What is Our Active Acne Programme?
Acne is a common condition that has affected most of us at some point in our lives. It is most common among adolescents but can also affect those well into their adulthood. Acne is caused by an inflammation of the oil and sweat glands, and usually affects the face, shoulders, chest or back. It is also contributed by the P.Acnes bacteria that usually lives on our skin. ​ Certain factors can worsen acne. This includes hormonal imbalance, certain drugs, humid environment, stress and poor sleep. Some research has also found that dairy and sugar intake can worsen acne control. For most people, acne control improves with age. ​ Acne comes in the form of a few types.
COMEDONAL
These are early acne. They come in the form of closed comedones (whiteheads) or open comedones (blackheads)
INFLAMMATORY
These occur when comedones get inflamed, resulting in red bumps that may contain pus.
NODULOCYSTIC
These are large, painful nodules or cysts. There is a good chance these might leave a scar after recovery.
ASTUTE PROGRAMME
Astute has a 6 months programme consisting of the 6 Long Pulsed and Picosecond Laser treatments, 3 Milk Peel sessions, 3 Hydrafacial sessions, 6 LED Blue Light sessions, a range of medical grade creams and home care products, such as cleansers, sunblock and moisturisers.
Timeline - Same Day
01
Hydrafacial / Milk Peel
02
Laser Treatments
03
LED Treatment
STEP 1 - HYDRAFACIAL MILK PEEL
Patients start with a Hydrafacial or a Milk Peel to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and remove excess oil and dirt. The Hydrafacial cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin, removing clogged pores in the process. At the same time, serums containing ingredients like salicylic acid are infused, effectively combating acne. The milk peel is effective in treating acne by exfoliating dead skin cells, reducing inflammation and removing substances that clog up sweat and oil glands. ​ Doing this prior to laser treatments prior will also allow the skin to better absorb light energy during the subsequent steps. We will alternate Hydrafacials and Milk Peels every month.
STEP 2 - LASER TREATMENTS
This is followed by laser treatment. We start off with a Long Pulsed Laser. The laser heats up the skin gently and shrinks oil glands responsible for acne. It also decreases inflammation and redness by targeting tiny blood vessels in the skin, helping red and inflamed areas recover faster. ​ This is followed by a Picosecond laser to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark spots left on the skin after an inflamed acne lesion recovers. This laser breaks up pigments into smaller particles so that the skin can get rid of them more quickly. ​ The right settings need to be used to prevent the skin from becoming irritated and causing further breakouts.
STEP 3 - LED TREATMENT
The session will conclude with Blue LED Light. Blue LED light therapy controls acne by targeting Porphyrin, a substance produced by the P.Acnes bacteria. When exposed to blue light, Porphyrin readily absorbs the light energy, killing the bacteria in the process. ​ Treatments are done once a month.