Everyone has had acne problems at some point in life. Getting a pimple now and then is quite common, and usually nothing to worry about. However, some people don’t have it so easy. They have recurring and persistent acne that leaves behind scars when they go. In fact, 95% of people suffering from Acne Vulgaris have some amount of residual scarring.
Laser treatment is an effective way to minimize the appearance of acne scars. The treatment also encourages the regrowth of new and healthy cells, which further improve the appearance of the skin.
How does laser treatment for acne work?
The heat from the laser device helps to remove the top layer of the scar. As it peels off, your scar becomes less noticeable and your skin appears smoother. As the laser breaks down the scar tissue, light and heat from the laser encourage new and healthy skin cells to grow. The heat from the laser increases the blood flow in the area, bringing in more nutrients for healthy skin growth.
Laser treatment reduces the redness of acne scars and makes them appear less raised. It gives the scar a smaller appearance and promotes skin healing. However, it does not remove your acne scars permanently.
Procedure
There are different lasers available to treat acne scarring, such as carbon dioxide lasers, erbium YAG lasers, and pulsed-dye lasers. They work in different ways to target specific types of acne scars.
Fractional laser treatment
Fractional lasers stimulate the tissue under acne scars and remove darkly pigmented cells under the top layer of the acne scar.
Ablative laser resurfacing
Ablative laser treatment takes off the entire top layer of the acne scar. It may, however, take some days for the redness to subside.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing
This technique uses infrared lasers to encourage new cell growth by stimulating collagen production in the areas of scarring.
Top 10 tips to take care of your skin after laser acne treatment
If you are thinking of getting laser treatment for acne Montreal, ensure that you only get it done by a board-certified Dermatologist (Dermatologue Montreal acne). Laser treatments should only be performed by a trained license professional. The results of your treatment heavily depend on the skills of the person doing the procedure. Getting the procedure done by a doctor or a trained professional with extensive experience will give you much better results.
Taking excellent care of your skin after laser treatment for acne Quebec (traitement laser acne Quebec) is very important. Follow these useful tips to ensure your skin is in the best shape.
1. Keep the skin clean
Since laser resurfacing treatments remove the top layer of the skin, keeping the skin clean is important to prevent infections. Use a good-quality cleanser to wash your face in the morning and before bed to keep it clean and healthy.
2. Do not go out in the sun
Skin usually becomes a lot more sensitive right after laser skin resurfacing treatment. It is better to avoid the sun to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
3. Don’t forget SPF
The area that underwent the laser treatment needs extra care. Do not forget to use sunscreen with adequate SPF. Preferably, choose a sunscreen that is suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Ice the area
Some redness and swelling are normal after such a treatment. Ice packs and cool compresses can help reduce the redness and swelling.
5. Hydration is important
After laser resurfacing treatment, it is important to hydrate your skin to reduce irritation. You can use doctor-approved lotions and moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Hydration improves skin elasticity, helping your skin heal faster.
6. Don’t pick the treated area
It is normal for some skin to peel off during the healing process. Avoid the temptation of picking at your skin. Allow your skin to heal properly.
7. Sleep with your head elevated
Keeping your head elevated while sleeping can reduce the swelling after laser acne treatment. You should also avoid burying your face in the pillow to avoid irritating your skin.
8. Avoid makeup
Since laser treatments work by peeling off the top layer of the skin, your skin may appear worse before it starts improving. Redness, crustiness, and flakiness are all common and quite normal. Do not try to hide them with makeup or you may end up aggravating your skin.
9. Avoid skin care products with strong ingredients
Do you regularly use skin care products with strong ingredients such as retinol? It is best to skip such products at least for a couple of weeks after your treatment.
10. Follow your doctor’s instruction
This is perhaps the most important tip. Ensure that you follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to allow your skin to heal properly and get the best results.
