There are several influences which can affect an individual’s predisposition towards acne. Genetics play a role. We have noted that acne tends to run in families. Young men seem to be more severely affected due to the surge of androgen in the teen years. Young women can often experience a worsening in their acne around the menstrual cycle. Adult women never before affected with acne, can develop it in midlife as they enter the hormonal roller-coaster of peri-menopause. We are increasingly realizing that diet, especially one rich in foods with high glycemic indices, may also play a role.

The type of lesions seen in acne (comedones, papules, pustules or nodules) can cause red or brown skin discolorations. The brown spots known as PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation) can range in severity and healing time. The after-effects of acne can have long-term consequences. Waiting three or more years to have acne treated can significantly increase the likelihood of scaring but often times the psychological damage left in the wake of acne is worse than the physical scars.

Here at the Randali Centre for Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Alice Cohen believes that treatment of acne and acne scaring needs to be personal and customized for each individual. Recommended solutions are determined by type of acne, and type of scar. Scaring can appear as deep skin indentations (ice pick), pockmarks (boxcar) or shallow, distensible scars with sloping edges (rolling). The pigmentary changes of Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) so often seen after acne lesions have healed, are often more severe in people with darker toned skin and are worsened with sun exposure. PIH typically causes an increase in self consciousness. At Randali Centre we offer a broad range of personalized treatment options for active acne, acne scarring and skin discolorations including:

• Microdermabrasion-SilkPeel®

• Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan

• Fractional Laser Resurfacing

• Pixel RF Skin Resurfacing

• Medical Grade Skin Care Products

Best Acne Treatment for Moderate to Mild Conditions

For those suffering with acne break-outs, an innovative skin treatment offered here at the Randali Centre is PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) with Levulan. This is an excellent way to treat any acne lesions but, most importantly, is very effective in treating acne which has failed to respond to conventional treatments. Levulan is applied topically to the affected area, allowed to incubate for one to two hours and then activated with a laser. What occurs with this treatment? The acne-causing bacteria are destroyed, sebum (oil) production is decreased and there is shrinkage of large pores. A dramatic lessening or complete clearing of acne is appreciated.

Acne Treatments with the Pixel RF

For skin that’s already been ravaged by acne, we offer the newest, most advanced therapy for acne scaring: treatment with the Pixel RF. This device sends microscopic bursts of electromagnetic radio frequency energy into the skin. Creating multiple controlled micro perforations, just a small portion of the tissue is ablated, while the remaining intact tissue supplies the wound healing. Treatment results in tightening of dermal collagen, smoothing of wrinkles and scars and improvement in skin discolorations. The Pixel RF is safe for all skin types and ethnicities, is effective for both men and can be used to treat virtually any body area.

Whether your issue is active acne, acne scaring, or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, The Randali Centre can offer you safe and effective treatments. We share your goal of restoring smooth flawless skin. The results speak for themselves! Share with us some of your acne care secrets in the comments below.