ADVERTISING: Advertorial — DR. WENDY CUNNINGHAM: Acne and laser therapy
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Occasional breakouts and chronic acne plague tens of millions of Americans of all ages every year. About 85% of teens experience some type of acne, but even many adults deal with at least occasional breakouts too. About half of teens and young adults suffering from acne will have severe enough symptoms to seek out professional help.
Acne vulgaris is the term for a group of skin conditions that cause most acne pimples. Acne is typically categorized into two main types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Acne is also described as mild, moderate or severe.
Low-level lasers stimulate the body’s light-sensitive components to produce an effect similar to photosynthesis in plants when the cells’ mitochondria are stimulated, encouraging the cell to produce more energy naturally. The lasers do not produce any heat, so they are sometimes referred to as “cold lasers.”
The wavelength of light determines the color you see and its healing potential. The red laser operates at a wavelength of 635nm and has been proven effective in treating inflammation and relieving chronic pain. The violet laser operates at a lower wavelength of 405nm to target dermatological conditions and has proven successful in the reduction of acne. This is primarily due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
The Erchonia EVRL laser is unique because it combines the red and violet lasers together and has been FDA approved to treat skin conditions including moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. By using a combination of both red and violet low-level lasers, a broader range of dermatological conditionsa can be treated safely and effectively. This is a safe and effective alternative treatment for acne compared to some of the traditional treatments which come with harmful side effects. People with acne have had to rely on strong antibiotic treatments lasting several months, harsh topical ointments that can irritate and severely dry out the skin or hot lasers that cause redness and pain.
Treatment protocol for acne involves applying the laser over the affected areas for a total of 12 minutes. The average number of treatments is 12, with a frequency of twice per week for six weeks. Because this form of laser therapy is as safe as it is effective, there are no known long-term side effects and no down time following treatment.
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For more information, contact Dr. Wendy Cunningham at haydenhealth.com.