ACNE CLEAR BBL

Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. For some, the occasional pimple is an annoyance, but for others, acne is a serious problem that can wage war on one’s self-confidence. Severe acne, if left untreated, can also lead to permanent scarring.

Besides teenage acne, adult acne appears to be on the rise, according to doctors at SW1.

Besides topicals and oral medication, Acne Clear BBL (Broad Band Light) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. In many cases, this offers an alternative to oral medications such as Accutane or long-term antibiotics. The shorter wavelengths of BBL™, in the blue-light spectrum, attack p-acne bacteria on the surface and in the sebaceous gland. Along with a home skincare program designed for acne-prone skin, you can experience significant long-term clearance.

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

How acne forms

Acne occurs when hair follicle pores are blocked by natural components of the skin. This is the root of most acne lesions. Once blocked, inflammation and bacteria overgrowth occur leading to red bumps and cysts in the skin. Sebaceous or sweat glands of the skin can contribute excessive amounts of sebum into the plugged follicle increasing inflammation. Hormones can also play a role. Most teenagers are affected to some degree. However, recent years have seen a rise in cases of adult acne. We have recognized that acne when left untreated can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress in susceptible patients, leading to early intervention being the preferred course of action.

The ideal treatment for acne varies between individuals and may depend on the underlying causative factors. On average, results are visible in six to eight weeks with topical and oral medications. If you are interested in oral medications, speak to any of our SW1 doctors.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR ACNE?

A good skincare regime featuring star actives such as azelaic acid, salicylic acid, retinol is key

Studies have shown that a combination of different treatment modalities result in greater treatment efficacy and better outcomes.

A good skin care regime is the first rule of thumb. Using topicals with active ingredients (such as azelaic acid, retinol, salicylic acid…) that are proven to work can help you kickstart any clear skin regime you are embarking on. Many cases of hormonal acne may not be completely eradicated by topicals alone though it will go some way to help. LED photomodulation lights (LED Red & I-Clear) and deep cleansing facials can also play a helpful role in clearing comedones, the precursor to pimples. Both these treatments work in synergy and are featured in our Clarity Program.

Precision Clear laser is another treatment modality that has been helpful for inflammatory acneic lesions as it reduces the skin inflammation and reduces existing redness of the skin.

Now, Acne Clear BBL has gone a step further to help eradicate the root case of acne which is the P. acnes bacteria; this helps to stop breakouts in its tracks. Because Acne Clear BBL uses proprietary broadband light in the blue and redness spectrum, it does double-duty detoxifying the skin from within as well as accelerate skin healing, minimising the incidence of post-acne blemishes and redness. Acne Clear BBL is often combined with Precision Clear laser for optimal and speedy acne resolution in our Purity Program.

HOW DOES ACNE CLEAR BBL WORK?

SW1’s Acne Clear BBL™ is an FDA approved treatment that is effective for treating acne by conferring the following benefits on acne-prone skin.

• blue light band: selectively targets P. acnes bacteria responsible for acne formation.
• red light band: reduces redness and deeper acne lesions.
• yellow light band: minimizes sebaceous gland activity associated with oil production.

WHAT IS ACNE CLEAR BBL LIKE?

Patients can choose to have topical numbing cream applied on the skin for 10 minutes prior to the treatment. A thin film of gel is applied to your skin, followed by the BBL treatment which is administered by our trained SW1 doctors. Most patients have minimal discomfort during the treatment and describes the treatment as having little ‘ants on the skin’. Treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT?

Patients should not be tanned prior to the treatment. If you have an existing tan or an underlying sunburn, always alert our treatment provider. You should also not have any harsh procedures done prior to the BBL treatment such face peels, other lasers as this may render your skin more flushed than expected.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

After treatment is completed, some may experience temporary reddening and and minimal swelling of the acne, and surrounding skin for 1-2 days. This is transient and usually associated with minimal to no downtime. Makeup can be applied immediately, if desired. Most patients return to work and normal activities immediately after.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

To achieve maximum improvement with SW1’s Acne Clear BBL, a series of 4-6 treatments every 2 weeks is most effective. Most patients will need periodic touch up treatments ranging from monthly to every 6 months, depending on your acne type and severity.