NLite

How to treat stubborn adult acne: N-Lite

January 15, 2018 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

If you have bathroom cabinets and drawers full of creams, lotions and washes all aimed at clearing acne then the title of this blog is most likely a common search term in your google history.

Adult acne typically affects adults in their 20’s or 30’s but this doesn’t mean that those in their 40’s or 50’s are immune. 80% of adult acne occurs in women and this is usually because hormones are often a direct cause.

Hormonal changes most often occur due to monthly cycles, pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome. What hormonal changes can do is alter your natural sebum production, causing more to be produced resulting in the appearance of acne.

Adult men are not out of risk however, many adult men in their 20’s and 30’s can suffer from adult acne despite them not having the same fluctuation in hormones as females do. Excess sebum production in males especially can be down to genetics making them just as prone to acne as females are.

So what can be done?

Just like all types of acne, adult acne can be stubborn and what may work wonders for one person, may have no effect on another person.

Here at The Private Clinic we work to treat adult acne especially by addressing the very cause of the spots; the bacteria.

Our N-Lite treatment is one of the most effective laser treatments on the market.

N-Lite – What is it?

N-Lite is a laser treatment which uses a visible yellow light to mimic damage to the skin which then stimulates the skin’s natural response to wound healing – which results in new collagen being formed. The treatment was initially focused on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but practitioners soon noticed that it also greatly improved the appearance of acne. The N-Lite is used to reduce and control active acne.

To find out more about the N-Lite treatment see our previous blog here;

N-Lite – How does it work?

The N-Lite laser treatment works in 3 ways: firstly the light of the laser kills the bacteria which causes acne. The treatment is carried out over the entire face which helps to reduce the risk of infection spreading but it also helps to stimulate the skin as a whole to produce new collagen resulting in a new healthy complexion. Lastly the N-Lite procedure also works to reduce inflammation which often provides patients with an instant improvement of the appearance of acne and a reduction in the formation of any new breakouts.

To find out more about how N-Lite works for acne see here;

N-Lite – How many treatments will I need?

We usually recommend patients to have 5 treatments of the N-Lite procedure but this will depend on the severity of your outbreaks. Usually treatment is combined with other skin treatments such as a chemical skin peel. Once a patient has completed their course of treatment, we do then recommend that they come back for top up treatments every 3-6 months to help keep the acne away.

N-Lite – Where can I have this treatment?

Our N-Lite treatment is available at;

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow and Northampton.

We recommend that you book into a clinic of your choice for a free skin consultation where you will be able to discuss your concerns and your practitioner will be able to suggest the best course of treatment to suit you. In some cases you may be advised to have an exfoliating treatment such as a microdermabrasion before your N-Lite treatment to help remove any dead skin cells which can create a barrier that reduces the amount of light that your skin is able to absorb which can affect the overall results of treatment.

It if it decided that N-Lite treatment is the best treatment for your adult acne then you will also be required to have a patch test at your initial consultation.

N-Lite – Before and After photos

See more before and after photos here

N-Lite – Patient Stories

Lindsey is our most recent N-Lite treatment success story. Struggling with hormonal adult acne she felt she had tried every lotion, cream and wash available before finally seeking specialist help from our experienced skin team here at The Private Clinic. Lindsey went ahead with N-Lite treatment combined with Obagi Blue Peel Radiance treatments and now a year after she initially started her treatment her confidence has soared and her skin is looking clearer, brighter and healthier.

“The results have given me my confidence back. I’m not uncomfortable going bare faced and don’t feel sad when I look in the mirror”

Acne Treatment FAQs

March 30, 2017 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter if we are young, old, male or female just about all of us get acne at some point in our lives. Traditionally acne is associated with our teenage years and the sudden surge in hormones but many of us have found our breakouts have continued through into our 20s and some of us who have never experienced acne before are having sudden breakouts in our 50s.

If you are finding yourself hiding your face behind long long hair, avoiding selfies and photos with friends or cancelling social events because of your acne then we are here to help.

We get many patients through our doors who are looking for treatments to help with their current acne and to avoid future breakouts too. We have listed some of our frequently asked questions about acne treatments to allow you to be more informed about your potentially life-changing treatment.

Is adult acne common?

Adult acne is much more common than people think with and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about seeking help for it. Many celebrities have even suffered with adult acne including Victoria Beckham, Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss

Do you treat all types of acne?

There are lots of different types of acne and recognising what type of acne you have is key to finding the right treatment to help. Here at The Private Clinic we have over thirty years of medical experience in treating a variety of skin problems.

