Acne Therapy

Increasing environmental factors, intense stress, hormonal changes, and habits brought by modern lifestyle directly affect skin health. Among these problems, the most remarkable one is acne. Especially common during adolescence, acne goes beyond being just a physical problem and negatively affects individuals' self-confidence and social life. For this reason, acne treatment becomes a critical need from both an aesthetic and psychological perspective.

Thanks to advancing technology, many different methods such as topical and systemic medications, medical skincare, chemical peeling applications, and laser technologies are used in acne treatment. Laser applications, in particular, provide effective and practical solutions for regulating the oil balance in the skin, tightening pores, and reducing acne formation, helping to achieve a healthier, smoother, and more vibrant skin appearance. Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli answered questions regarding acne types, treatment methods, advantages, and frequently asked questions.

What is Acne (Pimples)?

Acne is a chronic skin disease expressed by reddish, inflamed bumps and clogged pores appearing on the skin surface. Triggered primarily by hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, unhealthy eating habits, and the use of certain medications, this condition shows a significant increase especially during adolescence, when hormone levels change rapidly.

Although acne often regresses spontaneously after this process, underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive sebum (oil) production, or thyroid (goiter) problems may lie beneath acne cases that persist in adulthood or show resistance to treatment. Therefore, in permanent acne problems, instead of focusing only on aesthetic solutions, it is of great importance to consult a specialist to determine the underlying cause and create an appropriate treatment plan.

What are the Types of Acne (Pimples)?

Acne consists of various lesion types that can appear in different severities and appearances:

• Closed Comedones (Whiteheads): Occur when pores are completely blocked by oil and dead skin cells. They remain white because they do not come into contact with air.

• Open Comedones (Blackheads): Take on a black color when the top of the clogged pores remains open and oxidizes by contacting oxygen. The cause of this appearance is a chemical reaction, not dirt.

• Inflammatory Bumps (Papules): Seen as small, red, and sensitive bumps on the skin surface. They generally represent the early stage of the inflammatory process and can create sensitivity when touched.

• Pus-filled Pimples (Pustules): Similar to papules but with an accumulation of white or yellowish pus at the tips; colloquially referred to as "ripened pimples."

• Deep and Painful Pimples (Nodules): These are hard, large, and painful lesions developing in the deeper layers of the skin. Since they are deeply situated, they have a high risk of leaving scars.

• Deep Pus-filled Pimples (Cysts): The most severe form of acne. These are pus-filled, soft, and painful swellings occurring deep in the skin. This is the type of acne that most frequently causes permanent scarring (skars).

What are Acne Treatment Methods?

Acne treatment is a process planned with different methods according to the severity and prevalence of the disease. It can basically be evaluated in three groups: treatments applied to the skin surface, medications taken orally, and clinical applications.

Topical (Surface-Applied) Treatments

These are treatments applied with products rubbed directly onto the skin for mild and moderate acne problems.

• Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivative ingredients that prevent clogging of pores while also having an effect that accelerates the skin renewal process.

• Benzoyl peroxide: An active ingredient that reduces the bacteria causing acne and controls acne formation by drying the excess oil (sebum) in the skin.

• Salicylic acid and azelaic acid: Ingredients that clean pores, reduce inflammation, and lighten the appearance of spots formed after acne.

• Topical antibiotics: Medications that help reduce inflammation by preventing the proliferation of bacteria on the skin surface.

Systemic (Orally Taken) Treatments

Used in more severe, deep acne types with a risk of leaving scars.

• Oral antibiotics: Medications taken into the body that help control widespread inflammatory acne.

• Hormonal treatments: Medications that help regulate acne developing due to hormonal imbalance, especially in women.

• Isotretinoin: A medication that can permanently reduce the activity of sebaceous glands (sebum-producing glands) and is used in severe, cystic acne cases.

Medical Applications and Technological Methods

These are supportive treatment methods applied by specialists in a clinical environment.

• Chemical Peeling: A renewal process (done with acids such as AHA/BHA) that peels the top layer of the skin in a controlled manner.

• Laser and Light Treatments (BBL, IPL, Nd:YAG): Light-based treatments that balance oil production, reduce bacterial activity, and accelerate the skin's healing process.

• Medical Skincare: A maintenance application performed in a sterile (germ-free) clinical environment, providing the professional cleaning of black and whiteheads (comedones) without damaging or squeezing the skin.

What Laser and Light Systems Can Be Used in Laser Acne Treatment?

• Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser: A laser system that helps reduce acne formation by targeting pigments and bacterial load in the skin.

• Fractional Lasers: Helps eliminate acne scars and tissue irregularities by supporting skin renewal.

• Radiofrequency (RF): Contributes to balancing the activity of sebaceous glands and skin tightening by providing heat energy under the skin.

• Photodynamic Therapy: A treatment method targeting sebaceous glands and bacteria, applied together with a special light-sensitive solution.

• LED Light Therapy: A supportive method aiming to reduce inflammation in the skin using low-energy light.

• Red and Blue Light Combination: While blue light targets bacteria, red light supports the healing process in the skin.

• Blue Light Therapy: A light treatment particularly effective in reducing the bacteria that cause acne.

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): A broad-spectrum light system that helps balance oil production in the skin, reduce redness, and lighten the appearance of acne.

Which Areas of the Body Can Laser Acne Treatment Be Applied To?

