It’s often not acne, but the hyperpigmentation and scars from acne that are the most bothersome, especially in skin of colour individuals. The darker the skin, the more likely it will hyperpigmented and potentially scar.

A common misconception is that acne is caused by being unsanitary or not cleansing enough. Dirt, oil, and makeup can clog pores and contribute to acne, but the aetiology of acne is complex and multifactorial. Factors such as genetics, hormones, environment, even stress, and diet can play a role.

Treatment is based on the type and severity of acne.

For mild acne, topical treatment is recommended. For more extensive and severe acne, it often involves a combination of topical and oral medications. Acne has no cure, and therapies take time. But with proper treatment, your skin can significantly improve.

Aside from knowing what your skin needs, it is imperative that we also educate and drive knowledge on common misconceptions and misunderstandings when it comes to taking care of your skin.

One of the major uncertainties comes with understanding the difference between acne scars and large pores.

All of us have pores on our skin that help in releasing toxins from our body through perspiration and keep the skin supple and soft. Generally, people with acne-prone, oily, and combination skin experience large pores. There can be various reasons and conditions for getting large pores on the skin. Some of which are listed below –

1. Excessive Sebum production
2. Comedogenic skincare products
3. Sun damage
4. Squeezing whiteheads and blackheads
5. Makeup application

Firstly, it’s important that we understand what acne scars are and what causes them. Acne scars are shallow and deep depressions on the skin that appear after a severe acne breakout. This type of scar is caused when the dermis is damaged during an acne infection. In response to damage, our body makes collagen fibres around the area of infection. Although new skin tissue can have imbalanced levels of collagen, that ultimately causes scars.

The confusion between large pores and acne is common because they are closely interrelated. The major difference is that large pores are caused by excessive production of sebum. Whereas acne cannot lead to large pores.

There are a few common ways to treat acne scars and large pores. Both of which help in enhancing the appearance of the skin. Two ways to treat are micro-needling and laser rejuvenation.

Contact our practice to set up a consultation to see what is the best route to address your skin concerns.

Normal skin bacteria colonise these pores, and the body’s response causes the inflammation or reddening of the skin that we associate with acne.

Acne more commonly affects people between the ages of 12 and 25 and more so boys than girls. The face is usually the most affected area, but acne may also affect the back, neck, and chest. In most cases, acne is treatable.

Treatments for Acne

What is Aktilite Photodynamic therapy?
One of the key bacteria responsible for the inflammation is Propionibacterium acnes or P.acnes. These bacteria produce natural chemicals called porphyrins, which are sensitive to light at different wavelengths. If stimulated, these chemicals will neutralise the bacteria and with no bacteria, present inflammation will subside.

Aktilite blue stimulates these chemicals and so eradicates the bacteria that cause the redness or inflammation of acne. This is combined with Aktilite revive, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to minimise the redness of acne lesions and promotes healthier skin. More aggressive treatment can be given by combining a photosensitive cream with light.

How safe is this treatment?
The light is safe and harmless to your skin and generates no heat. The light works naturally with your body to promote the healing response. The only safety measure is to wear goggles to protect your eyes from the light. If used in combination with the cream some redness and crusting may follow.

What result can be expected from a series of treatments?
Optimum results will be seen between 4-8 weeks after treatment. The light stimulates natural processes that continue after the treatment has stopped. On average you should expect 70% of lesions to clear. We suggest that light therapy be used in conjunction with salicylic acid. Your adviser can discuss this combination treatment with you.

There is no pain!
Because there’s no heat involved. If used in conjunction with ALA–cream, mild discomfort may be experienced.

What happens during treatment?
You will have to remove any make-up or sunblock before the treatment and you will be asked to wear some safety goggles. The light will then be positioned close to your face and the treatment will last 20 minutes. After that, you’re free to go home.