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Acne scars and pigmentation are common problems skin specialists see on clients' skin throughout the aesthetic industry. It is generally caused by prolonged Acne Vulgaris, which is a skin condition developed due to obstruction and inflammation of hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous glands. It causes comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, affecting many people of different ages. One thing to note is that this condition is primarily caused by hormones, not external factors such as lifestyle/skincare routines or diet.
When Acne gets treated with a change of lifestyle, a combination of professional treatments, good skincare, and prescribed medication, the skin heals from active infection but it is frequently left with pitted scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation due to damage in connective tissues.
Luckily, many wonderful professional treatments are available to even out complexion, reduce pigmentation and smooth any pitted scarring.
One of skin professionals' absolute go-to treatments for pitted scarring.
Ultra-fine titanium needles are rolled on the skin creating a controlled injury without causing damage. This controlled injury stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the epidermis, creating smooth, younger-looking skin and plumping out any uneven surfaces.
The needles also create micro-channels in the skin allowing for increased absorption of active ingredients to create optimal results. To achieve the best results a course of 3-8 treatments is needed, the number of treatments will depend on the condition of the skin and the depth of the scars.
When it comes to moderate scarring and developed pigmentation, chemical peels could be your answer to better-looking skin. Low-pH acid solutions are applied to the skin to allow the skin to peel for a week or so and reveal a more even, clear, smooth complexion.
Chemical peels by Dermaquest were chosen for Olya Thomson Aesthetics to treat the above conditions due to highly advanced innovative formulations that can be used on all skin Fitzpatrick types. After the application of these chemical peels, the skin clears from pigmentation marks and uneven texture.
It is important to commit to using professional skincare prescribed by your skin specialist to prepare your skin for these treatments. Course 3 of chemical peels done one month apart is advised to achieve optimal results.
It is one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures available in skin clinics because it is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing procedure that is used to treat uneven skin tone/texture, photoaging, melasma, and acne scars.
There are two main types of microdermabrasion: abrasive crystal and crystal-free.
The abrasive crystal type uses a vacuum system where the crystals cause mechanical abrasion to the skin, effectively removing the top (*stratum corneum) layer of the skin. The downside of this treatment is crystals can scratch the surface of the treated area causing sensitivity and prolonged redness and is not suitable for skin with superficial capillaries.
Crystal-free microdermabrasion can be used on most skin types and works well for sensitive skin Due to the absence of vacuum suction and no crystals it has a gentler application.
CACI crystal-free microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that works by gently removing the dead layer of skin with the use of an adjustable orbital rotation handpiece which significantly reduces skin imperfections, with minimal downtime. It works in combination with LED light to heal and charge skin cells for all-around rejuvenation, glow and healthy even skin complexion.
*Darker skin can be prone to the development of keloid scarring, and it is something to keep in mind when looking into professional treatments (microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion). The best advice for this type of scarring is to see a dermatologist who will be able to help treat it.
Using correct professional skincare products can be revolutionary when targeting stubborn post-acne pigmentation and scarring marks. With such a great variety of skincare products, it is confusing when it comes to choosing the right ones. If the skincare does not deliver the desired results it can feel disappointing and wasteful. To avoid this, I recommend booking a consultation with a skin expert to find a personalised routine expertly chosen just for you. It will save you money and time and give you the opportunity to narrow down the very best products that will work best for you.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
This is the ultimate ingredient to have in your routine if you are targeting textural and pigmentation concerns. It is scientifically proven to resurface the skin by promoting cellular turnover and building a foundation for new fresh skin cells. The percentage of retinol is an important number to look at as it can potentially cause sensitivity and irritation if used in incorrect concentration for your skin or in the wrong combination with other active ingredients.
My personal favourites are Advanced formula Retinols by Dermaquest, sold exclusively in skin clinics and medispas. They come in 3 concentrations: 0.3%, 0.6% and 1.0%.
Lactic Acid
Gentle yet very effective exfoliating acid, work tirelessly to diminish and prevent discolouration. A great ingredient to use if the skin is a little more sensitive.
Glycolic Acid
This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is derived from sugarcane and can help those with frequent breakouts, gently exfoliating and resurfacing uneven texture.
Vitamin C
An essential ingredient that provides protection from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and environmental pollution for clear bright-looking skin. It helps demolish pigmentation and even out skin tone.
Peptides
Peptides are very small fragments of protein which have the ability to teach your skin to repair and rejuvenate itself, supporting your skin to produce more collagen for a more even youthful appearance. It can give your skin a bounce and smoother texture.
At Olya Thomson Aesthetics we use professional skincare by Dermaquest. It has some of the most powerful formulations with the above ingredients available in the professional skincare market. Each product is FDA-approved, cruelty-free and formulated with the most innovative cutting-edge technologies to deliver incredible results for most skin concerns.
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