Active Acne

Say Goodbye to Acne Scars and Embrace Smoother Skin

Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. Most commonly occurring on the face, it can affect other areas of the body including the back, chest, neck and shoulders. People of all races and ages can suffer from acne, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. Where acne starts during the teenage years, it is most common in males and when it continues into adulthood, it tends to affect women more than men. For most people, acne tends to resolve naturally as they advance into their thirties, but for a some people, it can continue later in life also.

What is acne?

Acne lesions (spots, pimples) break out due to a clogging of the hair follicles in the skin by sebum (oil) and dead skin cells (keratinocytes).  When a follicle becomes clogged, the normal bacteria that lives on everyone’s skin is able to multiply in a much more concentrated fashion in the base of the follicle.  This bacteria is called Cutibacterium acnes (known until recently as Propionibacterium acnes  or P-acnes) is a relatively slow growing bacteria that loves a non-oxygen or anaerobic environment, hence why it loves the condition when follicles become blocked and it can proliferate and grow in a warm, nutrient rich cavity beneath the blockage.  These bacteria live quite normally on the surface of healthy skin also, but when the conditions allow, they rapidly grow and release metabolic byproducts and bacterial debris which causes localized cellular damage and triggers inflammation. 

Types of acne lesions

Comedones – blocked or enlarged follicles 

Whiteheads – blocked follicles beneath the skin that look like white bumps 

Blackheads – blocked follicles that have reached the surface of the skin, the oil (sebum) in the blocked area discolored due to exposure to air 

Papules – small, pink bumps, typically tender to touch, caused by the inflammation reaction in the skin 

Pustules – papules that are pus filled (white or yellow-coloured), may still have significant redness/inflammation 

Nodules – large, solid lesions deeper down in the skin tissue 

Cystic acne – severe nodular acne, with very deep, painful, pus-filled lesion

What causes acne?

There is not single factor that can be attributed as the key cause of acne, rather it can be caused by one or more situations:

  1. Excessive or high production of sebum
  2. Excessive build up of dead skin cells
  3. Proliferation of bacteria in the pores and enhanced reactivity of the skin to this concentrated presence

 

The situations above can be initiated by several factors also –

hormones

At the onset of puberty, the levels of androgens (males sex hormones) are increased in both boys and girls. Androgens cause the sebum producing glands to enlarge and increase the amount of oil they produce. Acne can also be stimulated during pregnancy due to the changing of hormone balance associated with that.

medications

Certain medications, particularly hormone related treatments, corticosteroids and lithium, can cause acne.

genetics

Family history of acne could also increase the risk of one or more of the factors above, increasing the likelihood of suffering from acne.

For someone who is suffering with acne, diet, picking at the lesions, environmental factors, stress levels or causing undue abrasion to the affected area can all make the acne breakouts worse or more prolonged.

How can Cynosure devices help acne?

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We also offer treatment via the groundbreaking POTENZA™ RF microneedling machine, the world’s first device that combines monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency at 1 or 2MHz, all in one versatile device. With its four unique RF modes, a range of tips, and customizable needle alignment options, POTENZA™ offers unparalleled versatility for treating all skin types, anywhere on the body, at any time of the year.

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Perhaps you’d prefer a multi-layered approach to your treatment. The CynoGlow treatment combines both the PICOSURE® PRO and POTENZA™ procedures. Our non-invasive treatment sessions are designed to provide excellent results, allowing you to reclaim your natural beauty. By precisely targeting and breaking down scar tissue, our state-of-the-art lasers stimulate your body’s natural healing process.

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BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENTS

 

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Patients

Find your local Picosure Pro or Potenza clinic and begin your acne scar treatment day

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Providers

Speak to us about how our devices could help your patients today

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FAQs

What can I expect following the treatment?

You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site which should last only a few days. Speak with your provider to discuss other possible side-effects and the necessary post-treatment care.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients see results in 3-7 treatments. The optimum number of treatments can vary, so please work with your provider to develop a plan that is right for you!

How long are treatments?

The treatment can be performed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Is there any downtime?

For most patients there is no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal activities immediately after!

What type of result can I expect to see?

Most patients see the scar lighten in color and become more even in texture.

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