Aesthetic and laser center in Saint-Louis/Mulhouse: your medical center for the treatment of facial acne.
Welcome to the Aesthetic and Laser Center in Mulhouse/Saint-Louis, your trusted destination for advanced medical solutions in the field of aesthetics and specially designed for the treatment of acne. We are passionately committed to providing you with cutting-edge treatment options to help you achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.
We understand the challenges of acne and skin problems, and that’s why our skilled team is determined to provide you with personalized and effective solutions to treat acne and improve the quality of your skin. We use cutting-edge technologies, such as laser treatment, LED therapy, and peeling, to help you achieve the results you are looking for.
Whether you have persistent acne issues, acne scars, or other skin-related concerns, we’re here to provide you with treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your aesthetic goals and medical needs.
At Biolaser, we understand that the skin is unique, just like each individual. That’s why we’re committed to providing the highest quality care and taking into account your individual needs to help you regain healthier, more beautiful skin. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey to glowing skin and renewed self-confidence.
Acne
Acne is not an infectious disease but an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle.
At the base of each hair is a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum, an oily fluid that drains through the pores whose normal function is to protect the skin.
In acne, the pores of the skin are clogged with sebum that is too viscous (thick) or produced in excess and by poorly evacuated dead skin cells (keratinocytes). The changes in the functioning of this pilosebaceous follicle are associated with the proliferation of a bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes (naturally present on the skin) which secretes pro-inflammatory substances.
The main lesions of acne
Hyperseborrhea
Hyperseborrhea is constant. This is the first manifestation of acne that can precede the appearance of acne pimples by several years.
The skin is oily, shiny and the pores are dilated.
It affects areas rich in sebaceous glands: the central part of the face (nose, forehead, chin, cheeks) and the upper thoracic region (neck, back and anterior thorax).
Retentional injuries
There are two types: closed comedones and open comedones:
- Closed comedones (or microcysts) are small, whitish papules 2–3 mm long, sometimes more palpable than visible. They are related to the accumulation of sebum and keratin mixed in the dilated follicular canal by the obstruction of its orifice leading to an indurated and localized bulge of the skin centered by a pale area, hence its name white spot.
- Open comedones correspond to “black dots” that measure between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. The black colouring corresponds to the accumulation of oxidised keratinocytes within the dilated orifice of the infundibular duct which can be spontaneously expelled or inflamed.
Inflammatory lesions
The inflammatory phase begins as soon as there are enough bacteria in the sebaceous gland. They multiply and secrete pro-inflammatory factors. Inflammatory lesions then appear: papules, pustules, nodules, abscesses.
- Superficial inflammatory lesions include raised, inflammatory, pus-free red pimples 1 to 5 mm in diameter, sometimes tender (papules) and red, white-headed pimples with a yellowish-white purulent collection (pustules).
- Deep inflammatory lesions include nodules which are 10 mm lesions > reaching the dermis that can progress to abscess and scarring or rupture in the depth of the dermis giving sinuses, very painful elongated nodules.
Causes or triggering/aggravating factors of acne
Acne can have many causes (genetics, stress, hormonal abnormalities, diet, sun, lifestyle, unsuitable care, etc.), some of which are recognized:
- Use of substances likely to aggravate acne lesions or clog pores : oils, tar, chlorine, unsuitable cosmetics, essential oils, etc.
- Prise de médicaments :
- androgens in women, but also in men in the context of doping for sports purposes,
- oral contraceptives containing androgenic progestins,
- topical and general corticosteroids,
- certain antiepileptic drugs that increase the secretion of seborrhea,
- some antidepressants…
- Acne revealing endocrinopathy: acne accompanied by signs of hyperandrogenism: hirsutism, alopecia, menstrual disorders, infertility should have a hormonal laboratory assessment and an abdominal-pelvic ultrasound performed to look for polycystic ovary syndrome.
Solutions to treat acne at the BIOLASER clinic in Saint-Louis/Mulhouse
During the first essential consultation, a personalized care plan will be offered to you and a written quote as well as a treatment consent to be signed for each technique used will be given to you. The doctor will check with you that you have no contraindications.
He will offer you a single technique with a precise number of sessions or in general a combination of several techniques depending on the type and extent of your acne.
1. IPL Nordlys
- The Nordlys IPL treatment reduces the blood supply to the sebaceous gland, which leads to a slowdown in sebum production. The light emitted by IPL also has the ability to directly destroy some of the bacteria present on the surface of the skin.
