Acne
What Causes Acne & How Can We Treat It?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. While often associated with adolescence, acne frequently affects adults, particularly women in their 20s–40s.
Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective, long-term management.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops due to a combination of factors:
1. Excess Sebum Production
Sebaceous glands produce oil to protect the skin. Hormonal fluctuations can stimulate increased oil production, leading to clogged pores.
2. Blocked Hair Follicles
When dead skin cells accumulate and are not shed efficiently, they combine with oil to form comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
3. Bacterial Overgrowth
The bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) can proliferate within clogged follicles, triggering inflammation.
4. Inflammation
Inflammatory mediators contribute to redness, swelling, and tenderness in papules, pustules, and cystic lesions.
5. Hormonal Influences
Androgen hormones can increase sebaceous activity. Hormonal acne commonly affects the lower face and jawline.
6. External Triggers
· Stress
· Occlusive skincare or cosmetics
· Certain medications
· High glycaemic diets
· UV exposure (which may temporarily mask but not cause acne)
How Can Acne Be Treated?
Effective acne management requires a personalised and often multimodal approach.
Topical Treatments
Prescription or medical-grade topical therapies may help regulate oil production, reduce bacterial activity, and normalise cell turnover.
Oral Medications
In moderate to severe cases, oral therapies may be considered under medical supervision.
Laser & Light-Based Treatments
· Vascular & Inflammatory Control
The Cutera Excel V+ may assist in reducing acne-related redness and inflammation by targeting superficial blood vessels and calming active lesions.
· Laser Genesis
Delivered via the Excel platform, Laser Genesis gently heats the dermis to support collagen production and reduce diffuse redness.
· Picosecond Technology
The Enlighten SR may be used in select cases to improve post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne-related textural changes.
· Chemical Peels
Superficial peels containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid can assist with pore clarification and oil regulation.
· LED Therapy
Blue light therapy may support reduction of acne-causing bacteria, while red light may assist with inflammation control.
A Structured Acne Program
Acne often requires ongoing management rather than a single treatment. At our clinic, we design structured acne programs tailored to:
• Acne severity
• Skin type and sensitivity
• Presence of pigmentation or scarring
• Lifestyle and hormonal factors
The goal is not only to control active breakouts but also to minimise long-term scarring and pigmentation.
Important Considerations
Acne treatment outcomes vary between individuals. All medical treatments carry potential risks and benefits, which will be discussed during consultation.
If acne is persistent, worsening, or associated with scarring, early medical intervention may reduce long-term skin damage.
1. Acne Treatment with the Cutera Excel V+ Laser Precision Laser Care for Clear, Balanced Skin What Is the Excel V+ Laser? The Cutera Excel V+ is an advanced aesthetic laser platform that delivers highly targeted energy to address acne and redness at their source. This medical-grade laser uses specialised wavelengths to treat inflammation, reduce bacterial activity, calm redness, and improve acne-related scarring — all with minimal discomfort and downtime. Excel V+ combines precision with safety, making it an excellent option for patients seeking a sophisticated, non-invasive approach to acne management. How Excel V+ Treats Acne Acne is influenced by several factors: excess oil production, bacteria, inflammation, and follicular blockage. The Excel V+ laser addresses these through: 🔹 Targeting Inflammation The laser energy penetrates the surface layers to calm inflamed follicles and reduce ongoing redness associated with active acne. 🔹 Reducing Bacterial Load Certain wavelengths help inhibit Propionibacterium acnes — the bacteria that contribute to acne development — promoting clearer skin with continued treatments. 🔹 Improving Oil Regulation By gently modulating sebaceous (oil) gland activity, the treatment supports a more balanced skin environment less prone to congestion. 🔹 Enhancing Post-Acne Healing Excel V+ can also stimulate collagen production — helping to improve the appearance of texture changes and mild scarring that may accompany acne. This layered approach makes the Excel V+ effective for both inflammatory acne and the residual redness or texture issues that can follow. What to Expect During Treatment • Consultation & Customisation Every treatment begins with a detailed assessment to personalise laser settings based on your skin type, acne severity, lifestyle, and treatment history. • Comfort-Focused Session Treatments are performed in a calm clinical setting. Many patients describe a mild warming sensation rather than pain. • Session Duration Typically 15–30 minutes — suitable as a dedicated appointment or part of an integrated acne program. • Downtime Most patients experience minimal to no downtime. You can often resume regular activities immediately. Results & Treatment Plan Optimal outcomes are achieved through a tailored series of treatments. Your clinician will recommend a schedule based on: Acne severity Skin sensitivity Presence of inflammation or scarring Response to previous therapies Patients commonly notice a reduction in redness, breakouts, and overall inflammation within a few sessions, with progressive improvement over the course of treatment. Ideal Candidates Excel V+ is suited for people experiencing: Inflammatory acne Redness and irritation Acne-related texture changes Persistent breakouts resistant to topical therapies Desire for non-systemic (non-oral) treatment options It can be combined with other modalities — such as medical peels, LED therapy, or topical regimens — to enhance outcomes while respecting skin health. Why Choose This Treatment at Our Clinic At our luxury cosmetic clinic, your acne plan is more than a single procedure. We prioritise: ✔ Medical-grade technology ✔ Personalised treatment protocols ✔ Holistic acne strategies ✔ Skin health preservation and long-term refinement ✔ Minimal downtime with elegant results The Excel V+ laser is integrated into comprehensive acne management pathways that elevate both skin clarity and confidence. FAQs Is laser acne treatment safe? Yes. When performed by an experienced clinician within a controlled clinical environment, Excel V+ is a safe and well-tolerated laser treatment for acne and redness. How many sessions will I need? Most patients benefit from a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Your clinician will tailor this to your skin and goals. Can it replace my current skincare routine? Laser therapy works best in conjunction with a tailored skincare regimen. You’ll receive a customised plan that complements your treatments for sustained results. Clearer Skin Starts Here Rediscover smoother, calmer, and clearer skin with precision laser care. Book your personalised consultation to determine if Cutera Excel V+ acne treatment is right for you.
