Acne Marks

Everyday is a battle for people who have acne-prone skin. Even after a long flight to get rid of the acne, the victory does not last long as the left behind acne mark is the next battle. The continuous concern and struggling on the acne and acne mark tire people out and lose faith. Will aesthetic therapies offer better results?

Symptoms and Causes

Unlike the red acne mark, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not limited to occurring after the healing of pimples. Overproduction of melanin is one of the common causes of hyperpigmentation.

1. Exposure to the sun

When our skin is exposed to the sun, it triggers an inflammatory response. Under a long sun exposure, the inflammation level will increase to a level that our bodies start producing inflammatory mediators. These mediators are responsible for a large number of skin reactions and one of them is the activation of melanocytes. Melanocytes will then stimulate the secretion of melanin.

2. Skin damage

Popping a pimple can damage your skin and cause excess melanin secretion. Your body will react to any type of skin damage with an inflammatory response. The response will lead to the activation of melanocytes. In addition to an inflammatory response, when your skin is injured, it may not be able to regenerate skin pigment. When skin pigment cannot be regenerated, darker pigment will develop in the injured skin.

3. Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions can cause inflammatory reactions in the skin. When you come into contact with the substance that you are allergic to, your body reacts quickly and causes skin irritation. Your skin most likely develops an inflammatory response.

4. On medication

Some medicines have indicated their side effect of hyperpigmentation to notify the user with the possible results. Some examples are topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal medicine, nonsteroidal medicine, and chemotherapy medicine. Also, medicines that alter our hormonal level will also stimulate melanocytes, which will increase the secretion of melanin.

5. Improper hair removal

Removal of facial hair or usage of irritating skin care products may lead to skin inflammation reaction. An inflammation reaction can result in hyperpigmentation in the skin.

6. Hormonal change

Increasing levels of oestrogen and progesterone, for example during pregnancy or on birth control pills, can cause hyperpigmentation.

7. Genetics

Hyperpigmentation is affected by the interplay of genetics. People who are prone to hyperpigmentation will develop hyperpigmentation after exposure to little irritations such as allergic reaction, sun exposure, hormonal change and injuries.

Affected people

People with acne-prone skin; People who pop their pimples; People who do not put on sun protection;

Treatment

A. M22 IPL treatment

What is M22:

M22 is an innovative photoelectric skin revitalisation instrument jointly developed by Lumenis, Stanford University, and Harvard University. It innovatively combines the world leading technologies (OPT technology and fractional non-ablative technology – RESURFX) to effectively treat pigmented lesions, acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, swelling lines, skin reconstruction (including reducing pores size, hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin whitening, moisturising, etc.), facial lifting, and wrinkle removal. M22 has obtained the US FDA and the EU CE certification and is the cutting-edge technology that delivers top skin rejuvenation treatment.

How does it work:

M22 laser treatment uses the core OPT technology and the only true fractional non-ablative technology, RESURFX. The OPT light acts like a missile, accurately locating the pigment, penetrating the pigment, thermally breakdown the pigment. The treatment can be used to treat  chloasma, freckles, age spots, coffee spots, sunspots, scarlet nevus, acne marks, fractions of birthmarks, etc. As the emitted light is only absorbed by pigments with specific colour, this high specificity provides a promising treatment of eliminating pigment without damaging normal cells.

Procedure:

1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Customise unique treatment plan based on individual’s skin condition and desired results.

3. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles and apply treatment gel.

4. During treatment: Full face treatment, repeat steps at severe areas.

5. Post-treatment: Remove the gel, clean the face and apply a medical grade repair mask to calm the face.

6. Post-treatment caring.

Duration: 45-60 mins

Who is it for:

• People with red acne marks or black acne marks;
• People with common pigmentation;
• People with photoaging skin:
• People with red blood streaks and redness on the skin;
• People who want to have the results of pigment elimination and skin whitening at the same time;

B. Acid Peel

What is acid peel:

Acid peel is a skin resurfacing procedure involving application of acidic solution on the skin. The acidic solution dissolves the oil particles among cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis and promotes the removal of the outermost layer. It stimulates the renewal of skin cells, promotes the replacement of elastic fibers in the dermis, and maintains the healthy state of the skin. It also helps with skin whitening, removing acne marks, reducing pores size and fine lines, removing blackheads, and curing acne and chloasma.

