What is Acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage can lead to various forms of acne lesions, such as:

  • Blackheads: Open pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin, appearing dark due to oxidation.
  • Whiteheads: Closed pores filled with oil and skin cells, creating small white bumps on the skin.
  • Pimples (Papules and Pustules): Raised, red inflamed bumps or pus-filled lesions.
  • Cysts: Larger, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin, often filled with pus.
  • Nodules: Solid, painful lumps under the skin that do not contain pus.

Acne commonly appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, areas where oil glands are most active. At JR Medical, we are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are proud members of the British Association of Dermatologists, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care and expertise for your skin concerns.

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    Over 30 years experience

    All acne treatments are administered by an experienced professional and include a free follow-up consultation to review your treatment as part of our ethically responsible service.

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    What are causes of Acne ?

    Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including:

    1. Excess Sebum Production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce an excess of oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne. As a result, the skin becomes more prone to breakouts.
    2. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can trigger excess oil production and cause breakouts. Moreover, hormonal changes are often linked to increased acne outbreaks, especially in women.
    3. Bacterial Growth: The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes naturally reside on the skin. When this bacteria becomes trapped in clogged pores, it multiplies, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples. Consequently, this bacteria plays a significant role in worsening acne.
    4. Dead Skin Cells: The body sheds dead skin cells regularly. However, when these cells mix with sebum, they can clog hair follicles, contributing to the development of acne. Therefore, it’s essential to remove dead skin cells to prevent pore blockages.
    5. Stress and Diet: While stress and certain foods, such as high-glycemic or dairy products, do not directly cause acne, they can exacerbate the condition in some individuals. For instance, stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations, which may trigger acne flare-ups.
    6. Genetics: A family history of acne increases the likelihood of developing the condition. As a result, genetics play a key role in determining whether a person will experience acne.

    What are acne treatments ?

    At JR Medical Clinic, we offer a range of cutting-edge, personalized treatment options that target the root causes of acne. By focusing on the underlying factors, we provide lasting relief and promote overall skin health. Additionally, our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique skin type and condition, ensuring that they achieve optimal results. Therefore, every treatment plan is specifically designed to address individual needs for the best possible outcome.

    What is Medical Microdermabrasion ? What is Medical Microdermabrasion

    Effects on Acne ?

    Medical microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a specialized device to exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This process works by unclogging pores, reducing the appearance of acne scars, and promoting healthier skin renewal.

    As a result, removing the surface layer of dead skin can significantly reduce acne occurrence and improve overall skin texture. Furthermore, microdermabrasion enhances the absorption of topical treatments, allowing active ingredients to penetrate more effectively into the skin. Additionally, this procedure stimulates collagen production, which helps to heal acne scars and improves the skin’s overall appearance.

    Moreover, this treatment is safe for various skin types and requires minimal downtime. Thus, it has become a popular choice for individuals looking to manage acne and achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion. At JR Medical Clinic, our experienced practitioners personalize each microdermabrasion treatment to address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring optimal results.

    acne treatment

    what is Mesotherapy for Acne ?

    Mesotherapy offers a breakthrough solution to combat acne and its lingering effects, helping you achieve a revitalized complexion and renewed self-confidence. By nourishing and rejuvenating the skin from within, Mesotherapy promotes healing and accelerates the natural healing process. As a result, you will notice a clearer, smoother complexion and a more even, glowing skin tone.

    When using Mesotherapy for acne, we create a cocktail of various ingredients that act as a safe base for acne medications. For example, Roaccutane, one of the most effective acne treatments, is included in this cocktail. The cocktail is then injected superficially into the skin, typically reaching the epidermis to mid-dermis level. This method minimizes side effects and reduces the need for frequent blood tests, as it requires only a minimal amount of medication. Furthermore, Mesotherapy stimulates collagen production through recurrent needling, which enhances the healing process. The procedure can be performed using precise techniques, such as a Mesotherapy injection gun, which in turn minimizes discomfort.

    Additionally, Mesotherapy is an ideal treatment for acne scars. It targets wound repair and stimulates skin regeneration. This approach can soften different types of scars, including ice-pick scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars, atrophic scars, and hypertrophic or keloid scars. At JR Medical, we use Mesotherapy to treat active acne, providing a comprehensive solution to both acne and its scars.