Laser acne treatment is a technique that can be applied under the control of a dermatology specialist to different skin areas where active acne formations and acne-related scars are seen. The most common application area is the face. Specifically, the cheeks, forehead, jawline, and cheekbones are among the areas where acne is intensely seen. In addition, laser treatments can also be utilized on the back area and other oil-prone areas of the body where acne formation is common. The treatment plan is determined by the specialist physician according to the person's skin structure and the prevalence of lesions and is applied with appropriate parameters for each area.

How is Laser Acne Treatment Performed?

Laser acne treatment is a procedure performed by a dermatology specialist in a clinical setting to regulate the oil balance in the skin, reduce bacterial activity, and control acne formation. Before the treatment, the area to be treated is generally numbed with a local anesthetic cream to increase the patient's comfort. Then, the skin is completely purified of makeup, oil, and dirt residues to make it sterile; this stage is of great importance for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

During the application, appropriate energy settings are determined depending on the patient's skin type, the severity of the acne, and the laser technology used (for example, Nd:YAG or IPL), and laser shots are carried out in a controlled manner. In this way, both the healing of active acne lesions is supported and new acne formation is attempted to be reduced. The procedure time and number of sessions are planned individually and may vary according to skin structure.

What Should Be Considered Before Laser Acne Treatment?

Before fractional laser and similar acne treatments, making the skin suitable for the procedure increases treatment success. Therefore, the skin should be clean and free of makeup, oil, and dirt residues before the procedure. It is of great importance that the skin is not exposed to the sun before the treatment process and throughout the sessions. Since sun rays can increase skin sensitivity, it is recommended to use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct sun contact.

Daily cleaning routines in skincare should not be neglected, and the barrier function of the skin should be supported with an appropriate moisturizer regardless of the skin type. This helps maintain the skin balance and reduce new acne formation. In addition, one should stay away from solariums and applications creating intense UV exposure in the pre-treatment period. These measures help increase the safety and effectiveness of the laser treatment.

How Should Skincare Be After Laser Acne Treatment?

The results obtained after laser acne treatment and possible side effects may vary according to the type of laser used. Mild pinkness and crusting may be seen in the application area after the procedure; however, this situation is a natural part of the healing process and corrects itself in a short time.

Due to the skin becoming more sensitive to the sun after treatment, it is important to be protected from direct sun rays and to use high-factor sunscreen regularly. With the progression of sessions, oil production in the skin decreases, and a significant regression in acne formation is observed. With the continuation of the application, new acne formation is also controlled to a large extent, and the skin achieves a healthier appearance. In necessary cases, remaining acne scars can be removed with additional treatments such as fractional laser.

To Whom is Fractional Laser Acne Treatment Applied?

Fractional laser treatment is a method used to eliminate acne scars and irregularities in the skin texture. Following evaluation by a dermatology specialist, it can be applied to individuals with different skin types. While more predictable results are generally obtained in fair-skinned people, it can also be used safely in dark-skinned individuals with appropriate device selection and correct application parameters.

What are the Side Effects of Fractional Laser Treatment?

Serious side effects are not seen in most patients after fractional laser treatment. However, depending on skin sensitivity, mild redness, edema (swelling), and sensitivity may occur between 3 to 7 days after the procedure. These effects are generally temporary and part of the skin's natural healing process. In necessary cases, applying a cold compress can help reduce these symptoms. Rarely, temporary acne-like rashes or mild edema may develop; however, these effects are not permanent and disappear spontaneously within a short time.

How Many Sessions and How Long is Laser Acne Treatment Applied?

The number of sessions in laser acne treatment is determined individually according to the severity, prevalence, and depth of the acne, and the skin's response to the treatment. Generally, a single session is not sufficient, and applications varying between an average of 3 to 6 sessions are planned to achieve permanent results. Session intervals are mostly arranged between 2 to 4 weeks depending on the type of laser used and the speed of skin healing. The treatment period is determined by the dermatology specialist according to the person's skin structure and acne status.

What Advantages Does Laser Acne Treatment Provide?

Laser acne treatment contributes to both the reduction of active acne lesions and the improvement of skin appearance by acting through multiple mechanisms on the skin. The main advantages of the application can be summarized as follows:

• The activity of sebaceous glands (sebum-producing structures) decreases, and oil production is controlled accordingly.

• Tightening of pores and a significant decrease in appearance occur.

• Regression can be achieved in inflammatory acne lesions such as papules, nodules, and cysts.

• A significant decrease is seen in the number of active acne over time.

• The proliferation of bacteria causing acne (especially Cutibacterium acnes) is suppressed, and associated redness decreases.

• A smoother and healthier appearance is achieved by supporting the renewal process in the skin texture.

What are Laser Acne Treatment Prices?

Laser acne treatment prices vary according to the number of sessions to be applied, the laser technology used, and the scope of the treatment plan. The severity of the acne, skin structure, and whether additional procedures are needed are also important factors affecting the total cost. In price evaluation, not only the cost but also the quality of the devices used and the experience of the specialist performing the procedure are of great importance. Since low-cost applications may not always offer the same quality and safety standard, it is recommended that the treatment be performed under the control of a specialist physician and in appropriate clinical conditions.

In Which Cities Does Dr. Lida Çiteli Offer Laser Acne Treatment?

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli performs laser acne treatment in her clinic in Istanbul. Dr. Çiteli provides services to patients coming from different provinces of Turkey, as well as to clients applying from abroad within the scope of health tourism.