acne light therapy

It’s human nature to want to look our best, and you may even remember a time when looking your best didn’t require as much work. Although teenagers and people in their 20s can often get by with a minimalist’s skin care routine, taking care of skin early in life will help keep it looking great longer. While we often share tips for skin rejuvenation and restoring a youthful look, we would like to use this blog to encourage healthy skin care habits beginning at a young age.

Summer is the perfect time for teens and pre-teens to begin practicing a regular skin care routine since it can be difficult to make time for skin care when school’s in session. Although teenagers are often very concerned with acne and their appearance overall, they do not always take steps to control it because many simply do not know where to start. It is important to understand that your skin’s condition is as unique as you, so products that work for one person may not help someone else. No matter what type of skin care products you choose, there are certain steps that should be taken daily for better skin no matter what your age.

It’s important to wash your face at least twice daily. If you have teenagers, start by buying them a generic over-the-counter facial cleanser that is gentle on skin. Do not teach teens to pop pimples or pick at acne as doing so can lead to unsightly scars. Using a toner or astringent after washing the face can further benefit the skin by helping to balance PH levels. Teens usually benefit from products containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid that target acne-causing sebum without irritating the skin.

The most important skin care tip for young people is ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN and AVOID TANNING BEDS! Not only does sun damage cause uneven pigmentation, melasma, and eventually wrinkles, but it can also cause skin cancer. We recommend using SPF 30 sunscreen daily and reapplying often. You can even go a step further in caring for your skin by choosing a mineral makeup with SPF included to wear over sunscreen for added protection.

If you have teenagers, it’s important to teach them how to take care of their skin, but it’s also important to know when it’s time to seek help. If your child’s skin conditions do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, take them to a professional. A dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications to treat active condition(s), but certain concerns may also be helped with cosmetic skin treatments. Microdermabrasion and certain chemical peels and facials can improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, and acne scarring, and patients with severe acne may benefit from acne light therapy.

Acne light therapy uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to eliminate acne by shrinking over-active oil glands, killing bacteria within pores, and regulating skin cell turnover. Unlike harmful UV rays, PDT uses a blue light source that does not damage the skin. During treatment, a photosynthesizing agent is applied to the treatment area and is activated by the light source. Although patients notice results in one treatment, most patients receive multiple treatments over several weeks for optimal results. In fact, some patients choose to alternate between acne light treatments and chemical peels for even clearer skin.

The providers of Laser Lights know how important it is to teach children healthy skin care habits because the better they take care of their skin during youth, the better it looks down the road. If you’re interested in learning more about what Laser Lights has to offer, visit our website or schedule a pre-treatment consultation or appointment today. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for skin care news and updates.