Acne Treatments: General Info

Complimentary Consultation 

It is important to treat acne early and aggressively as acne can leave permanent scars if left untreated. Acne scars are very difficult to treat. One of the most effective treatments for acne scarring is Fraxel Laser Treatment. Please refer to the section on Fraxel for more details. It is important to control any active acne breakouts prior to addressing the problem of acne scars.

A variety of treatments are available for acne at glow Medi Spa. It can be a very frustrating condition for some people as several treatments may have been tried in the past. We strongly encourage a personal consultation with us. There are no two clients alike and so we commonly recommend an individualized, step-wise or combination approach.

We always recommend an at-home skin care system to address acne.  These products may be effective on their own or can be used to augment in-office skin treatments such as chemical peels.  Several factors may influence your decision such as cost, time, convenience, skin type and previous treatments.  A personal consultation can help determine which treatment is right for you. 

We now carry a variety of at-home acne systems which range from simple two step systems to prescription-augmented systems.  These products may also be used in conjunction with existing treatments such as antibiotic pills, but often our clients find they no longer need their oral prescriptions.  The acne treatments we carry are provided by physicians only due to the strength of the active medical ingredients in the products.  Ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and/or clindamycin are balanced in formulations which give excellent results with minimal side effects.  We will personally advise you and monitor you throughout the treatment.

Amino Levulanic Acid / Photo Dynamic Therapy (ALA/PDT) Treatment for Acne

This new revolutionary treatment for sun-damage, actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous skin lesions), and stubborn acne has such tremendous benefits. People who have severe acne know how frustrating it is to try so many treatments, even long-term antibiotics, to no avail. They may have even been told to consider Accutane. Accutane is a very strong medication taken in pill form, which has many potential systemic (whole body) side effects and requires careful medical monitoring. Some patients are not comfortable with this risk and others are not able to tolerate the side effects.

Compare this with Levulan, (scientific name is ALA, Aminolevulanic Acid) , a clear solution applied to the skin in our office. It is activated with a special light, hence the name Photodynamic Therapy. It has no systemic side effects and can achieve similar results to accutane since it acts in a similar manner, it inhibits the oil producing glands. It does require you to stay out of the sun and has some minor side effects to the skin only. These side effects are usually well tolerated and include some redness, mild swelling and possible irritation. It usually lasts only a few days. We will educate you fully so you know exactly what to expect and feel comfortable with your treatments.

Acne is a common, chronic skin condition caused by inflammation of oil-producing sebaceous glands.  Acne breakouts are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the back, shoulders, neck, chest, scalp, upper arms and legs.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is also known as "ALA/PDT treatment".  It is most commonly used to remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, papular rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars.

A clear solution is applied to freshly cleansed skin. After a period of 30-60 minutes, the area is illuminated with an appropriate light source. This 30-60 minute application time is termed the incubation period. Short incubation times retain efficacy but diminish discomfort and side effects. There is normally NO discomfort to the patient with short incubation times and 8-10 minutes of light activation. The area of skin which was treated is now illuminated to start the photodynamic process.

Patients should avoid exposure of the areas treated to sunlight or bright indoor light for 36 hours following the treatment. Exposure may result in stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause redness or edema of the lesions. Patients should protect treated lesions from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat  and sun-blocking agents such as zinc oxide.

Call us at (416) 920-9998 for a complimentary consultation.