- The best results are obtained on inflammatory acne: red, painful and raised pimples. It is important that the skin is not tanned and that it has not been exposed to the sun recently.
- Ellipse IPL technology improves the appearance of acne pimples, pigmentation irregularities and skin tone
2. Peeling
- Chemical peels are valuable tools in the treatment of acne.
- These products are formulated with powerful and specific ingredients to target acne-related skin concerns.
- Chemical peels work by gently exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and pore-clogging impurities, helping to reduce acne breakouts. Additionally, these peels can help fade acne scars by promoting cell regeneration and improving the overall texture of the skin.
- Regular use of chemical peels, under the supervision of a dermatology or aesthetic professional, can be an effective component of an overall treatment plan to combat acne and achieve clearer, healthier skin.
3. Microneedling with Dermapen
- Microneedling with Dermapen is a promising treatment option for people suffering from acne and its after-effects. The Dermapen is a medical device equipped with sterile microneedles that create small perforations in the skin in a controlled manner. This procedure stimulates collagen production and promotes cell regeneration, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with acne issues.
- When applied to treat acne, microneedling with the Dermapen offers several benefits. It helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by improving skin texture and smoothing out irregularities. Additionally, it can help reduce hyperpigmentation caused by acne, resulting in a more even skin tone. Dermapen is also effective in reducing skin inflammation, which can be especially helpful for people with active acne.
4. LED (Light Emitting Diode)
- The MEDISOL® LED improves refractory acne, acne rosacea and reduces acne scars.
- The blue LEDs act on the porphyrins of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes in order to destroy the latter.
- The red LEDs penetrate deep enough to reach the sebaceous glands to exert an anti-inflammatory action. It is recommended to alternate a red light session and a blue light session in the same week.
5. Topical, General and Cosmetic Treatments
Depending on the contraindications, the type and severity of the lesions, you may be offered appropriate medical treatment and/or cosmetology.
- General medications and treatments : medical prescriptions for acne.
- Topical care : creams, serums and dermatological treatments adapted to the specific needs of the skin.
- Cosmetic routine or Skin care focused on acne: personalized advice according to the seasons (hydration in winter, sun protection in summer, etc.).
Is IPL treatment painful?
No anesthetic is needed, and many patients describe the treatment as virtually painless. A sensation similar to a snapping of a rubber band followed by a sensation of gentle warmth comparable to that felt after a day at the beach can be observed after the session.
Who can benefit from these anti-acne treatments?
• All acne patients who have already benefited from oral treatment with antibiotics, who have had a failure or recurrent flare-ups, and who no longer wish to go through conventional treatments. Oral retinoids should be discontinued for at least 6 months.
• Patients who are unwilling or unable to take oral medications.
• Adolescents too young to use oral retnoids, to avoid too much damage to the skin, which is a source of indelible scars.
Should maintenance therapy be done?
A booster treatment every 4 to 6 months will keep its result longer.
Acne is a skin disease subject to the influence of hormonal fluctuations, stress (cortisol production) and medication (corticosteroids, antidepressants, etc.), It is important to understand that these factors can be the cause of a recurrence without the effectiveness of the treatment being incriminated.
What precautions should I take before and after treatment with Nordlys IPL at the centre in Mulhouse/Saint-Louis?
• The pulsed light used is completely safe and as a rule, no special care is necessary after the treatment. However, people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying a cold compress to the face immediately after treatment or using a cream prescribed by the doctor.
• You may notice general redness on the face after the treatment. If your skin is damaged by the sun, some of the pigment spots may become darker and eventually disappear.
• Since acne is difficult to eradicate completely, your doctor may recommend that you continue your treatment with topical treatments for a few months, after the end of treatment sessions with the Nordlys device or combine other treatments. In the event of a possible next acne flare-up, the treatment can be repeated.
• Acne treatment with Nordlys IPL or laser is a combination therapy. Thus, your doctor will be able to offer you a complementary treatment (LED, peeling, cosmetology, etc.) to optimize the treatment of acne.
How long does a Nordlys IPL treatment last?
It takes about 60 flashes to treat an entire face. Including the consultation and post-treatment preparation, it takes about 20 minutes. A conventional treatment generally consists of 4 sessions, performed 1 month apart. The number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of the condition, and the area to be treated.
