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Sian Victoria © - EF MEDISPA Skin clinic, Edgbaston Village, Birmingham

Acne Treatment Guide: How to Improve Skin with LED & Laser

For the last six months, I’ve been on a journey to get clearer, brighter, and happier skin by adding vitamin A to my skincare routine and diet. It’s made a noticeable difference in my effort to manage mild hormonal acne around my jawline and chin. The before-and-after acne results have been excellent. My breakouts are almost gone, my confidence is up, and I feel loads better in my skin, whether I'm wearing makeup or not.

That said, I’m not quite done yet. I still get the occasional angry spot, stubborn blackheads, visible pores, spider veins, and scarring from past breakouts. While my skin is much less congested than it used to be, I’m aiming for smoother skin and a more refined texture to finally say goodbye to adult acne for good.

If you’ve dealt with acne, you know how mindboggling it is to choose from all the acne treatment options out there. Luckily, modern skincare offers a ton of non-invasive treatments for different skin types and concerns, from vitamin A products and facials to LED light therapy and gentle extractions.

That’s why I was super excited when EF MEDISPA (now Edgbaston Wellness and Medispa) reached out and offered me a series of complimentary treatments to help me reach my skin goals. Located in Edgbaston Village, this new clinic provides different surgical and non-surgical treatment choices for all sorts of skin issues.

With their help, I’ve been trying out some of the best clinical acne treatments out there, and I’ll share five that I’ve tried and tested for getting clearer, healthier skin. Once I’ve explained what they are and given my review of each treatment, I’ll share my before-and-after photos to show the results from the three-month acne treatment plan.

Overview of My Acne Treatments

On December 21st, I visited this really stylish and super clean skin clinic to chat with Sarah Moore, the Treatment Coordinator.

Sarah was super friendly and made it easy for me to open up about my skin concerns and how they affect me. She recommended a treatment plan that included three non-invasive Clear Skin laser sessions, three LED light therapy treatments, and some Biologique Recherche facials.

The bummer was that I’d need to quit using all vitamin A and retinol products and supplements before starting the laser treatment. That stressed me out a bit since I finally had a skincare routine that was working for me.

But EF MEDISPA was ready to get things rolling, so I went for my first LED light treatment that same day. I was really pleased about it, especially since I had previously tried LED treatment at Resorts World Birmingham’s spa.

If you’re dealing with acne, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be with all the treatment options out there. The good news is that modern skincare offers a ton of non-invasive treatments for different skin types and acne problems. So, here’s a quick rundown of five treatments I’ve tried that really helped me get clearer, healthier skin. I’ll discuss them in more detail, along with my review, further down:

1. Vitamin A-Based Skincare

If you're thinking about trying out at-home solutions like I did initially, adding vitamin A to your routine can really help manage acne. Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are usually found in skincare products and can help with skin cell turnover, reducing clogged pores, and calming inflammation. For the best results, use these at night since they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Eating stuff that's packed with vitamin A, like carrots, kale, and sweet potatoes, can also boost your skin health. Always check with a dermatologist before starting retinoids to make sure it's a good fit for your skin.

2. Professional Facials for Acne

Facials designed for acne-prone skin are awesome for deep cleaning, exfoliating, and nourishing your skin. These signature facials are often better than at-home ones. Especially with treatments that use natural ingredients to tackle inflammation, unclog pores, and hydrate. A personalised approach means the products and techniques during the facial target specific issues like blackheads or excess oil. Regular facials can really help improve your skin’s texture and its ability to heal.

3. LED Light Therapy

This treatment is a favourite of mine and uses light frequencies to attack acne right at the source. Blue light helps tackle the bacteria that lead to acne, while red light ramps up collagen production and reduces inflammation. There’s no downtime or discomfort, which makes LED light therapy perfect for anyone looking for an easy and effective way to handle breakouts or acne scars.

4. Non-Invasive Laser Treatments

Advanced laser tech targets acne as well as issues like scarring, pigmentation, and enlarged pores. These treatments boost collagen production and renew skin cells, giving you noticeable improvements in texture and tone. The sessions are quick, and there’s minimal discomfort, making it a solid choice for those wanting results without going through invasive procedures.

5. Gentle Extractions

If your skin gets clogged up easily and tends to have blackheads, professional extractions can be super effective. This can be done during facials or as a separate treatment to clear out impurities without harming the skin. Gentle extractions help prevent future breakouts and allow other treatments to work better.

Vitamin A Skincare

If you're thinking about trying the at-home approach like I did before heading to a clinic, adding vitamin A to your routine can really help manage acne. Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, show up in a lot of skincare products and can work wonders for things like skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation.

