ACNE CARE
Acne isn’t just one of the most common skin conditions worldwide — it’s also one of the most notoriously difficult to treat. According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, acne affects 85 per cent of Australians aged 15 to 24 years old.
Though acne often appears during puberty, for some people it can be a problem that continues beyond this period or doesn’t appear until their late twenties. Others deal with the acne scars that may be left behind by years of severe breakouts.
The Sydney skin providers at AF Aesthetics have methods and techniques to help patients treat both acne and acne scars. Please request a consultation to learn more about our approach to acne care.
ACNE
How Acne Develops
Acne. Zits. Pimples. Spots. Whatever you call it, it’s a common skin condition that typically begins in adolescence. Acne lesions often occur when a hair follicle and its associated oil gland become clogged and inflamed. Bacteria known as P. acnes can exacerbate the problem, causing additional inflammation. The different types of acne lesions include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pimples, nodules and cysts.
While it is uncertain why some people develop acne and others do not, breakouts can be triggered by:
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Bacteria
- Clogged pores
- Excess sebum
- Emotional stress
- Physical stress
- Diet
- Occupation
- Cosmetic products
- Medications
Treatment for mild acne can be as simple as a targeted skincare regimen, while more severe cases may require a medical approach.
When to See a Doctor for Acne
Acne is not usually a serious health issue, but that doesn’t mean you must learn to live with it. If you suffer from aggressive or chronic acne, professional treatments can offer improvements and, in some cases, resolve the issue entirely. Seeking medical care can also help reduce your risk of developing permanent skin scarring or discolouration. It is never too early to visit a doctor if acne bothers you.
Personalised Acne Care at AF Aesthetics
Our acne care programs start with a medical assessment to identify the causes and types of acne you’re dealing with. Because acne is often caused by a combination of factors that are unique to each individual, your treatment plan may combine modalities. We will discuss all of the components at play during your consultation and use that information to develop a multi-pronged treatment approach just for you.
Our acne treatments aim to reduce sebum secretion and acne-causing microorganisms. This leads to a reduction in acne lesions and overall inflammation, and may also result in pore size and skin texture improvements. Medical skin conditions that may be associated with acne can also be improved utilising systemic oral medications.
Sydney Acne Treatment Options
Depending on your condition and skin type, your personalised acne treatment plan may include:
ACNE SCARS
Why Acne Scars Occur
Contrary to popular belief, acne scarring isn’t always the result of popping or picking at spots. Acne scars are usually the result of deep, inflamed lesions that damage more of the surrounding tissue. Various factors can put you at a higher risk of developing acne scars, including:
- Severe (swollen, red and painful) acne
- Delaying treatment for severe acne
- Darker skin
- History of keloid scarring
- Family history of scars
There are two primary types of acne scarring: atrophic or depressed scars, which sit below the surface of the skin, and hypertrophic or raised scars, which protrude above the skin surface. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not a true acne scar, but it is another lasting consequence of severe acne outbreaks.
When to See a Doctor for Acne Scars
Acne scars are common in young adults, even if you outgrow your acne or learn to manage breakouts. Some patients consider acne scars worse than the acne itself because they are difficult and time-consuming to conceal and virtually impossible to diminish on your own. It is important to seek proper medical treatment for acne so scarring can be minimised.
Treating Acne Scars at AF Aesthetics
Acne scars are classified in different grades and are also subtyped based on their morphologic features. Our initial assessment is critical since different treatment modalities are useful for different grades or subtypes. More invasive treatment modalities, for example, are not necessary to improve early-grade acne scars. Our providers understand the complexities of skin conditions and anatomy that underlie effective treatment options.
Sydney Acne Scar Treatment Options
Depending on your skin type and the type of scars, your custom acne scar treatment plan may include:
- Chemical peels
- CO2 laser resurfacing
- Subcision
Clearer Skin Starts With a Consultation
Dealing with acne or the resulting scarring can be difficult. At AF Aesthetics, we understand how challenging it can be to live with these conditions and we are here to help. Our Chatswood clinic offers treatments for acne and acne scars in the Greater Sydney area. As our patient, you can expect a tailored approach that caters to your personal skin type and lifestyle.
If you have questions about acne care or would like to schedule an appointment, call AF Aesthetics on 8004 3323.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to see results from acne care?
Your results will depend on the severity of your acne and the treatment plan we develop for you. Some patients notice improvements within a few weeks, while those with more persistent acne may need several months of consistent care. In some cases, this care will need to take place in stages with multiple techniques and adjustments until we find a strategy that works for your acne and situation, and acne may temporarily get worse before getting better as your skin purges and adjusts. During your consultation, we will give you a realistic idea of what to expect based on what we find during your assessment.
Can acne treatments be used on dark or sensitive skin types?
Acne treatments can be used for dark skin tones and sensitive skin, but we will need to customise our treatments during the planning process. Certain treatments have a higher risk of pigmentation changes for dark skin or irritation for more sensitive skin types, and our medical assessment is an important time to cover these in more detail. We select and adjust each treatment based on your situation to reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects. Sometimes, we may start with a more conservative approach and increase the intensity of treatments as your skin becomes more tolerant.
Can I treat active acne and acne scars at the same time?
In many cases, active acne and acne scars can be addressed as part of the same treatment plan, but the timing will be different for each person based on the severity of their current acne breakouts and the depth of their scars. Sometimes a different approach is needed for each concern. We often focus on bringing active breakouts under control before turning our attention to scarring, as treating scars while acne is still inflamed can limit the results. However, some treatments, like chemical peels, provide benefits for both through the removal of dead skin cells and increased collagen production.