How does acid peel work:

Pigment particles exist at the epidermis and dermis can form epidermal spots, pigmentation and acne marks. Acid peel can effectively improve these pigmentary conditions. The results of acid peel on the skin can be divided into three aspects: epidermal, pigmentary and dermal. In terms of epidermal and pigmentary results, acid peel can remove the accumulated skin layers, promote the renewal of epidermal cells, reduce melanin production, and improve scene condition due to the moisturising power of the acidic solution. Acid peel can be used to treat acne because it not only relieves acne inflammation, but also helps to remove acne, light acne marks and scars. In terms of dermal results, acid peel can promote the production of collagen and the renewal of elastic fibres. The antioxidant capacity of the acidic solution helps effectively in preventing skin ageing and reducing fine wrinkles.

Procedure:

1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide suitable acid peel treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.

3. Pre-treatment: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.

4. Treatment: Apply an acidic solution on the face, waiting 1-5 mins.

5. End of treatment: Apply a neutraliser solution on face to terminate the acidic reaction and peeling reaction to avoid over peeling.

6. Cleaning. Post-treatment care.

Duration: 45-60 mins

Who is it for:

• People with acne-prone skin or oily acne-prone skin;
• People with mild, shallow (depressed) acne scars;
• People who want to brighten their skin tone;
• People who want to combine acid peel treatment with PicoSure or M22 Skin Photorejuvenation treatment to remove pigmentation and brighten skin tone;
• People who have acne scars alongside closed comedone and large pores problems for a long time;

C. PicoSure Laser Pigmentation Treatment

What is PicoSure:

PicoSure is an aesthetic picosecond laser treatment that can safely and effectively remove tattoos and pigmentation. It has been certified by the US FDA and China CFDA and approved for the use in treatment of pigmented skin problems and pigmentation. A specific wavelength of light (755nm) is used to remove melanin safely, precisely and effectively.The PicoSure Laser device is equipped with a unique FOCUS lens. The FOCUS lens will redistribute 70% of the emitted laser energy and concentrate the energy into the skin, which will break down the melanin at the epidermis. The energy will also create a shock-wave hitting the deep dermis layer and damage the collagen, which will stimulate the repair and regrowth of collagen. Therefore, PicoSure treatment is not limited to improving pigmentation, but also smoothing lines, reducing pore size and restoring a youthful look.

How does it work:

Under “BOOST” mode, the pulse width of the PicoSure can be adjusted and compressed from 750 to 550PS, which can increase the pressure by 70%. The 755 nm wavelength light that can be absorbed by melanin is irradiated on melanin, and all the energy is released within picoseconds. Due to the high energy released within a short period of time, melanin molecules are not able to absorb all the energy and eventually burst into smaller particles. The resulting particles will then be eliminated by the body.

Procedure:

1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Develop a unique treatment plan based on the client’s skin condition and desired results.

3. PATCH TEST: Perform a patch test 24 hrs prior the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal sign is shown.

4. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean, disinfect and apply anaesthetics at the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles.

5. During the treatment: Deliver wavelength pulse at the pigmented areas, repeat steps at the severe pigmented areas. Cooling effect from cold air outlets.

6. Post-treatment: Apply aloe vera gel to soothe and calm down the treated areas.

7. Post-treatment caring.

Duration: 1-1.5 hrs

Who is it for:

• People with pigmentation and stubborn pigmentation;
• People with severe hyperpigmentation or severe skin photoaging;
• People with black acne marks or severe hyperpigmentation:
• People who want to improve acne scars, improve skin texture and reduce pore size;

D. Mesotherapy

What is Mesotherapy:

Our skin is facing all kinds of damages everyday, like photodamage, pollution and the natural aging process. Mesotherapy can be a regular skin rejuvenation treatment that helps maintain our skin in a good condition in the long run. It is a non-surgical treatment that injects solution with various vital nutrients to our skin directly, which has a significantly higher absorption of nutrients than using skincare products. According to the skin condition, the injection content can also be tailored to meet one’s need for the maximum desired outcome.

How does it work:

Mesotherapy involves the injection of hyaluronic acid or/and multiple nutrients to the dermis. Dermis cells absorb the nutrients via osmotic absorption, which will activate cellular activity, promote the proliferation of collagen and elastic fibroblasts, resulting in smoothing depressed scars, improving pigmentation, deep hydrating and smoothing wrinkles. Leaving you a thoroughly improved skin texture, healthier skin condition and a perfect silky skin.

