tingling during the treatment. IPL treatments usually take 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the area being treated. A course of 4-6 sessions once a week may be needed to achieve desired results. 

IPL treatment provides many benefits, including: 

• Reduce the number of active breakouts
• Shrink the size of existing pimples
• Destroy the bacteria that cause acne
• Reduce inflammation
• Even out the skin tone
• Reduce pore size

Is IPL Treatment Safe?

IPL treatments are safe and effective for all skin types. They are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. IPL treatments are non-invasive and do not require anesthesia. There is no downtime after an IPL treatment, and most people can return to normal activities immediately afterward. 

The most common side effect of IPL treatment is temporary redness and swelling of the treated area. This usually goes away within a few hours after the treatment. Other rare side effects may include bruising, blistering, or skin crusting. 

If you are considering IPL treatment, it is important to consult with a qualified skin care professional to determine if IPL is right for you.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ACNE

There are many acne treatments, and the best one for you depends on your skin type and the severity of your acne. 

Some common treatments include:

• Topical medications: These are applied to the skin and can include antibiotics, retinoids, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Oral medications: These are taken by mouth and can include antibiotics, birth control pills, and isotretinoin.
• Chemical peels: These use a solution to remove the top layer of skin, which can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
• Dermabrasion: This is a type of mechanical exfoliation that can help to improve the appearance of acne scars

Speak to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

You can do a few things at home to help care for your skin and prevent acne.

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin.
• Shampoo regularly if you have oily hair.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Keep your hands clean.
• Wash your face after working out.
• Avoid using oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair products.
• Choose non-comedogenic products (products that won’t clog pores). 

ACNE TREATMENT ROCHESTER, NY

Acne is a common skin condition that can be effectively treated. If you suffer from acne, IPL treatments are a safe and effective option for treating acne. Our team at Health Expressions is experienced in treating acne and can help you find the best treatment option for you. 

If you’re searching for acne treatment Rochester, NY, or acne scar removal Rochester, NY, schedule an appointment today to learn more about IPL treatments and how they can help you achieve clear, beautiful skin. Call (301) 244-4717 or complete the online booking form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No, tanning does not help with acne scars. Tanning can make deep-set acne scarring appear more visible. Tanning also increases your risk of skin cancer.

This will depend on your skin type and the severity of your acne. IPL is often recommended for people with mild to moderate acne, while microneedling is often recommended for people with severe acne or acne scars. Active acne would need to be cleared up before microneedling. After the acne has cleared, microneedling is very effective at reducing scarring caused by acne.