What Is The Cause of Your Acne Blemishes?
For this answer we must look to the skin itself.
As you may already know, our skin contains tiny microscopic holes called pores, the largest of which are on our face, back, chest and shoulders. These pores are our skin's opening to the outside world and allow our body to "breathe" if you will, releasing impurities and toxins.
One of the structures located deep within each pore is an oil-producing gland known as the sebaceous gland, which lubricates the skin keeping it soft and moist. Under normal circumstances, sebum, the oily substance made by this skin gland, travels up and out to the skin's surface. This oil production and subsequent release is part of a normal cycle occurring regularly throughout the day.
The problem arises when certain genetic factors, such as increased hormone production for example (as occurs during puberty), causes this oil-producing process to go into overdrive, leading to an over-production of oil! Since the body can't keep up with this excessive oil production, it tends to accumulate and combine with dead skin cells located on the skin's surface to clog the pores.
Since the bacteria that are normally located on the surface of our skin feed on skin oil, the clogged pore with its trapped oil now becomes a feasting ground for them! As they eat the oils, they multiply and move deeper into the pores, becoming lodged underneath the skin's surface. This summons your immune system to attack and fight back!
When a Blocked Pore Becomes Infected With Bacteria, This Battle Beneath the Surface of the Skin Leads to What Is Called a Pimple
If a pore that is clogged with oil, dead skin and bacteria is closed off by the body's immune response, and then proceeds to bulge out, you have what is known as a whitehead.
If a clogged pore stays open, the top portion may darken when it is exposed to the air, leaving you with a blackhead.
In some cases, the sebaceous or oil-producing gland itself can become infected, forming what is known as a cyst deep beneath the skin's surface. These acne cysts can rupture, spreading the infection into nearby skin tissue and often lead to those disfiguring acne scars.
So as you can see…
"Without Overproduction of Oil, None of the Sub-Causes, Such As Bacteria, Can Become Active Thus Making Acne Formation Impossible!"
Therefore, it is the over-activity of the oil glands or excessive oil production, if you will, that is the true source or cause of acne! From here it's simply a chain reaction of acne forming events!
And the sad truth is, the problem will not go away with those topical skin cleansing systems and herbal concoctions you see on the Internet…The only FDA approved drugless method for treating acne at the source, which are the oil producing glands themselves, is Laser Acne Therapy!
"The Truth Behind Why Typical Acne Treatments Just Don't Work and the Lies Their Manufacturers Want You To Believe!"
Before I explain all the details on Laser Acne Therapy, it's important to objectively explain why some of the standard acne treatments we spend billions of dollars on every year (1.4 billion in the United States alone to be exact) yield less than satisfactory results when it comes to acne correction, and are often associated with some bothersome, even dangerous side effects.
You see, those ads and infomercials with the fancy graphics and famous actors explaining how bacteria and oil on your skin cause acne, implying if you were to just clean your skin of those germs and oil, your acne would miraculously be cured are dead wrong!
Actually, as many of you have no doubt already experienced, these cleansers and creams aren't all they are cracked up to be and usually don't do the job. This is because they are limited to only treating the surface bacteria/oil and some of the acne sub-causes at best. However, they do not, nor can they, treat the root cause, which is over active-oil glands!
Antibiotics and some of the other prescription medications available today will not address this issue of excessive oil production by the oil glands (and the one that does has such dangerous side effects such as liver damage and birth defects if used while pregnant. Who wants to take the chance!).
There were several options traditionally available to clear and control acne. The two main categories are professional in-office treatments and over the counter home care products:
"Once Again, Acne is Not Caused By Surface Bacteria, Dirt or Oil. The 'Pore Clogging' Takes Place Below the Surface of the Skin!"
So while these products do a decent job at killing surface bacteria and removing some of the excess skin oils, they are unsuccessful at producing long-term results because they cannot address the cause of the acne which is actually located below the skin surface...the over-production of oil by the oil-producing glands themselves!
Furthermore, once the oils and bacteria get blocked in the pores themselves, producing a micro-infection under the skin known as acne, they are out of reach of surface treatments, thus rendering these products useless!