For the best results, it's a good idea to use these products consistently at night within your evening skincare routine since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Eating foods with a good amount of vitamin A, like carrots, kale, and sweet potatoes, can also support your skin health. Just be sure to check in with a dermatologist before jumping into using retinoids to make sure they’re a good fit for your skin. Here are just a few of the benefits of Vitamin A for acne and how to use retinoids:

Regulates Skin Cell Turnover

Vitamin A is ideal for keeping your skin in check by helping it shed old cells. This way, dead skin cells don’t clog your pores, which is a big factor in acne. Using retinoids can help you achieve a smoother, clearer complexion over time.

Reduces Inflammation

One of the best things about vitamin A for acne-prone skin is how it helps with inflammation. It can calm down redness and swelling from breakouts, making your skin look better and feel more comfortable.

Minimises Sebum Production

Too much oil can contribute to getting acne. So, vitamin A helps balance the skin’s oil production to keep pores clear. This is especially helpful if you have oily or combination skin.

Fades Acne Scarring

With consistent use of vitamin A products, you can fade those annoying acne scars and dark spots. It helps boost collagen production, improving your skin's texture and making old blemishes less visible.

Enhances Other Treatments

Using vitamin A alongside other acne treatments can make them work even better. For example, pairing it with light therapy or facials can amp up the results since vitamin A aids skin function and renewal. However, if you choose to have laser skin treatment, you’ll need to stop using retinoids for a while.

Adding Vitamin A Into Your Routine

Start by using over-the-counter retinol or prescription retinoids at night. Just apply a tiny amount on clean, dry skin, avoiding sensitive areas like your lips and eyes. If you’re new to this, it’s best to start with two or three times a week and gradually increase your usage as your skin gets used to it. And don’t forget a good broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, since vitamin A can really make your skin more sensitive.

Boost Vitamin A Through Your Diet

To give your skincare a boost from the inside, eat more foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and eggs. They’ll help your skin stay healthy from within.

After Vitamin A Skincare Use

If you’re using retinoids, remember to give your skin some time to adjust, especially when you first start. Use a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturiser to help with any dryness or flaking. Plus, keep sunscreen on hand during the day because vitamin A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. And it’s best to skip harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants to avoid irritation.

Biologique Recherche Facials for Acne

Biologique Recherche facials are a great natural option for managing acne-prone skin. These facials are all about personalisation, so they’re designed to tackle your unique skin issues, making them perfect for dealing with blackheads, inflammation, and acne scars. Here are five reasons to consider this treatment if you're struggling with acne:

Deep Cleansing for Clearer Skin

One of the best things about Biologique Recherche facials is how they really get in there and cleanse your skin. They help get rid of dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog your pores, which can lead to fewer blackheads and breakouts down the line. A cleanser is specially picked for your skin type to make sure it’s thorough but still gentle enough not to irritate.

Targeted Extractions for Blackheads

If clogged pores are bothering you, extractions are done during the facial. A skilled aesthetician gently removes impurities without hurting your skin, which helps prevent further acne. This part is super helpful if you have congested areas, like your nose and chin.

Natural Ingredients to Soothe Inflammation

The products used in Biologique Recherche facials are packed with natural, high-quality ingredients, like plant extracts, marine elements, and essential oils. They don't have harsh chemicals, making them perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Ingredients like omega oils and antioxidants help calm inflammation, repair damaged cells, and hydrate stressed-out skin.

Sculpting Massage Technique

A cool aspect of these facials is the special sculpting massage used to apply the products. This technique helps your skin absorb the active ingredients better, boosts circulation, and encourages lymphatic drainage. The result? A fresher complexion with less puffiness and a smoother texture.

Customised Masks for Acne Relief

During the treatment, a special mask is often used to address specific concerns. For acne-prone skin, they apply calming and purifying masks with nice ingredients like raspberry seed oil and antioxidants that help reduce redness and promote healing. This gives your skin an instant glow while tackling issues like excess oil production.

With all these benefits in one session, Biologique Recherche facials provide a well-rounded and effective way to work towards healthier, clearer skin.

Post-Facial Care

After getting a facial, your skin might feel refreshed but a little sensitive. It’s best to avoid touching your face or piling on heavy makeup for at least 24 hours to keep your pores clear. Go for a mild cleanser and avoid active ingredients like AHAs or BHAs right after the treatment. Focus on hydration with a soothing serum or cream that has ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep that post-facial glow going strong.

Sian Victoria © - Biologique Recherche Facial treatment, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

Review of My Biologique Recherche Facial

First off, my therapist, Veronica, went through a few documents with me and explained all the details about the treatment I was about to get. She kicked things off with a custom Biologique Recherche Facial to thoroughly cleanse my skin before moving on to the LED light treatment.

