To understand acne you must know what causes it. Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population. Acne most commonly begins in adolescence when hormones begin to change. Acne also affects many adults commonly referred to as “adult acne.”

Can acne be prevented? Acne is a fact of life for many young people. Approximately 25% of all adults and 90% of all adolescents experience acne at some point in their lives. In adolescents, acne breakouts are related to the natural release of androgen hormones that happen during puberty. Acne is often related to woman's monthly menstrual cycle as well. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating greasy foods, chocolate, or bad hygiene. There is over one billion dollars spent on acne medications and treatments each year in the US alone. Histocal records show that conventional treatments including over-the-counter cleansers and lotions, prescription antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal therapies have not been very successful.

The severity of acne rangings from milder comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) to moderate, pustular, on to severe cystic acne. In many cases, several or all of these levels of acne can be present on an individual at the same time.

A new advanced treatment which combines light and a special light-activated solution called ALA-PDT has been proven successful and is growing in popularity. ALA-PDT is a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) activated by long-pulse, pulsed dye laser. The treatment involves the application of Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid), a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with IPL or BBL (light therapy) in the office.

The results are a significant improvement in mild to severe acne caes. In the past this type of theropy was performed with red light which caused unacceptable side effects and therfore was abadoned. Recently a new breakthrough using white light has been discovered which has been very successfull with minimal to no sideeffects.The number of treatments are determined by the severity of the acne lesions, how ever the average number of treatments for a patient is three.

ALA-PDT also causes collagen rejuvenation which decreases pore size! IPL light treatments alone are effective for treating mild to moderate acne but it's much more effective on moderate to severe acne or cystic acne when enhanced in combination with Levulan ALA.

What is the treatment like?
The face is first washed with soap and water. Next the face is mildly scrubbed down with Acetone. ALA is then painted on the entire face and the patient sits for 30-60 minutes while ALA incubates. (longer incubation is used for subsequent visits). The ALA is then washed off and the patient is treated with the light source (IPL). A sunscreen is then applied and the patient is instructed to avoid direct sunlight for atleast 48 hours.

Who can benefit by the treatment?
Most people can benefit from treatment. ALA-PDT has proven to be very effective on mild to moderate to severe inflammatory and cystic acne. Actinic keratoses, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, rocacea, hyperpigmentation, sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and those who wish to decrease pore size can also benefit! We will not treat 'pregnant women' and people with photosensitivity.

Call today for a consultation, you'll be glad you did!