Stopping acne flares means treating acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory disease of the oil-gland units of the skin, at several points: excess oil, blocked follicles, bacteria, inflammation and the marks left behind. This earlier article describes Dr Sin Yong's laser-led approach, the R2 Glow Laser protocol, alongside other measures for hormonal acne, decided at assessment.
- Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the oil-gland units, involving oil, blocked follicles, bacteria and inflammation.
- Laser and light can calm inflamed lesions, but they do not change the cause of acne.
- Dr Sin Yong uses the R2 Glow Laser protocol, with other measures for hormonal acne decided at assessment.
- Suitability depends on acne type, medicines taken and skin condition, and laser complements rather than replaces topical or oral care.
- Dr Sin Yong, an aesthetic physician, performs treatment and refers severe or scarring acne on where appropriate.
Stopping Acne Flares Laser Pimple Treatment
Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit, affecting approximately 85% of adolescents and persisting into adulthood for many patients. It is characterised by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts — a spectrum of severity from mild to disfiguring.
The cycle of acne involves increased sebaceous gland activity, abnormal follicular differentiation with increased keratinisation, which predisposes to microbial colonisation and increased inflammation. Other contributing factors include hormonal disturbances, family history, comedogenic products and dietary intake.
Breaking the Acne Cycle
Dr Sin Yong's approach targets multiple points in the acne cycle simultaneously: reducing sebum production, clearing blocked follicles, targeting the bacterial biofilm, and reducing post-inflammatory pigmentation. The R2 Glow Laser protocol is directed at active acne as well as skin texture and tone.
For patients with hormonal-driven acne, a combination approach incorporating oral agents with laser treatment is directed at more of the process than either modality alone. The goal is not just clearance of existing lesions, but prevention of new flares — breaking the cycle rather than managing individual breakouts.
Acne scars are a permanent reminder of past inflammation. Treating active acne early and aggressively is always preferable to later scar reconstruction — prevention spares much of the later scar work.
