How to Minimize Sebum Production
Sebum overproduction is one of the main causes of acne. Hair follicles connected to sebaceous glands may become overloaded with sebum oil, which the body produces to lubricate skin and hair. Accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells cause an overload in the follicle, resulting in pimples. There are various treatments aimed at decreasing sebum production; however, they have proven risky with many side effects or have not been proven through scientific research. A 1450 nm diode laser zaps sebaceous glands deep in the dermis, shrinking them. Various studies have proven this is an effective method in reducing sebum excretion. The treatment is FDA approved and may have beneficial effects other than the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia, or overproduction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine Candidacy
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Find a practitioner who performs the laser acne treatment. Check online at the different laser treatment websites for technicians located near you. Make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Meet with the practitioner for an analysis of acne and skin type. Because the laser targets dark follicle pigments through the epidermis in order to pinpoint the area to treat, some darker skin types with light colored hair may be riskier to treat.
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Develop an individualized treatment plan with the practitioner. Find out how many treatments you'll need, pre-treatment, treatment schedule, and price. Ask your practitioner for specific precautions related to your individualized treatment plan.
Pretreatment
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Expose yourself minimally to the sun two to six weeks prior to the first scheduled treatment. Sunbathing, frequent outdoor activities and tanning should be avoided for the amount of time recommended by your practitioner.
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Wash skin thoroughly before the procedure. Remove all makeup, lotion and oil from the skin's surface.
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Apply topical anesthetic (optional) right before the procedure. The anesthetic is a gel that you apply only to the affected area to be treated.
Procedure
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Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the laser. The practitioner will also use protective eyewear and gloves.
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Lie back. The practitioner will apply the laser probe tool to your acne. It will spray a shot of coolant to protect the epidermis from burns in conjunction with the laser pulse. The practitioner will deliver swift, multiple pulses over the face, targeting the active acne spots.
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Cleanse skin gently and resume regular activities, but with minimal sun exposure. Use sunscreen during the day and proceed with the daily skin cream regimen recommended by the practitioner. A noticeable reduction in sebum production should become evident after several follow up treatments.
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Tips & Warnings
Patients require several treatments to reduce sebum production significantly--in most cases, three to four sessions. They are usually spaced three to five weeks part to give the sebaceous glands time to produce a new cycle of active acne.
Laser acne treatments are considered cosmetic procedures and are typically not covered or reimbursed by medical insurance companies. You may consult the practitioner for payment programs and options.
Treatments are performed in an outpatient setting in a physician's office or practitioner's skin care center.
The procedure time varies depending on the area to be treated. This can be anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes per session.
Make sure your technician is skilled and experienced in handling this type of laser, as poor operation can be painful, ineffective, burn the skin and cause discoloration. Individual patients will experience varying levels of discomfort.
Minimal side effects include redness at the treated site and change in skin tone in the affected area.
References
Resources
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