Acne is a disruption in the skin caused by different factors, including bacteria, hormones and genetics. The pilosebaceous unit is comprised of the hair-growing follicle and the sebaceous gland which releases sebum to the skin surface through the pore. There is a normal population of bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes in the skin, but when pores become clogged the build-up of sebum and the enhanced cornification cause blackhead or whitehead comedones to form within the pores.
The anaerobic conditions in the comedones stimulate the proliferation of P.Acnes which in turn induces inflammation. White blood cells infiltrate the area and ensuing inflammation can lead to acneiform lesions called papules, nodules or cysts.
The goals of treatment for active eruptive acne are: to reduce the bacteria count of the acne-causing P.Acnes and to control the activity of the sebaceous glands to reduce excess sebum production.
The clinical improvements in the appearance of acne are evidenced by reducing the size of individual acne lesions, reducing the frequency of acne eruptions, and promoting faster healing times. Preventing future blockages or clogging of pores can be facilitated through a variety of topical therapies including micro-dermabrasion, light chemical peels, and an acne skin care regimen. The AC applicator applicator uses a broadspectrum of light and radio-frequency energies to target the sebaceous unit in the skin. The short wavelengths in the blue light spectrum target the P.Acnes bacteria in the tubes of the sebaceous glands.
The photodynamic reaction between the blue light and the photoporphyrins, which are an integral part of the bacterial membrane(light- sensitive molecules), results in oxidation and free radical damage to the bacterial cell membrane.
P.Acnes are destroyed in this free radical environment, reducing bacterial count and stopping the inflammatory process within the sebaceous gland.
The red and infra-red portions of the optical spectrum, as well as the radio-frequency energy, have a thermal drying effect deeper in the sebaceous glands to produce and secrete less sebum. The addition of radio-frequency in the AC application also offers the unique advantage of improving the texture of acneiform skin (which is often left blotchy and rough after acne eruptions).
The AC procedure is a low risk treatment with no down-time, which can offer gradual and safe improvements for patients with active papular-papulopustular acne.