    What is Isotretinoin Capsules (Roaccutane) ?

    Isotretinoin capsules, commonly known as Roaccutane, are highly effective for severe acne treatment. Derived from vitamin A, they employ a multi-pronged approach:

    Reduce sebaceous gland oil production to lubricate the skin, decreasing bacterial growth and inflammation. Success rates are high, with 4 out of 5 people achieving clear skin after treatment. The effects usually take a few months to manifest and may require continued use for a while, but they persist even after acne treatment is discontinued.

    However, Isotretinoin is reserved for more severe cases where other acne treatments like creams, antibiotics, laser therapy, or other skin treatments have not been effective or where scarring is likely. It should be prescribed by experienced dermatologists, as it can have side effects, including dry skin and lips, sun sensitivity, and less commonly, dry mouth, headaches, joint or muscle pain, and more serious issues like skin rashes and stomach or bodily pain. In rare cases, it may be associated with increased anxiety or depression, especially in individuals with a history of depression.

    IPL Acne Treatment

    What is IPL acne treatment?

    IPL acne treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) represents one of the most significant advancements in acne treatment over the past decades. This safe, fast, and effective procedure targets existing acne outbreaks while also reducing the likelihood of future breakouts. By using targeted light energy, IPL helps to destroy acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production, all of which contribute to clearer skin. Furthermore, the treatment can be customized to suit your skin type and the severity of your acne, ensuring optimal results. In addition, IPL is a non-invasive procedure that requires minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those looking to manage acne more effectively.

    How does IPL acne treatment work?

    An IPL system emits high-energy pulses of light, which are filtered to release specific frequencies tailored for treating acne. One of these frequencies targets porphyrin, a naturally occurring molecule in the oil glands, causing it to release oxygen. Since acne bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments, the oxygen kills the bacteria. In addition, a second frequency works by disabling the overactive oil glands, making them shrink. This process helps control the overproduction of sebum (oil), which prevents future outbreaks.

    What can I expect during IPL acne treatment in Essex at JR Medical?

    During the acne treatment, we will ask you to put on protective eyewear. First, we apply a layer of chilled gel to cool your skin and allow the light to penetrate its surface more effectively. Then, the IPL handpiece will be placed against your skin, releasing a short pulse of light. Afterward, we move the handpiece to a neighboring area and repeat the process until we have treated the entire area. Most clients describe the sensation of the pulses as a small, relatively painless snap. Finally, we remove the gel and apply acne-fighting products to complete the treatment..

    Who are the best candidates for IPL treatment?

    This treatment works best for people with light-coloured skin because the pigment in our skin (melanin) also absorbs light energy. Darker skin can be treated but the light energy must be delivered at a lower power to prevent burning the skin. As a result, darker skin will likely require more treatments. This includes skin with tans resulting from exposure to the sun, tanning beds, or the application of tanning lotions. IPL treatments should not be performed if you are pregnant or if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months.

    What results can you expect from IPL treatment?

    Clinical studies show that IPL acne treatments are comparable to prescription antibiotics in treating acne. Typically, patients see results within two weeks, with continued improvement over the next three months. Additionally, IPL treatments stimulate collagen production, which helps repair the damage caused by the acne infection. Consequently, the treatment not only improves acne but also enhances the overall skin texture, providing long-lasting benefits.

    How many IPL treatments do you need for acne?

    We recommend two treatments per week for four weeks, totaling eight acne treatments. Afterward, we offer single treatments for maintenance, and we may suggest topical products for home use to further support your skincare regimen.

    How much time is required for IPL treatment?

    Each appointment is normally 30-45 minutes.

    What are the side effects of IPL acne treatment?

    Side effects remain rare and are usually limited to the treatment sites. These may include mild burns or blistering, discomfort, scabbing, bruising, pigmentation changes, scarring, or infection. However, when performed by an expert practitioner, these side effects typically occur very infrequently.

    Other things you should know

    Acne remains unpredictable and one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat. Given the numerous variables that influence acne, such as bacteria levels, hormone fluctuations, skin type (dry or oily), stress, medications, and more, no acne treatment can guarantee a permanent or complete cessation of blemish production.

    Nevertheless, by combining these treatments with consistent facial care and adhering to the home care recommendations provided by your practitioner, you can expect a significant reduction in blemishes, inflammatory pigmentation, and oil production.

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