From occasional breakouts to a constant stream of pimples, many people suffer from acne at some point or another over the course of their lives. The presence of acne can really take a toll on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. That’s why researchers are constantly working to improve the usefulness of acne treatments and medications. While milder cases of acne can often be eliminated using topical creams and cleansers, the more extreme cases tend to require an advanced type of treatment. A doctor or dermatologist will usually start by prescribing a pill to combat the problem. But if medication doesn’t work, then a visit to a medical spa for photodynamic acne treatment is a possible next step. Dr. Ulysses Agpaoa is medical director at Hudson Laser Skin Care, a New Jersey-based medical spa. According to him, photodynamic acne treatment is becoming an effective choice for acne patients whose conditions have failed to improve as the result of medication or alternative treatments. Not only does photodynamic acne treatment work to attack active breakouts, it also helps diminish some of the visible signs of acne scarring from previous breakouts.
Many people tend to think that acne originates above the skin. But in reality, acne brews deep beneath the surface of the skin. Photodynamic acne therapy works to fight acne by penetrating the skin to combat the problem at its source. The first step in the treatment process is to apply a topical solution called Levulan to the area of the body affected by acne. After several minutes, the solution gets absorbed into the skin and works to make the acne more sensitive to light. But for maximum effect, Levulan is usually left on for 45 to 60 minutes. An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is then used to activate the solution and cause it to effectively target and destroy acne-causing bacteria that lurk below the skin’s surface. The IPL treatment itself can last up to 20 minutes and is known to cause a small degree of pain; however, once the procedure is over, the discomfort tends to immediately improve. Patients are also usually required to wear goggles during the procedure in order to protect their eyes from the light.
Photodynamic acne treatment is often given in conjunction with acne-cleaning facials and an acne cream. Due to the nature of the therapy, it is only given when the acne is active and at its worst phase. Moderate acne can often be tackled in as little as one to two separate treatments. However, more severe cases of acne tend to require five or six treatments, spread out at one session per month.
The success of photodynamic acne therapy is often visible after two weeks from the initial treatment date. But in some cases, the acne does tend to flare up before getting better. One of the best ways to ensure that the treatment is successful is to follow the instructions for aftercare. In fact, Dr. Agpaoa often has to re-teach his patients how to properly care for their skin. Many acne sufferers tend to repeatedly wash the affected areas on their bodies. But as long as photodynamic acne treatment is being given, persistent cleansing can actually be unhelpful.
If you’ve been suffering from acne for too long and no other treatments or medications seem to be working for you, then consider visiting your local medical spa for a consultation about photodynamic acne therapy. Whether you’re a growing teenager or a busy adult, you deserve to be happy with your skin. Photodynamic acne treatment can get you there.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
