What is acne?
Acne is the common cause of spots. Acne comes about because you skin contains small sebaceous glands. These glands make oil called sebum. This is what keeps our skin smooth and subtle. We have little hairs which also grow through these pores which allows for the sebum to cover the skin.Sebum is either predeter ined by our genetics (some of us produce more oil than others), puberty (hormones), sporting actives, stress, picking pimples (spreading bacteria) hormonal imbalances, medications and blocked pores (which can turn into pimples). Trapped sebum (blocked pores) can create an environment ripe for bacteria to develop and surround inflammation (redness surround the pimple) and in some rare there are nodules and cysts.
The four main categories of acne
Grade 1, consists primarily of blackheads and whiteheads. Suffer no inflammation or reddening and are most often seen around the nose, forehead and chin area.
Grade 2, blackheads and whiteheads exhibits in many numbers. Come in many sizes with slight inflammation. Can appear on the cheeks, chin, jawline as well as the nose and forehead area.
Grade 3, generally much more severe than Grade 2 and the inflammation is a lot worse with more redness surrounding the pimple. This is then the infection is deeper much easily spreads which can lead to acne scarring.
Grade 4, this is when acne turns nodule like or cystic and can be seen beyond the face, to neck arms, back and chest. Inflammation is much worse and can be painful, as well as acne scarring is most likely.
Recommended Treatments
Chemical Peels
Treatment series for oily, acne-prone, congested skin. AHAs/BHAs to help exfoliate, clear and clarify. Leaves skin clearer, softer and healthier looking skin.
Dermafrac (Micro-Needling)
The only skin needling available to treat both active acne and scarring at the same time. This four step treatment of Microdermabrasion, needling, infusion of clarity serum and red light to treat inflammation will have the skin smooth in no time.
Microhydrabrasion
An innovative, non-invasive procedure that can help eliminate the signs of scarring, large pores and textual irregularities on your face, neck,and chest to give you the deepest clean possible.
Acne Home Care Advice
First don’t pick, this can spread the bacteria and cause scarring. Extractions can be performed in the clinic during treatments. Keep skin clean, protected and treat it daily. The key is to do everything to avoid acne scarring and use products to manage the bacteria, oil control and congestion. Aim for products that contain Vitamin A (retionals), salicylic acid. For acne scarring it’s about rebuilding the skin and keeping it clean preventing further out breaks or scarring from developing. The key is a combination approach of good home care, regular treatments and of course a healthy diet.
A diet sheet will be given to you and try hard to eliminate foods that can be problematic to acne prone skin.
It is important to treat your skin from the inside as well as topical. Cairns Clear Skin also stocks skin vitamins that will help maintain a healthy skin.
Liz has a special interest in the management of acne and has undergone advanced training with medical practitioners, dermatologists and naturopaths by attending the Acne Management Master Class on the Gold Coast & Skin Disorders and Acne Seminars. She believes treating acne with scientifically researched skin care products and medically advanced treatments to combat and break the acne cycle as well as a healthy low sugar diet is the answer to helping achieve a clearer complexion.
Our acne program is personalized to treat everything from active acne to acne scars. Our treatments are designed to target the cause of acne by suppressing oil gland activity and by removing excess dead skin cells as this is the combination which causes blackheads, white heads and pimples.
Our medically active skincare products are designed for long-term usage and are not only effective in controlling active acne but ideal for skin rejuvenation to prevent and treat acne. The products are available for both face and body.
Ideal treatments for acne & scarring
Microdermabrasion and extractions – $90 (school age) $100 normal
Microdermabrasion/extractions/peel – $120 (school age) $150 normal
Acne Peel/steaming/extractions – $100 (school age) $120 normal
Dermafrac for Acne scaring includes microdermabrasion/skin needling with infusion/LED therapy
$230 (school age) $280 per session or specialised packages available.