Biologique Recherche is a skincare brand that uses only pure, natural ingredients like marine extracts, botanical extracts, and biological extracts to clean, soothe, unclog, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. What makes these facials special is the cold-pressed technique combined with a sculpting method that applies the all-natural ingredients to the shape of your face and décolletage.

The sculpting technique is super relaxing, and since the facial is cold-pressed, it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. The products are all natural and fragrance-free, so they might have some unusual smells, but that doesn’t take away from the super soothing massage for your face and décolletage.

These facials are customised to fit your unique skin issues. Veronica started by cleansing my skin with a sensitive skin rescue cleanser from Biologique Recherche, which is excellent for removing dirt, oil, and makeup. It has apple juice and plant peptides in it. She also used a refreshing eye cleanser to tackle stubborn mascara, which has kiwi water, witch hazel, and mango oil.

Then she applied a mask to one side of my face while the other side got the calming sculpting treatment. The mask featured omegas, raspberry oils, and antioxidants to refresh stressed skin and repair any damage from UV rays. After that, she removed the mask and, if needed, did a couple of extractions.

Since my skin gets congested around my nose, Veronica got rid of some prominent blackheads. Then it was time for the LED treatment for twenty minutes before she finished up with a booster for hydration and a mix of serums to bring comfort back to my dry cheeks, which often feel tight and dry.

Sian Victoria © - Biologique Recherche Facial skincare treatment, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is a cool and super-effective way to tackle acne and other skin issues. It works by using specific light wavelengths to get to the root of acne and boost overall skin health. One of the best things about LED light therapy is that it uses blue light to fight off acne-causing bacteria. This pesky bacteria can clog pores and cause inflammation, but blue light helps reduce its activity, which means fewer breakouts over time. Red light, on the flip side, focuses on healing the skin by ramping up collagen production. This helps to calm inflammation, fade acne scars, and improve skin elasticity, giving you a smoother and healthier look.

For those dealing with tougher skin issues, some LED devices mix different light wavelengths, including near-infrared light, to tackle a wider array of problems. The flexibility of LED therapy means it can be adjusted for different skin types, whether you're handling hormonal acne, occasional spots, or stubborn scars.

The best part? LED light therapy is painless and non-invasive, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a gentle option. You just sit or lie under a light-emitting device while wearing goggles—it's pretty relaxing! Sessions usually last about 20 to 30 minutes and often leave your skin feeling refreshed right away.

To get the most out of it, sticking to a consistent routine is important. Most people notice improvements after a few sessions spaced about one to two weeks apart. While LED therapy can work wonders on its own, pairing it with other acne treatments, like professional facials or topical products, can make it even more effective.

Even though you can find at-home LED devices, treatments from trained professionals usually pack a bigger punch. Plus, they can tailor the treatment to fit your skin’s specific needs, which helps avoid any irritation or overdoing it.

And the cherry on top? There’s no downtime, making LED light therapy perfect for busy lives. Whether you want to manage breakouts, reduce redness, or lessen the look of scars, this innovative treatment is a convenient and science-backed way to achieve healthier, clearer skin.

After your LED light therapy session, there isn’t much to worry about in terms of aftercare. Just try to stay away from too much sun for a day or two afterwards. Stick to gentle skincare products and keep your skin hydrated with lightweight moisturisers. If you’re dealing with scars or inflammation, don’t forget to use sunscreen regularly to protect that healing skin from sun damage and discolouration.

Sian Victoria © - LED Luminous Lift light treatment, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

Review of My LED Luminous Lift Light Treatment

The LED Luminous Lift light treatment uses different light frequencies to tackle various skin issues. The blue light is great for fighting bacteria and helps with acne, while the red light focuses on anti-ageing by increasing collagen production, which makes your skin more elastic and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. When all the light wavelengths are combined, they work together to reduce inflammation and can help fade acne scars.

When I went in for the treatment, Veronica put some goggles on me to make sure I was comfortable before starting with all the different lights. It didn’t hurt at all; you just feel a bit of warmth on your face. The whole procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, but it flies by because I usually end up feeling really relaxed and even a bit sleepy after the facial.

I had my first LED light treatment right before Christmas, and I was nervous about taking a break from my Vitamin A routine because I thought it might trigger a breakout. But honestly, the LED treatment made my skin feel and look so much better, and I didn’t experience a major breakout at all. Now, after two sessions, I’ve only noticed a few whiteheads and a couple of manageable blemishes over the past six weeks, which is pretty awesome!