Procedure:

1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Tailored a suitable mesotherapy treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.

3. Pre-treatment preparation: Apply anesthetics. Clean and disinfect the whole face.

4. Treatment: Administer injection solution by qualified practitioner. Repeat injection or scatter injection in severe areas.

5. Post-treatment care: Medical-grade facial repair mask and QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.

5. Post-treatment precautions.

Duration: 60 mins

Who is it for:

• People who have dry skin;
• People with red or black acne marks;
• People who are looking for regular skin conditioning treatment to improve their irritated and rough skin;
• People who want to rejuvenate their skin;

E.Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Treatment

What is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Treatment :

A Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, also known as the “Vampire face-lift”, is an advanced treatment for skin rejuvenation purposes. The treatment involves the extraction of the platelets and white blood cells from the client’s blood via centrifugation. The resulting extract containing a high concentration of growth factors will be injected into the client’s skin. PRP treatment is a safe skin rejuvenation treatment that has obtained European CE,  ISO and SQS certifications, and has been clinically proven by extensive research worldwide.

How does it work:

During the treatment, a small amount of blood is taken from your vein. The blood sample will be placed in a centrifuge that will concentrate the platelets and white blood cells in the blood. As a result, a PRP containing a high concentration of growth factors from your blood is obtained for your PRP treatment.  The collected solution will then be injected into the client’s superficial dermis. The growth factors stimulate the regeneration and renewal of tissue, healing the damaged and aged cells, which will improve the skin texture, firm and lift the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and depressed scars, restore a youthful skin condition and slow down the ageing process. Receiving regular PRP treatment can strengthen the skin defence system and heal the barrier ability in the dermis, restoring a healthier, youthful, and stronger skin.

Procedure:

1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Develop a unique PRP plan based on the client’s condition and desired results.

3. Pre-treatment preparation: Take blood from the client and obtain a concentrated platelet solution by centrifugation; apply anaesthetics, clean and disinfect the whole face.

4. PRP injection: Administer injection solution by qualified practitioner. Repeat injection or scatter injection in severe areas.

5. Post-treatment care: Medical-grade facial repair mask and QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.

6. Post-treatment precautions.

Duration: 60 mins

Who is it for:

• People who have acne scars, acne marks, or hyperpigmentation and are prone to facial redness;
• People who have dull skin, textured skin and large pore;
• People who have damaged skin barrier;
• People who want to combine PRP with Mesotherapy as regular skin conditioning treatment

F. Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

What is Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling:

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling is an innovative technology integrating matrix application, microneedling, and radio frequency technology. During the treatment, a device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the skin. The RF energy is then delivered via the small needles into the dermis to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Results can include improved skin texture and firmness, as well as skin resurfacing.

How does it work:

A sterile treatment tip with a matrix of non-insulated, 24k gold-plated microneedles is used to mechanically and biologically stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. During the treatment, microneedles will be precisely inserted into the skin, and 1 million Hz frequency energy will be transmitted from the microneedles to the skin. The energy will penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis layer, heating up the collagen fibres at the dermis to 55℃-65℃. The high temperature will damage the sebaceous glands and kill acne-causing bacteria, which can help reduce the pore size, inhibit the development of acne, control oil secretion and improve acne problem.

Procedure:

1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Develop unique treatment plan based on client’s condition and desired results.

3. Apply anesthetic: Apply anesthetic externally. Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.

4. Pre-treatment preparation: Draw markings on the face to define treatment areas. Confirm the package of the new tip of the applicator has not been opened.

5. During the treatment: Perform the treatment as planned, precisely adjust the RF energy output and depth.

6. Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask + QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.

7. Post-treatment care.

Duration: 1-1.5 hrs

Who is it for:

• People who have a severe problem of acne scars;
• People who have a serious condition of large pores;
• People with acne scars;
• People who have large pores problem that can not be improved by entrance level aesthetic treatments such as Mesotherapy or Photorejuvenation;

G. Skin whitening drip

What is IV drip:

The whitening drip solution will be delivered into the bloodstream by intravenous drip. The nutrients in the solution will travel throughout the body and provide a quick and even whitening effect.

How does whitening drip work:

The main ingredients are vitamin C and glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced naturally in our body. It detoxifies the liver, slows down skin ageing, and prevents pigmentation with its anti yellowing power. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that can improve the efficacy of glutathione and protect other vitamins from oxidation, bringing the maximum whitening effect.

