Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #64

skin
Treating acne
Allmedic uses a systematic, results-driven approach to manage and
resolve acne. Caitlin Bishop reports.
A
condition that can cause long-term physical and
psychological distress, persistent acne can lead
to inflammation, scarring and certain types of
hyperpigmentation. It affects around 80 percent of all
adolescents and can sometimes extend into adulthood.
Acne can stem from several different causes, including
diet, hormone imbalances, genetics or personal hygiene.
Clearing the skin of persistent acne can prove an arduous,
traumatising and prolonged experience. But there’s hope
– active skincare from allmedic, commonly used alongside
photodynamic therapy, offers an effective way to help
reduce the appearance of acne for long-term results.
Queensland cosmetic physician Dr Doug Grose sees
Practitioner Acne MasterClass
An emerging trend in general practice involves subspecialising
in an area of medicine such as acne.
allmedic will be hosting an Acne Management
MasterClass in Melbourne on June 14. ‘This will be
a whole day dedicated to understanding acne, and
acne treatment, in serious detail,’ Dr Grose explains.
‘It will also include sessions on how diet and skincare
can be combined to achieve the best results.’
For more information call 1300 652 969 or visit
www.allmedic.org.au
first-hand the psychological effect acne has on many of his
patients. ‘The most common side effect is social isolation of
some extent,’ he explains. ‘Some female acne sufferers say
they wouldn’t want to leave their bedroom, let alone their
house, without makeup.’
Physiologically, acne is caused by an overproduction
of sebum combined with overactivity of skin cells at the
opening of the hair follicles. This sebum, alongside dead
skin cells and debris, can cause blockages in the skin’s
pores, where the hair follicle opens. On top of this, bacteria
found naturally on the skin become active in the blocked
follicle, leading to infection and inflammation seen as red,
sometimes tender lumps.
‘Patients, particularly those in their adolescence, come
to me thinking acne is normal, but it isn’t at all,’ Dr Grose
explains. ‘Acne is a disease of the hair follicles, and effective
treatment calls for medical help. Something like 70 percent
of people do not seek medical attention for acne, and this
attitude needs to change.’
In-clinic treatment
Traditionally, acne sufferers have looked to antibiotics or
prescription treatments to shed dead skin cells, reduce oil
production, fight bacterial infection and limit the inflammation
associated with acne. Roaccutane – a derivative of Vitamin
A – is commonly used in severe cases, though Dr Grose
96 www.cosbeauty.com.au