"As You Can See, Wiping Away Bacteria and Oil Will Not Correct Your Acne Problem Like These Companies Would Like You To Believe. In Fact, It Could Even Make the Problem Worse!"
You see each time you use these products, the oil and bacteria is removed from the surface of the skin; however, about an hour or so later more oil returns, causing you to use more product to get rid of the new surface oil.
Over time, the excessive stripping away of the oil leads to painful, dry, crackly skin. As a defense mechanism, your skin then releases even more oil to re-lubricate the skin. As oil production increases, the pores once again become clogged and the bacteria are free to go back to work! Over time, this vicious cycle can actually cause your acne to get worse!
Therefore, unless You Can Stop the Excess Oil Production at the Source, You're Not Going To Stop the Bacteria Nor Are You Going To Stop Acne & Acne Scar Formation!
Finally, there is an answer!
Laser Acne Therapy, the first FDA approved drugless treatment for acne that actually addresses its cause and has shown impressive results without the pain, expense or side effects associated with traditional over-the-counter and prescription treatments.
That's right, there is now a simple FDA approved, drugless treatment for your acne which utilizes medical lasers to attack the acne at its source without the side effects associated with prescription and some over-the-counter treatments.
This non-surgical acne treatment, known as Laser Acne Therapy, works by the use of laser-emitting beams of invisible light which pulsate through the layers of the skin and are absorbed by the oil-producing sebaceous glands themselves.
Here the light is converted to a gentle heat, a process comparable to what happens inside a car that has been sitting in the sun. As the sun shines in, the light is absorbed by the interior structures such as the seats, steering wheel and dashboard. The light is then converted to heat, making them warm to the touch.
This process is similar to what happens within the oil-producing glands of the treated area…the invisible light is converted to heat, temporarily disabling and reducing the size of the glands that cause the acne. Thanks to recent advances in laser technology, this is possible without harming or irritating the surrounding skin!
Additionally, the thermal effect produced by this process also kills the bacteria found within the clogged pores while decreasing the oil production at its source, thus substantially reducing the number of acne blemishes!
Furthermore, since the treatments can be specifically administered to the affected areas only, the skin maintains its overall moisture, thereby preventing the dryness and subsequent increased oil production that often occurs with topical acne skin care treatments.
This Laser Treatment Can Also Stimulate New Collagen Formation, Thus Healing Acne Scars As Well!
Yes, It's really true! Aside from treating your acne, this affordable medical procedure can also help eliminate your acne scars as well!
That's right, the same laser energy level used to treat your acne also works in elevating depressed or pitted acne scars. Laser Acne Therapy achieves this by penetrating the dermal layer of the skin and producing new dermal collagen to elevate the depression. In a short period of time, as this new collagen begins to build up, the appearance of the scar will lessen and eventually fade away with time!
So instead of just dealing with your acne scars, which serve as a constant reminder of your previous bouts with acne, you can now take a stand and do something about it! Two other complimentary options for acne treatment are: chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Common Questions I Get Regarding Laser Acne Therapy...
Q. Who Can Be Treated With Laser Acne Therapy?
A. This proven medical procedure can help both adolescent and adult acne and acne scars. It also can be used to treat both men and women with all skin types and colors. However, pregnant women and people with photo sensitivities should consult with their physician first.
To learn more about Laser Acne Therapy and to better determine if this acne solution is right for you, a consultation with a doctor trained in this particular procedure is advisable.
Q. Do I Need To Prepare My Skin Before Having Laser Acne Therapy?
A. Yes. The area to be treated should be cleaned with a gentle soap, then rinsed with water and dried. Women should remove their makeup before treatment sessions, and should only wear oil-free make-up between appointments. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after the treatment session is finished.
Q. How Long Is Each Treatment and How Many Are Necessary?
A. Each treatment takes approximately 15-20 minutes to perform and the number of treatments needed varying, depending on the severity of your acne or acne scars. On average though, acne treatment required 4-5 sessions administered two weeks apart, with acne scar correction requiring a series of approximately the same number of visits but given 4 weeks apart.
