NLite Laser for Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne is an extremely common condition, affecting almost 80% of adolescents and young adults aged 11-30.

The primary factors involved in the development of acne are:

1. colonisation of the duct joining the sebaceous glands to the skin surface by a bacteria called P Acnes

2. increased turnover of cells in the lining of the duct joining the sebaceous glands to the skin surface.

3. inflammation

4. excessive sebum production by sebaceous glands in the skin; sebum production on the face can increase by up to 50 times in some acne patients!

Optimal treatment of acne should involve attacking at least 2 -3 of the above causative factors simultaneously. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to use a combination of several treatment methods.

Some of the treatments we use for acne include:

•  Glycolic acid preparations / peels - these remove dead skin cells and 'unblock' pores. They also help to improve superficial acne scarring and hyperpigmentation

•  Topical retinoids - these reduce inflammation and target the microcomedo - the precursor of almost all other acne lesions

•  Topical antimicrobials eg Benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid - these counteract the bacteria which contribute to the development of acne and reduce inflammation

•  Oral antibiotics - these counteract the bacteria which contribute to the development of acne and reduce inflammation

•  NLite laser - this helps to initiate an enhanced 'healing' response by stimulating increased collagen production in the skin. It reduces active acne lesions and can improve superficial acne scarring.

The most appropriate regime for you will be determined at your first consultation, when a full medical history will be taken and a skin examination will be carried out. At this stage, we will tailor a treatment regime for you. This may be a combination of a home care regime and in-clinic procedures such as NLite laser or glycolic acid peels. The treatment regime is always individualised for each client; what is suitable for one client with acne might be unsuitable for another.

Full costing for all products, non-laser and laser treatments are explained during the consultation and the client is under no pressure to make any decisions at the time; we always encourage clients to go away and consider the information before embarking on any course of treatment.

If you would like to discuss potential treatments for acne, or acne scarring, we can offer a comprehensive consultation.

The Effects of Nlite Laser Treatment on Acne

Without a doubt, the biggest break through for many years in the treatment of acne is the NLite laser. This laser was introduced as a collagen building laser, designed for reducing fine lines and wrinkles - the visible signs of skin aging. However, it rapidly became apparent to laser users that it also had a beneficial effect on both acne and acne scarring.

During the course of treating clients with active acne it became obvious that active breakouts settled very rapidly indeed following the laser treatment. Within a short time, we had a number of clients who were actually controlling their acne by using laser treatment.

Since this time, a randomised controlled clinical trial has been carried out on the use of the NLite laser for acne, the results of which have now been published in the Lancet medical journal. The trial showed that, over a twelve week period, the number of active lesions dropped dramatically, even after only one laser treatment.

How does the NLite laser work?
The light from the laser stimulates collagen production by cells in the skin called fibroblasts. This formation of large amounts of new collagen below and around the spots gives a huge boost to the healing process, causing the spots to disappear with a decreased likelihood of acne scars developing. This process may also have a positive effect on pre-existing superficial acne scarring.

The laser light may also help to combat acne by destroying the bacteria which contribute to the formation of acne lesions.

What does NLite treatment involve?
Your treatment will be carried out by an appropriately qualified practitioner. Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes depending upon the area(s) to be treated. The majority of patients experience a mild 'warming' sensation during treatment. You should not apply any topical preparations to the areas of your skin to be treated for 48 hours before and after treatment.

What side effects can occur?
Usually, no side effects occur at all. Some patients, especially those with sensitive skin, may develop small red, itchy 'bumps' on the skin surface; this is called a histamine response. This usually resolves spontaneously within a couple of hours.

Some patients develop redness over treated areas. At the very worst, small dark red/purple spots called purpura can appear, but these resolve within a few days.

How long will it take for results to appear?
Any improvement in active acne may take several weeks to become apparent.