Procedure:

1. Face-to-face consultation: Doctor provides suggested treatment plan based on client’s condition and goals.

2. Pre-treatment preparation: Preparation of drip solution.

3. Treatment method: Intravenous injection, infusion.

4. Post-treatment care.

Duration: 30-45 mins

Who is it for:

• People who start to develop pigmentation but not too serious;
• People who have dull/yellowing/darken skin and want to brighten their skin;
• People who want to eliminate pigmentation and inhibit melanin production at the same time;

E. Fotona 4D Pro

What is FOTONA 4D PRO:

FOTONA 4D PRO is the new-generation non-invasive anti-aging laser system for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment. The system integrates the four patented modals: SMOOTHLIFTIN, FRAC3, PIANO and SUPERFICIAL to work on partial layers treatment and multi dimensional anti-aging solution, while simultaneously targeting different skin imperfections. It can treat four major ageing signs including contour, skin tone, skin texture and tissue volume in a safe and efficient way. FOTONA 4D PRO helps to restore a more youthful, more defined and rejuvenating appearance. In only 20 minutes, it resolves the imperfections around the eyes area including eye bags, wrinkles, puffiness, dark eye rings, etc.

How does it work:

Under the SUPERFICIAL micro skin resurfacing modal, the Variable Square Pulse (VSP) technology is used to emit a 2940nm cold ablation erbium laser beam to the upper epidermis to facilitate skin resurfacing by penetrating topmost to bottom layers. The SUPERFICIAL modal is highly effective in reducing wrinkles on the epidermis, correcting skin imperfections such as enlarged pores, blackheads and acne scars, as well as evening out skin tone and complexion. Also, the cold ablation procedure does not cause any damage to the epidermis.

Procedure:

1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of scientific tools.

2. Face-to-face consultation: Customise unique treatment plan based on client’s condition and desired results.

3. PATCH TEST: Perform a patch test 24 hrs prior to the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal reaction is shown.

4. Apply anaesthetics: Apply anaesthetics externally. Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.

5. Pre-treatment preparation: Draw treatment areas to mark the treatment areas. Confirm the package of the new tip of the applicator has not been opened.

6. During treatment: Proceed with the scheduled treatment plan with flexibility to adjust the laser energy and depth.

7. Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask and QDEL phototherapy mask to nourish and repair the skin.

8. Post-treatment precautions.

Duration:30-45 mins

Who is it for:

• People with enlarged pores and acne scars;
• People with rough, unstable skin;
• People who want to heal and improve acne scars, improve signs of ageing, and rejuvenate their skin;

If you are looking for an effective way to get rid of black acne marks, we highly suggest a combi treatment 【Acid Peel + M22 Laser】 that can eliminate acne marks thoroughly.

In the combi, the M22 laser treatment will breakdown the pigment cluster into smaller pigment particles while the acid peel treatment will exfoliate the outermost layer of epidermis and boost the skin metabolism to facilitate the elimination of pigment particles. Two treatments work well together to enhance the overall efficiency. For example, getting an acid peel session 2 weeks before an M22 laser treatment will maximise the M22 laser results by increasing the laser permeability on skin.

We often suggest clients receive 2 months of the 【Acid Peel + M22 Laser】 combi for visible results. During the combi treatment, get acid peel 2-3 weeks after the M22 session, and M22 session 2-3 weeks after the acid peel.

Reduce acne mark hyperpigmentation, come to Ai Beauty Clinic,
for safe and professional medical treatment.

Ai Beauty Clinic is a CQC accredited clinic based in London, and also is strongly supported by Cynosure(the owner of Ulthreapy) and Cynosure (the owner of PicoSure).

With rich experience of treating clients of various conditions, led by a famous British medical chief trainer, practiced by doctors and nurses who are GMC/NMC-registered and worked in NHS national hospitals, Ai Beauty provides certified and safe medical beauty treatments.

Ai Beauty always puts safety first. Not only are all medical staff insured by independent medical policy, each client who comes to Ai Beauty Clinic is also insured by £5 millions medical insurance. This full insurance coverage allows clients to have a concern-free treatment experience.

Ai Beauty Clinic has served over 15,000 clients from all around the world, been covered by some famous media such as European Times and CW Television, and established trust and an excellent reputation among them.

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