Acne Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition affecting all ages, skin types, and tones, often starting during puberty and continuing throughout adulthood. This complicated skin condition usually includes a protocol of at-home and in-office treatments to get the breakouts under control. But if your current acne treatment isn’t delivering the best possible results, it may be time to take control of your acne with two proven options: Isolaz and LEVULAN® PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT), both of which we offer at Serenity MedSpa.
Acne Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition affecting all ages, skin types, and tones, often starting during puberty and continuing throughout adulthood. This complicated skin condition usually includes a protocol of at-home and in-office treatments to get the breakouts under control. But if your current acne treatment isn’t delivering the best possible results, it may be time to take control of your acne with two proven options: Isolaz and LEVULAN® PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT), both of which we offer at Serenity MedSpa.
What 
Are Acne Treatments?
Acne treatments are any combination of topical, oral, or device-based solutions that target the factors contributing to acne. Not every type of acne treatment works the same, and some focus on one cause of acne while others focus on several, which is why a combination approach is sometimes necessary. Acne treatments work towards reducing oil production and inflammation, fighting bacteria, exfoliating dead skin cells, or regulating hormones, and the best course of treatment depends on the underlying cause of your acne, which is why a personalized approach is essential.
At Serenity MedSpa, we offer acne treatments such as Isolaz®, PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT), and BBL®.
Isolaz® is a painless treatment that combines vacuum and broadband light to cleanse deeply and purify the pores from the inside out without downtime or relying on oral medication. It is an FDA-cleared procedure that uses gentle suction to clear the pores and light to kill the P. acnes bacteria. Isolaz® helps to decrease both inflammatory (pimples) and non-inflammatory (blackheads and whiteheads) types of acne.
LEVULAN® (5-aminolevulinic acid, or ALA) Photodynamic Therapy system is an advanced 2-step treatment for moderate to severe acne. The first step consists of a topical application of ALA, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. The second step is irradiating the affected area with blue light, which also shrinks or destroys the sebaceous glands. The skin’s tone and texture are also improved.
A series of BBL® treatments can also help improve acne. Our BBL® device has a special setting that we use specifically to help treat acne.
How Do Acne Treatments Work?
Not all acne treatments are created equal. While some target oil production, others work to reduce bacteria or inflammation in the skin.
Isolaz®
Isolaz® improves acne by using a vacuum with a broadband light. It is a pore-cleansing treatment that helps to loosen and extract dirt, blackheads, and excess oil from deep within your pores. Broadband light is also part of the treatment, destroying acne-causing bacteria and reducing facial redness. If you suffer from mild to moderate acne and blackheads on your face, back, and chest, Isolaz® is a good option, although it is not designed to treat cystic acne.
LEVULAN® PDT
On the other hand, LEVULAN® PDT clears up acne-prone skin through a different course of action. It uses a topical solution of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which is absorbed by the skin cells during a 30-minute or longer incubation period, depending on the severity of the acne being treated. Then, after the incubation period, the skin is exposed to a specific wavelength of blue or red light, which causes the ALA to produce a reactive form of oxygen. The reactive oxygen that is generated selectively destroys the targeted cells and bacteria, improving the skin. Multiple sessions may be needed to reach optimal results, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Are the Benefits of Acne Treatments?
Acne treatments provide the main benefit of clearing up acne, but they also offer other advantages, such as:
A good option for acneic skin that does not respond to topical acne treatments like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, antibiotics, and even Accutane
The Treatment Process
The specific treatment details of each type of acne treatment differ from one to the next.
Isolaz® treatments are quick, easy, and painless and do not require any topical anesthetic. First, your skin will be cleansed to assess its current condition properly. The Isolaz® vacuum is then applied to the skin to gently remove bacteria, dirt, blackheads, and excess oil. After that, the broadband light is used to kill any lingering bacteria and reduce any redness. Depending on the severity of your acne, the treatment can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and feels like a warm massage. You’ll notice clearer skin with a glow to it instantly.
When LEVULAN® is used for acne, the skin is first cleansed with a special solution to remove any oils from the surface. Next, LEVULAN® is applied to the skin using a special applicator. The solution remains on your skin for approximately one hour and longer if treating the back or chest. Then, depending on your acne, the LEVULAN® solution is activated by laser light. It’s imperative that you avoid sun exposure for 40 hours following the treatment.
The treated area may become red and swollen for a few days following the procedure, and there may be some mild discomfort or a slight burning sensation during the light activation phase. However, the skin will improve in terms of breakouts and acne lesions over the next few weeks and continue from there. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
Common FAQs
How Much Does an Acne Treatment Cost?
The cost of an acne treatment varies from person to person and depends on your chosen treatment. Therefore, we recommend a consultation for a detailed estimate to determine your treatment's cost.
Who Is an Acne Treatment Good For?
Acne treatments are beneficial for anyone experiencing any type of acne. If your acne is affecting your self-esteem and you have tried over-the-counter topical products with little success, a more invasive yet proven acne treatment may be what your skin needs to get on the path to clear. However, it's important to know that acne treatments are not one-size-fits-all but can be customized to suit your needs.
Are there any side effects of Isolaz®?
Like all elective cosmetic procedures, there is a risk of side effects, but Isolaz® is generally well-tolerated and has minimal side effects. Some people experience mild redness or slight swelling immediately after the treatment, which usually subsides within a few hours.
How many Isolaz® treatments are needed to see results?
Everyone is different, but on average, we recommend two to six sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart.
How many PDT treatments are needed for acne?
The number of PDT treatments needed can vary, but most patients require 4-6 sessions to achieve the best results.
Is PDT effective for all types of acne?
PDT works best to improve moderate to severe acne, but it can also be used to treat inflammatory and cystic acne.
Can PDT be combined with other acne treatments?
PDT can be combined with topical acne medications, oral antibiotics, and other light-based therapies to enhance overall results.
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Begin your journey to a more confident and beautiful you at Serenity MedSpa. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.
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