Acne is a skin condition that affects many people during their teenage years and beyond. The main cause is thought to be hormone changes, resulting in extra oil production, which builds up in the hair follicles and blocks pores. About 95% of people are affected by acne at some point between the ages of 11 and 30, according to the NHS.
In adults, women are more likely to suffer from acne than men. This is because they are more prone to hormone fluctuations, around the menstrual cycle, or pregnancy. The condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is when small cysts grow inside the ovary, can also cause acne.
Acne can be a distressing condition that affects the self-esteem, and some people opt to wear heavy make-up, or even avoid going out because they feel self-conscious about their skin. When we are constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty ideals on social media, which are often digitally enhanced, it can make matters even worse.
However, there are ways to improve the appearance of acne symptoms. Many people find that over-the-counter spot creams and facewashes make little difference, or dry out their skin so much that it looks even worse. They may be suitable for mild outbreaks, but moderate or severe acne usually needs a different approach.
This is why it can be well worth investing the time in a visit to a skin clinic. A qualified skincare beautician will make an assessment of your skin, and explain what the best possible course of treatment would be. This may be a course of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. It’s sometimes also called a photofacial.
It works by targeting the overactive sebaceous glands in the skin, which produce the excess oils and blocks pores. A light of a specific frequency is shone onto the skin, and as well as subduing oil, it can help to improve the texture of the skin by boosting collagen production. It can also reduce the appearance of red marks, making the skin look clearer.
Once the inflammation has been reduced, it can lessen the production of further pore-clogging sebum. This should lead to fewer blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules breaking out in the future.
Before the treatment is carried out, you will have a consultation with a professional skin therapist, who will ask about your medical history and carry out a patch test. This is to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. If you are pregnant, very tanned, or very dark skinned, then you are advised not to undergo IPL treatment.
The process is gentle on the skin, and most people find that it is not painful or uncomfortable. A layer of chilled gel will be applied to the skin to help focus the light. Short pulses of light are then passed over the skin several times, until the whole of the affected area is treated. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
If you are looking for laser treatment in Essex, please get in touch today.
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