Skincare Treatments for Acne

While most people will only ever experience the mild development of acne in their teen years, there are those that suffer a severe form of this skin disease known medically as Acne Vulgaris. This skin condition involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Human skin has pores which connect to oil glands located under the skin. These glands produce an oily liquid called Sebum. The sebum job is to carry dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin, and if these follicles get blocked, a pimple can grow that results in an accumulation of oil under the skin.

woman hiding her faceAcne can be embarrassing and cause self-esteem issues in all ages. Understanding the signs of acne is the first step in determining which treatment may work best for you. Whiteheads are small blemishes with a whitish head whereas blackheads look like tiny dots on your skin. Both are referred to as comedones, which is another term for clogged pore. The next phase of acne is called Papules and occurs when bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells cause inflammation under the skin. They are small hard lesions, but there is no pus in papules. Similar to papules are pustules in appearance, but they are pus filled. These types of mild to moderate acne should be treated to heal existing spots and lessen the chances of scarring. It is also advisable for those with a darker complexion to seek treatment at the early stages of acne to prevent hyperpigmentation.

If you’re experiencing large, red, inflamed blemishes that last longer than a month these can be symptoms of severe acne. Nodular acne and acne cysts are both types of severe acne and need a customized treatment plan. Nodular acne is usually painful and covers large areas of your skin. The nodules are lesions that are deep within the skin. Similar to nodules, cysts are deep under the skin’s surface as well, but they are filled with pus and are usually softer than a nodule. These severe types of acne are usually caused by genetics and if left untreated can cause scarring.

There are stronger medications and therapies that can help treat severe acne if over the counter products aren’t working. The following types of treatment are offered for severe acne:

Topical medications
These products work best on clean, dry skin and may take a few weeks to notice any improvements. The most common topical prescriptions are Retinoids, antibiotics, and Dapsone. These products come in a gel, cream or lotion.

Oral medications
For moderate to severe acne, you may need oral medications to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation. This may include a drug called Accutane. This powerful drug was used almost exclusively years ago, and in most cases, the first signs of healing occurred after two to three weeks of treatment although it could take as long as one to two months for the benefits to be noticed. While Accutane can be beneficial for some patients, the best results are obtained when combined with other treatments for severe acne.

Light Therapies
Photorejuvenation is a procedure that uses lasers or photodynamic therapy. It treats only the area that is required and does not affect the surrounding tissue. During treatment, a laser emits a controlled light that is absorbed by the skin. The body’s natural healing system encourages the production of new collagen to improve the texture of the skin. You will be asked to wear dark goggles to protect your eyes from the bright light. A cold gel is applied to aid in the absorption of the light. Treatment lasts about 30 minutes, and five or six treatments are recommended for maximum results.

Blu-U is a narrow band of blue light is emitted in this non-invasive, pain-free treatment that is safe for all ages and pregnant women. The light causes a photodynamic effect within the oil glands that kills the primary bacteria responsible for acne. While this treatment can be effective on its own, it can also be combined with other forms of therapy to enhance results. These simple sessions last approximately 30 minutes during which time you will sit with the affected area exposed to the light. Aftercare may include the doctor recommending special attention in choosing a sunscreen.

Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) combines light and a special light-activated solution called Levulan. This effective treatment controls hard to treat acne and may also improve skin texture, pore size, and pigmentation. Prior to applying Levulan, an active scrub or microdermabrasion will be performed to the treatment area. You will then be positioned under a Blu-U or IPL light in a darkened room. After the treatment, the Levulan is washed off, and a sun block is applied to the treated area before leaving the clinic.

Laser and Skin Care Medspa offer a free consultation to assess each individual before recommending any course of action. Please note that treatment is covered by Alberta Health Care and some 3rd party insurance plans. We also carry special medical grade skin care products and water-based therapeutic foundation such as the Jane Iredale Makeup line that aid in acne care and not harm your skin like some over the counter products can. We employ the most advanced treatments for maximum benefit for you. If acne is a concern for you, there are treatment options available that can help.teen with acne

The Skincare Makeup by Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale started in an industry that is obsessed with appearance. She traveled from London to New York looking for a new experience and found exactly that as she began a career as a casting director and producer.

Jane Iredale Amazing Base

She had first-hand knowledge of the effects the makeup was having on the skin of those in front of the camera. Jane set out in 1994 to put an end to makeup that was not doing any favors to those that wore it. She wanted a product that would not contribute to problem skin or skin issues. In Jane’s own words “My goal is to make products that look good, feel good and are good for the skin.” She has accomplished that, and the Jane Iredale line of cosmetics that promote healthy skin was born from her first product which is still a favorite with clients; Amazing Base.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics has been loved by dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide from the very beginning of her venture. She was the first to supply the aesthetic industry with a line of makeup that contained skin care benefits. The fact that this line not only promotes healthy vibrant skin but also the women that wear it is important to the company.

Jane Iredale Products

The company began because Jane Iredale wanted to help women not only look their best but also to feel their best. She believes that makeup can and should enrich a woman’s life. Jane firmly believes that healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and the company’s philosophy exemplifies this. The products are not tested on animals, and Jane believes in giving not only money but time and effort to enriching lives and making a difference.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetic’s philanthropic efforts are many. The longest partnership is with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, but it doesn’t end there. Jane and her staff are involved in over 25 great causes. The motto on their website demonstrates this beautifully:

Care where you give your time and support.

Giving with purpose has measured impact.

~Jane Iredale

The company believes in a holistic approach to beauty, and their supplements, skincare, and makeup follow this belief. What makes their makeup so unique is using only the highest of quality minerals and organic ingredients when possible. All products are hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested to create a clean and beautiful look that is not only healthy but safe as well for all skin types.

avocado with natural ingredients for makeup

Pure ingredients with long-lasting performance, are what you will get when you use Jane Iredale’s Mineral Cosmetics. Achieve a clear and healthy complexion with products for everything from your head to your toes offered by Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and because of the medical grade, they are safe for post-surgery procedures, acne, rosacea, sensitive and/or aging skin. All Jane Iredale products are antibacterial, hydrating, mineral based, and blocks damaging UV light while allowing the skin to breathe, yet provides excellent coverage for pigment problems, imperfections, and wrinkles.

Laser Skin Care and Medspa has been a Gold Winner in sales of Jane Iredale makeup since 2011. We understand the high quality of this product, and we would be happy to assist you in picking out the right product for you.

 

Therapeutic yet beautifies.

Jane Iredale makeup

Using Jane Iredale is a win/win for your skin.