Do you treat all skin types?

We are able to treat all skin types, during a consultation with one of our practitioners we will be able to assess your skin and decide which treatment will work best. If you have darker skin and are considering laser treatment you will need to have a patch test first. Certain health conditions and medications may mean you are unsuitable for treatment and these will be discussed with you during your consultation.

What types of treatments do you offer for acne?

We have a range of treatments for treating acne including the most popular NLite laser which is a SmartPulse™ laser light that targets the bacteria in the skin and stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the skin. Other treatments include chemical peels and a range of products that can be tailored to your skin type including the nurse prescribed Obagi treatment system.

Is acne treatment permanent?

It is important to remember that acne can be treated but not cured. We recommend that if you are having treatment for acne prone skin then you should maintain them to avoid the risk of acne returning.

Will I need to continue having treatment?

Patients with long term acne often opt to continue having treatment in order to manage and control their flare-ups. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the same treatment they started with however, many patients have intense acne treatments to begin with but then top up with alternative treatments that work for them.

Are acne treatments painful?

Pain levels obviously vary from patient to patient. The NLite laser may feel warm as it passes over the area being treated and some have described it as a tingling sensation but as it is a low level laser it should be relatively pain free.

A chemical peel will have a similar feeling of warmth and tingling of the skin.

Will my acne get worse after treatment?

Some patients may find they experience breakouts after treatments but this doesn’t mean that the treatment is not working. The breakout is often due to your skin clearing the acne causing debris that is clogging your pores and unfortunately it is often the case that your skin may look worse before it gets better. The more treatments you have the less your skin will breakout afterwards, we recommend that you continue with a course of treatment to ensure you get the best results.

Acne Treatment Before and After Result Photos

Acne treatment before and after results with NLite Laser

Acne treatment before and after results with Chemical Peel

Acne treatment before and after results with Obagi Clenziderm Products

The Private Clinic
We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced nurses and skin therapists working with us. During your free consultation one of our highly experienced practitioners will talk you through the different types of acne treatments available and explain how they could work for you.

Acne Treatments are available at; London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton

To book a consultation to find out more about the treatments we offer, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form to get booked in at a clinic local to you.

Acne Treatment at The Private Clinic

March 16, 2017 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

It has recently been reported that “a lack of trained skin specialists is having a huge impact on acne patients” It means that there are often long waits for those seeking specialist advice on skin issues such as acne. Those suffering with acne especially may already be feeling frustrated and helpless to then be denied access to a dermatologist can cause a skin condition to become almost be life-ruining.

Here at The Private Clinic we understand how much acne can affect your life and especially your self-confidence. We have over thirty years of medical experience in treating a variety of skin problems and we are now one of the UK’s leading clinics for dermatology and skin. There has actually been a 65% increase in dermatology enquiries at The Private Clinic so far this year compared to the same period of time in 2016.

The N Lite is our most popular treatment for acne. This treatment aims to target the root cause of acne, bacteria. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and it can be used to treat acne on the face, neck, back and chest. It has been described as the most significant advancement in the treatment of acne in decades.

Find out more about the N Lite Treatment here : https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/blog/2016/11/05/what-is-n-lite

We have spoken to practitioner Vicki Newman from The Private Clinic at The Gatehouse Clinic, Northampton about her top products and treatments that she recommends for acne prone skin.

In clinic we have a range of different products and treatments to help improve and control acne but here are some of mine, and my patient’s favourites;

The Advanced Nutrition Programme ‘Accumax’ are supplements that work to clear acne prone skin. It contains unique blend of ingredients – including an exciting ingredient called DIM. DIM is a metabolinite known as a hydroxy pathway which sends a message to the hormones to calm down and together they help to maintain healthy looking skin and a flawless complexion. The supplements also won’t cause any dryness or flakiness which is often common in most topical acne treatments.

The Obagi Clenziderm range is a prescription strength range of products aimed at clearing acne. The products are nurse prescribed and ingredients include a solubilized form of 5% BPO which is designed to penetrate deep into the follicle and clear acne fast. Results start from 1-2 weeks after use and the products are also designed to help prevent future breakouts.

