TREATMENTS
ACNE TREATMENTS
Acne affects up to 50 million North Americans annually, making it the most common skin condition in U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, breakouts can occur at any stage of life – clinical studies have shown that 40 – 50% of adults aged 20 to 40 are diagnosed with low-grade acne and oily skin. Aside from the physical effects of acne, the condition can also have an impact on emotional and psychological well-being.
For acne treatments, an AC Dual applicator uses IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to simultaneously address both the cause and visible symptoms of acne. Dual light treatment includes a blue light and a red light. The Blue light targets porphyria, the most common acne-causing bacteria. The blue light leads to the destruction of the bacteria, while the red light controls inflammation and promotes faster healing. This treatment also shrinks the sebaceous glands to stop the overproduction of oils that cause acne, preventing future breakouts, and helping to eliminate current ones.
Many clients choose to combine IPL with Skin Resurfacing to both clear skin and eliminate acne scarring. The two treatments combined, work effectively to pull deep pigmentation and unwanted superficial scarring, and to rebalance acne-prone skin. They will keep your complexion glowing, collagen stimulated and acne at bay. The number of IPL treatments required will vary depending on the severity of the acne.
WHAT TO EXPECT
◎ Discontinue the use of Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 MONTHS prior to the procedure.
◎ Discontinue facial dermabrasion, facial resurfacing, or deep chemical peeling 3 MONTHS prior to treatment.
◎ Avoid sun exposure, UV exposure and tanning creams 3-4 WEEKS prior to treatment. If you have had sun exposure, let your laser technician know as this increases the risk for burns and injury to the skin.
◎ Avoid taking over-the-counter blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Midol, etc.), 7 DAYS prior to the procedure.
◎ Avoid all AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) products, hydroquinone, retinol, aspirin, and products with active ingredients 7 DAYS prior to treatment.
◎ Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued 3 DAYS prior to the treatment.
◎ Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption 3 DAYS prior to treatment.
◎ Do not go into a sauna or swimming pool 24 HOURS before the treatment to avoid skin irritations caused by chlorine.
◎ Inform our clinical team if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on possible antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
◎ Clean the area to be treated immediately prior to treatment. Make-up, lotion, sunscreen and deodorants must be removed prior to treatment. Do not wear perfume on the treatment area.
◎ Anticipate a social “down-time” of 2-5 days before any redness, swelling and sloughing of the sunspots has subsided.
Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding, history of keloid scarring, pacemaker or permanent implant in the treatment area, tattooing or permanent makeup in the treatment areas, cardiac disorder, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), epilepsy, hyperpigmentation, history of bleeding, are being treated for an active virus, or have open lesions.
◎ Arrive at Simply Radiant with a clean face. Please do not wear makeup, if applicable. We do provide makeup wipes if you are unable to cleanse before you arrive.
◎ Dress so that you may modestly expose the treatment area, if applicable.
◎ As the treatment begins, you will be given protective eyewear to protect you from the bright flashes of light.
◎ Expect slight discomfort, similar to the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.
◎ You will experience slight redness, possibly some “welt” looking marks.
◎ It may feel like you have a sunburn immediately afterwards.
◎ For skin types IV – V, a test spot is required, then a 48 hour wait period before the treatment can begin.
◎ Each session lasts approximately 15-30 MINUTES depending on the area being treated.
◎ Following treatment, your skin may feel like it has slight sunburn. You may experience erythema (redness), edema (swelling), and some discomfort of the treated areas for several hours or up to 3 DAYS post-treatment.
◎ For redness or swelling, you may use cold or ice packs, 10-minute intervals (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off), as needed for comfort and to relieve swelling.
◎ You may experience a little tenderness and heat over the next 24 HOURS.
◎ Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 DAYS. Use gentle cleansers, do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time.
◎ Do not use your Clarisonic or a loofah for 7 DAYS post-treatment.
◎ Pigment and vascular lesions will darken, turning an ashy gray or dark brown colour. This is a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off naturally.
◎ You may apply makeup immediately following treatment as long as the skin is not broken, blistered, or irritated.
◎ Avoid hot baths or showers, aerobic exercise, massage, harsh cleansers, or chemicals on the treated area for 48 HOURS following treatment.
◎ Avoid sun exposure for 3-4 WEEKS post-treatment. Use a broad spectrum of sunblock of at least SPF 30 or higher at all times.
◎ You can return to your regular daily activities with no downtime following treatment.
◎ Please contact us as soon as possible if you experience any blistering or increased pain.
ACNE TREATMENTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy is a gentle, safe and effective treatment to improve the appearance of many skin irregularities. This advanced light treatment can help to treat cystic acne, rosacea, spider veins, uneven pigmentation, sun spots, sagging skin and many common signs of aging.
For acne treatments, an AC Dual applicator uses IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to simultaneously address both the cause and visible symptoms of acne. Dual light treatment includes a blue light and a red light. The Blue light targets porphyrian, the most common acne-causing bacteria. The blue light leads to destruction of the bacteria, while the red light controls inflammation and promotes faster healing. This treatment also shrinks the sebaceous glands to stop overproduction of oils that cause acne, preventing future breakouts, and helping to eliminate current ones.
Some people liken an IPL shot to a small elastic band flicking onto the skin, followed by a warm sensation. People have described it as more comfortable than waxing. One reason for doing a patch test is to ensure the settings are comfortable for you. But the sensation will vary from person to person, and for some women may depend on the time of the month.
Many clients choose to combine IPL with the VIVA skin resurfacing treatment to both clear skin and eliminate acne scarring. The two treatments combined, work effectively to pull deep pigmentation and unwanted superficial scarring, and to rebalance acne prone skin. They will keep your complexion glowing, collagen stimulated and acne at bay. The number of IPL treatments required will vary depending on the severity of the acne.
GET IN TOUCH
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