Consumer beware:With each treatment, a reduction in the number of blemishes and an improvement of the appearance of your scars occur. Once your acne is significantly improved or clears, periodic treatment is recommended to keep the acne from re-appearing. Acne scar maintenance treatments are recommended once every 6 months.
Remember that your acne or acne scars took time to appear; similarly, your body's ability to resolve the problem takes time as well. Therefore, treatments you might see in magazines or on the Internet that promise 'fast' or 'overnight' results are misleading and often put there to capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for a quick resolution to their problem. However, the fact remains that acne and acne scars do not clear overnight…so don't fall for the hype and save your money!
Q. Are The Treatments Painful and Are There Any Side Effects?
A. Laser Acne Therapy is usually not painful and does not require anesthesia. Some patients may experience a slight burning or tingling sensation at the individual laser treatment sites, lasting only a few seconds. For people with extremely sensitive skin, a topical anesthetic can be used over the treatment area before the actual laser treatments are administered. There are no known side effects.
Q. Is The Treatment Permanent?
A. Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no "cure" for acne. The reason is we cannot change our genetics or completely remove the oil from our skin (and if we could we wouldn't want to because of its many important functions). However, Laser Acne Therapy, the first FDA approved drugless treatment for acne, is a step in the right direction! Laser therapy effectively clears 70%-90% of moderate inflammatory acne in four to six weeks. Results are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics. Since the treatment can now address the cause of your acne at its source, outbreaks can effectively be controlled for approximately 4-8 months; after that only occasional touch-ups may be necessary!
Q. What Can I Do To Help Prevent New Acne Formation?
A. Although Laser Acne Therapy treats acne at the source leaving you with clearer looking skin, there are still some things you should do to assist your body with the healing process and promote healthy skin. They are as follows:
- Wash your face two times a day and as soon as possible after you exercise, with a gentle soap. Since bacteria can grow on a damp washcloth, it is important to use a fresh one everyday.
- To help control bacteria transfer, wash your hands more frequently and avoid putting your fingers and hands to your face unnecessarily. Additionally, avoid resting your face on your hands while you read, study, or watch TV.
- Although greasy foods or chocolate do not cause acne, if a certain food produces an allergic acne reaction avoid it at all costs!
- Since stress can decrease our body's immune response and slow down healing, practice stress-reduction strategies such as exercise and meditation.
- Avoid getting sunburned.
- Eat right and get plenty of sleep - proper diet and rest will keep your immune system strong to fight acne-forming bacteria.
- Don't squeeze or scratch your skin pimples; this can lead to scar formation.
Remember, although these measures are the best defense against the spread or development of new acne they still cannot alter the cause, nor can you change your genetics. Therefore, as time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" if new acne surfaces.
Q. How Much Does Treatment Cost and Will My Insurance Cover It?
A. Since every condition is different, with some cases being more severe than others, the cost depends on how many treatments are actually necessary for your particular problem.
Some insurance companies do cover this treatment when considered medically necessary. However, insurance reimbursement varies from state to state and from carrier to carrier, with each company having its own rules for the types of therapies that are covered.
For your convenience, I have the friendliest staff you will ever meet and they can help you determine whether your insurance plan will cover treatment. If the procedure is covered by your particular insurance company, they are all trained in handling the often-confusing paperwork that needs to be filled out if you are using your insurance. In the case of no available insurance, affordable payment plans are available.
Q. Are There Other Procedures To Help My Acne?
A. Yes, Medical Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, combined with a few medical grade products. These are supplementary, showing great additive effects.
Now That You Know Just About All There Is To Know About Laser Acne Therapy, How Do You Go About Choosing The Right Doctor?
The answer to this question is simple and is based on 3 criteria…First, choose someone who has advanced training in the procedure you are interested in. Second, make sure the doctor you are considering has experience in performing this particular procedure. And last but definitely not least, choose a doctor you feel comfortable with.
Take advantage of our ONLINE CONSULTATION to see if you're a good candidate for Laser Acne Therapy. Its free and quick.
|