Peroxide works for acne as it is a keratolytic agent with antibacterial actions. The effects from using is can include peeling form the drying action helping the skin become more balanced

I have personally been using the Obagi 360 system and I am astounded by the results, I have used Cosmeceutical products which have been glycolic based for 2 years now and had accepted my skin was as clear and exfoliated as it could be and I was happy but did feel I lacked a little in brightness. After two weeks of using Obagi I can’t believe the enhancement of my skin in every way, it was brighter, younger, clearer, healthier and felt tighter. I am so confident now that I feel I do not have to wear make up (unless I want to for special occasions) and a lot of people compliment my skin when I am not wearing make up and say ‘they want it like mine’, which is a shock to them when I say I not wearing any! The retinal 0.5 within the product is what has achieved this result and it is a fabulous range to use forever or like myself fluctuate between different types of products and use when needed.

The Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid from Circadia is another favourite. The product gives your skin a deep cleanse and the beta-hydroxy salicylic acid helps to soften your skin and exfoliate. It works by drying the oil within the skin that normally triggers the acne keeping it under control. I normally recommend that this product is used as regularly as 3-5 times a week although you should attend a consultation first so we can assess your skin. Used in combination with the Circadia Day and Night Time Control Moisturisers this is a great skin care regime to add into your routine.

Alongside all the great products we offer here, we also have a range of Skin Peel treatments that are perfect for exfoliating and enhancing the skin. The peels available here can be tailored to your skin type and often the peels work to remodel your skin rather than physically peel it although this is a common side effect with the stronger peels. Whatever your skin type is, there will be a peel suitable for you.

So whether it is acne or another skin complaint that you are seeking specialist advice for we recommend your make an appointment at a clinic local to you to come in for free skin consultation where we can look at your skin as well as speak through your lifestyle and skin care regimes and tailor a skin treatment and product plan that is unique to you.

The Private Clinic

Our leading UK dermatologists target root cause bacteria, the underlying factor behind problem acne, and create bespoke plans for all skin types.

Visit us in clinic at;

London Harley Street, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Buckinghamshire and Northampton

To book a consultation to find out more about the acne treatments and products we offer, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form to get booked in at a clinic local to you.

How does the N-Lite work for Acne?

February 10, 2017 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

In a previous blog we spoke with our Aesthetic Therapists from The Private Clinic to answer your top questions about the N-Lite Machine.

Here we bring you part 2 of the Q&A which goes into more information about treating acne especially.

How does the N-Lite work for acne?

The N-Lite laser treatment works in 3 ways: killing the bacteria, stimulating new collagen and reducing inflammation.

For Acne treatments the light of the laser kills the acne bacteria that cause the infection that can result in lesions and spots appearing on the skin. We treat the whole face to ensure the bacteria is killed over the whole area reducing the risk of infection spreading and further breakouts from occurring. The treatment also results in the stimulation of dermal collagen production which is a result of the body’s natural wound healing response; this can help to reduce the appearance of mild acne scarring. We are able to reduce the inflammation of the skin and prevent formation of new breakouts by stimulating the cytokine molecule.

How many treatments are usually recommended for a successful result?

It does depend on the patient’s skin to be able to determine how many treatments they will need to be able to address their concerns. For aggressive acne a course of 5 treatments is recommended although they may need more or a combination of the N-lite treatment and another skin treatment. After the patients initial course of treatment it is best advised to have single treatments every 3 months for maintenance.

What can I expect after my treatment?

After your first treatment you can experience breakouts a few weeks after, this is because the laser can draw out the acne making it appear worse as the immune system has had a shock. After a few days the body’s natural wound healing response will start to clear up the acne, patients will start to see the old breakouts will start to heal and calm down. Some swelling may be present and sometimes patients can have mild bruising on the skin due to blood capillaries lying close to the surface of the skin, but these may subside within a few hours.

Through the rest of the course of treatment results will be gradual over this time; full benefit of the treatment is normally seen within 3 months after the last treatment of the course.

What can I do after treatment to aid my results?

After treatment we will suggest to refrain from using any products with active ingredients (for example, salicylic, glycolic, retinol) in them for at least 48 hours after treatment to allow your skin to settle and recover. After 48 hours you are able to use your home care products, although you would still be advised to wait a few more days before using retinols, salicylic or glycolic products. Swimming, direct sunlight or sunbeds and fake tan should all be avoided for 2-3 days.

The practitioner will recommend continuing using sun protection. Depending on your concerns addressed in the consultation for maximum results we do offer Advanced Nutrition food supplements that can help the skin from the inside out, these supplements are best to take 2 weeks before your first treatment and after your course of treatment. For Acne we recommend Skin Accumax to help control and reduce acne and breakouts and for those concerned with general ageing well and loss of collagen we recommend the Skin complete or collagen supplements, aiding in the support of production of healthy skin cells.

