Acne can be caused due to hormones (often an over-production of Androgen), stress, pollutants, and other factors that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. IPL Elight system can be used to treat many types of acne including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and Rosacea.

The light targets the porphyrins produced by the bacteria that cause acne, Porphyrins, are light-sensitive molecules and the destruction of these porphyrins will produce free oxygen radicals and a bactericidal effect is induced to reduce the acne infection by killing the bacteria.

The light is also absorbed by the blood vessels that supply the sebaceous glands, by heating up the capillaries reduces the blood flow to the sebaceous glands decreasing the overproduction of oil that leads to acne. The heat reaction produced will also stimulate collagen production to increase the healing of the acne lesions and may even soften the appearance of scarring.

1) Neutralises acne-causing bacteria.

2) Calms swollen cysts and lesions.

3) Decreases oil production

​

Around 6–8 sessions are usually required. More severe cases may need up to 12 with an aim of up to 80% reduction. Often patients start with a course of 6, we then review the skin to see how many more sessions you may need after.

Treatments are at 2-4 week intervals.

Once your course is finished you may not need to have any more treatments, or you may choose to have a one-off maintenance treatment 'as and when', or for example, one every 8 weeks if your acne is persistent - it all depends on your skin!

​

Photos are taken before and after each session. As the course progresses its good to review photos to check on progress.

A little redness and some minor swelling can be expected, which will usually go down within a few hours or by the next day.

​

Before treatment, a consultation and patch test will be required to check your skin's tolerance and suitability.

Suitable for, up to and including a Fitzpatrick skin type 4.

Westfield Clinic requires you to complete a short Medical Questionnaire before you commence any laser or IPL treatments. This will be emailed to you prior to your initial consultation, which allows time to check your suitability, Some conditions or medications prohibit you from laser treatments and would be unsafe for you at that time. It is important for the effectiveness of the treatment that you are generally fit and well and that your immune system is not compromised.

Common medications that may cause photosensitivity can include but are not limited to: Antibiotics Antidepressants Antihistamines Antihypertensives Antiparasitics Antipsychotics Contraceptives Diuretics Hypoglycaemics NSAID and Retinoids. The medical questionnaire will ask you to list any medications inc dosage.

It is not uncommon to request you obtain GP authorisation before treatment can go ahead for some conditions or medications.

​

During the consultation, the treatment will be discussed fully and a series of 3 small patch tests (at various energies) will be carried out, enabling the correct parameters to be established and check your skin's tolerance to light. Full treatment can then commence 3-14 days later following no adverse reactions.

​

For more information on contra-indications that could prohibit you from treatment click here...

4 weeks before treatment, avoid tanning the face.

Before you begin your IPL Acne treatments it's a great idea to have a couple of chemical peels two weeks prior, for very congested skin to help remove the thickened horny layer of skin. Our peels are very effective and gentle on the skin and great to have regularly for an acne skin type.

Prescription retinoids such as Adapalene must be stopped 2-3weeks prior.

Products containing 'active ingredients' such as retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C on the treatment area for 7 days prior to treatment. .

Do not use any photosensitising creams or medications.

Do not use essential oils 48 hrs prior.

Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin 48 hours prior to treatments.

Do not apply skin products, moisturising cream, or make-up (if treating face) or perfume on the day.

Inform your practitioner before your next appointment either by email or direct message if any of the following apply, otherwise treatment may not be able to go ahead on the day.

Any change in medications (including herbal remedies).

If you have been exposed to strong sunlight without any SPF.

If you have applied fake tan products to the area 2 weeks prior.

If your acne is no longer active but you have scarring, we recommend a course of microneedling treatments can dramatically reduce the scarring and rejuvenate the skin click here.

VERY IMPORTANT

Avoid going out in the sun 48hrs post-treatment and wear a SPF50 or higher for the duration of the course.