A product that everyone should be using in their skin care regime is the Blemish and Age Defence from Skin Ceuticals which contains glycolic, salicylic and Dioic acid. This product helps to create a path way in the skin to allow other products to deliver deeper in the skin. You will see the breakouts and oil production of the skin reduce and your skin will generally look a lot healthier.

For acne or breakout prone skin cutting out dairy from the diet can also help to reduce acne, as it could be an indication of intolerance to the lactose. Cutting out refined sugar can help as our bodies are unable to break these sugars down properly, this can result in the body purging through the skin resulting in breakouts and can result in premature ageing of the skin. Beer can be another culprit as it is fermented and sits in our digestive systems which can then be linked to acne of the of the face. Looking after the body on the inside as well as the outside will help to reduce any concerns of the skin, whether it be taking antioxidants or seeing the GP as it could also be an indication of a hormonal imbalance.

Acne treatment at The Private Clinic

We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced skin specialists and Consultant Dermatologists working with us. Our nurses and practitioners have performed more N-Lite treatments to date than any other clinic in the country.

Available at Birmingham, London Harley Street, Manchester, Leeds & Northampton

What is N-Lite ?

November 5, 2016 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

The N-Lite laser is not a quite a household name yet so we like to think of it as being a top secret treatment to improved skin!

In order to shed some light on the N-Lite, we have asked our Aesthetic Therapist at The Private Clinic to answer some questions about the machine.

What is N-Lite?

The N-Lite is a laser which is also known in the industry as Regenlite, it is a visible yellow light laser which copies the damage in the skin that stimulates the skin’s natural response to wound healing. In other terms, it tricks the skin into thinking it has been wounded to then stimulate the skin to repair and heal, which produces brand new collagen. The N-lite laser was first introduced to the UK in 2000 and it predominantly focused on reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and treating general signs of ageing. It soon became apparent to practitioners that the treatments were also reducing active acne breakouts on patients who were having treatment at the time. Now the N-lite laser is known as a treatment which can successfully reduce and control active acne, giving patients more confidence.

What does the N-Lite treat?

With the laser we are able to treat the face, back, chest and abdomen if patients are suffering from acne on these areas. The N-Lite laser can also be used to help to heal the skin, for example a cold sore, papercut or fairly new scar and skin conditions such as Rosacea and Acne. The laser also allows the practitioner to treat other various concerns such as general skin rejuvenation to help target lines and wrinkles in conjunction which is known as Regenlite treatment.

acne nlite before after the private clinic

How do I prepare for N-Lite treatment?

Preparation for the treatment is dependent on the patient’s skin and their concerns, which is why it is vital the patient receives a thorough consultation with a practitioner to ensure they are given the correct advice and recommendations for a good home care regime. The practitioner may suggest having a microdermabrasion, glycolic or enzyme treatment before the N-Lite to remove dead skin cells. It is important to exfoliate the skin before this treatment to remove those dead skin cells as it can create a barrier which will then reduce the level of absorption of the light into the skin which may affect the overall result of the treatment.

Patients will be asked to avoid taking aspirin, aloe vera, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines for at least 7 days before and after treatments. If patients are using Vitamin A products for example retinol based products or other active ingredients (i.e. glycolic, salicylic) they will also be asked to not use these products for 2 days before and after treatment. For patients who smoke it is better if they can refrain from smoking on the day of treatment and for at least 48 hours after treatment as smoking can stop the treatment from working effectively. Drinking alcohol is also prohibited for at least 2 hours before and after treatment. Patients who have recently been in the sun on holiday, used sunbeds or fake tan will be asked to wait up to 6 weeks after they have come back before a patch test can be carried out as a precautionary measure to ensure the skin is not tanned and therefore prevents an adverse reaction like a blister or burn.

blog-no-smoking-the-private-clinic

What happens during an N-Lite procedure?

Step 1 – The practitioner will cleanse the area using the appropriate products for your skin type.
Step 2– The skin will be blotted to ensure it is dry.
Step 3– Practitioner may use a white pencil to grid the area that is being treated to ensure the entire area is covered effectively and to help maintain patient comfort.
Step 3– The patient’s eyes are covered with black out goggles to protect the eye area from the light of the laser.
Step 4– The practitioner will then use the hand piece in an up and down motion over the area, usually starting at the jawline. Patients will feel a warm, slightly tingly or prickly sensation on the skin which lasts for a few seconds, after treatment the skin can look a little flushed and feel slightly warm which is a normal reaction and will calm down after a few hours.
Step 5 – The practitioner will then apply the appropriate products to the skin, for example sun protection, and run through post care advice, which is covered in our ‘How does the N-Lite work for Acne?’ blog.

The Private Clinic

Dermatologist at The Private Clinic;

Dr Rishika Sanha, Consultant Dermatologist, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MRCP(Derm), GMC Number: 6092256

N-Lite or Regenlite treatment is available at Birmingham, London Harley Street, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton

Find out more about our nlite acne treatment by calling 03339 209135 or use our acne online contact form.

Three laser treatments that will make your life easier

November 26, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

From funky disco lights to optical disk drives, laser technology has proven to be a very useful asset to humanity. In medicine, laser surgery has saved lives by enabling unprecedented precision and that same quality allows for effective specialist laser skin treatments.

We’ve picked out the top three procedures that could help you save time and money in the long term, with health and beauty benefits to boot.

For Black Friday Offers 2017, please check this link – https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/black-friday-offers-discount-deals-2017

Laser Hair Removal

Ever since Harper’s Bazaar printed an ad with a young woman posing in a sleeveless dress with her arms resting over her head, modern-day women have been concerned about unwanted hair in previously hidden places.

harper's bazaar 1915 hair removal — Harper’s Bazaar 1915 Hair Removal ad.

As fashions changed and women’s bodies became more and more uncovered, a trendy and self-conscious woman would have to spend some time in the bathroom smoothing out various areas. More men have also started to pay attention to their grooming and let’s just say that for those who have to tackle thick back hair, life isn’t so easy either.

Anyone who’s had to tackle their legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip… will know just how time-consuming the process can be. Plus you have to repeat it on far too regular a basis. Depilation creams can be quicker, but they can be aggressive on the skin. Same goes for wax – with some added pain, because as we all know: no pain, no gain.

back hair removal the private clinic — Results before and after Laser Hair Removal.

Laser Hair Removal only involves three to six sessions, can be done on just about any part of your body and best of all, it’s permanent. The laser zeros in on hair follicles and damages them in such a way as to disrupt the hair’s growth cycle. Once the follicle ‘dies’ it won’t produce any more hairs.

Think of all the time you’ll save… money too, depilation products don’t come cheap!

To get 25% off our Harley Street Laser Hair Removal courses click here.

Acne N-Lite Laser treatment

If you’ve ever had an Acne breakout – which you would have since such is the gift of puberty – you’ll know that it’s not a pleasant experience to go through. Severe Acne can make you feel very self-conscious, plus you subconsciously know a spot will be plotting to pop out on events like birthdays, parties and Christmas.

Roaccutane pills are one way of dealing with the problem, but they can be expensive and have side effects like dry skin and lips (amongst others). Many mainstream brands will claim they can work miracles but it’s rarely the case.

Before and after N-Lite treatment for acne.

Our N-Lite treatment is one type of laser treatments for the face which targets the small bacteria in your skin that’s causing you all this grief and eliminates them. It has an added bonus of encouraging collagen production and lowering the chances of acne scarring. The long-lasting relief it offers can be truly life-changing for people with severe Acne, while milder cases will benefit from clearer, healthier skin, and the added advantage of no longer having to worry that your face is out to get you.

N-Lite treatments are available at our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.

IPL Photorejuvenation

Naturally flawless skin is usually a pretty tall order, especially when you live in an urban setting where exhaust fumes abound. We usually counteract the effects of such an environment with all sorts of cleansers, creams and of course, make-up. If you’ve caught on to the countering make-up trend, then there’s half of your morning gone already.

The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology makes it possible to smooth out your skin’s tone and texture to the point that after having it done, the Editor of Essentials magazine was ‘happy to go out with just moisturiser on’.

It’s a very effective treatment for sun damaged skin, age or sun spots, Rosacea and an irregular skin tone, as it diffuses redness and reduces discolouration. The fabulous Jemma Kidd is a make-up artist and her quest for the perfect complexion lead her to us. She said: ‘Three days after treatment, I have flawless skin.”

Take it from the pros, having smooth skin has never been easier.

IPL is available at our Harley Street clinic in London and our clinic in Leeds.

The Private Clinic and Cyber Monday

There’s never been a better time to give these treatments ago. With 25% off Laser Hair Removal at our Harley Street clinic during our Cyber Monday promotion, you’ll find that we’re competitively priced while still offering the most advanced treatment options, performed by qualified and reputable therapists and laser practitioners. Find out just how much you could save with our Cyber Monday offers here.

NLite

How to treat stubborn adult acne: N-Lite