Sian Victoria © -Treatment room, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

Non-Invasive Clear Skin Laser Treatment

Non-Invasive clear skin laser treatment is an advanced way to get clearer, smoother skin without any surgery. It uses a specialised laser that sends focused beams of light deep into the skin, targeting issues like dark spots, acne scars, and fine lines. This light helps stimulate collagen production, which keeps your skin looking fresh and youthful. Since the treatment is non-invasive, there’s little to no downtime, making it perfect for anyone looking to improve their skin without the hassle of recovering from surgery. It's a straightforward and effective option for achieving a healthy glow!

Precision in Treating Acne and Scars

Non-invasive laser treatments are a great way to specifically target acne and the issues that come after it, like scars, pigmentation, and large pores. The laser gets into the skin to boost collagen production and renew skin cells, which helps improve skin texture and tone. It’s a gentle procedure, so it works well for those with sensitive skin like me or those who are currently breaking out.

Effective for Multiple Skin Concerns

Laser treatments aren’t just for acne; they can also help with fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and discolouration from sun damage or ageing. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to improve their skin overall while tackling acne issues.

What to Expect During a Session

Before the treatment starts, your skin will be cleaned to get rid of any dirt or oil. You’ll wear protective goggles, and the laser will be applied gently to the affected areas. Most people say it feels warm or tingly—definitely not painful! The whole process is pretty quick, usually around 20-30 minutes, depending on where you’re treating.

Minimal Downtime for Convenience

One of the best things about non-invasive laser treatments is that there’s almost no downtime. Unlike peels or microdermabrasion, which can leave your skin red and sensitive for days, laser sessions let you get back to your normal routine right away. You might feel a bit of redness or sensitivity, but that usually goes away in a few hours.

Pre-Treatment and Aftercare Tips

Before getting a laser session, it’s a good idea to avoid too much sun exposure and skip harsh skincare products like exfoliants or retinol for a few days. After the treatment, keep your skin hydrated with gentle moisturisers that won’t clog your pores, and make sure to slap on some broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your healing skin safe.

Consistency Brings Results

For the best results, laser treatments usually need to be done in a series, with sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Over time, you’ll see fewer breakouts, smoother skin, and fading scars, leading to overall healthier skin.

Post-Laser Treatment Care

After your laser session, you may notice your skin being a bit red or sensitive, depending on your skin type. Try to avoid using products with alcohol, acids, or retinol for the next 48 hours. Keep your skin calm with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser and a cooling gel or a spray like mineral-rich thermal spring water if you need it. And definitely use sunscreen—apply it generously and reapply throughout the day.

General Maintenance Tips

Always stick to the advice from your skincare professional. Keep your skin clean without overdoing it by using mild cleansers. Try not to pick at or scratch the areas you've treated, as that can make scarring or irritation worse. Figure out a skincare routine that actually works for you and stick with it to maintain and boost the results of your treatments.

Sian Victoria © - Alma Clear Skin Laser Treatment, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

Review of My Clear Skin Laser Treatment

Now onto my laser treatment. Honestly, I wasn't super excited about this since "laser" sounds a bit intimidating, right? But the medispa team totally put my mind at ease. The treatment is non-invasive, doesn't hurt, and wraps up in about 20-30 minutes.

This non-surgical laser treatment really helps with issues such as acne, scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, pigmentation, veins, and blemishes.

To kick things off, Veronica gave my skin a quick cleanse with a mini facial and put goggles over my eyes. Then she used the laser tool, which felt like a smooth metal plate. She glided it over my skin section by section. It warmed and cooled a bit, but was honestly not painful at all. She went over my face and jawline twice.

On the third round, she focused on zapping my active blemishes and acne with a suction tool that quickly pricked my skin to get rid of sebum—the oily stuff clogging the spots. It made me jump a bit the first few times on my jawline, but the prick is super quick, like under a second. This was the only part I didn't like.

With my sensitive skin, I was worried about my train ride home, thinking I'd look like a tomato, but surprisingly, I had no redness at all! Of course, it depends on your skin, but mine handled it really well. Afterwards, Veronica added a stem cell renewing serum, and I was good to go.

My appointment was at 4 PM and lasted about 45 minutes. I was told to avoid washing my face that night, using acid-based products, fake tan, or waxing for 48 hours. That night, my skin felt a bit delicate, like I could tell I'd had something done. It wasn't sore, just a reminder to be gentle, so I was careful getting my pyjama top on to avoid brushing my face. The next morning, my skin was glowing, and a blemish on my cheek was healing up nicely. No peeling, either!

Before & After: Laser and LED Skincare Results

My treatment plan kicked off with a Biologique Recherche Facial and an LED light session for the first round (21/12/2017 - that’s when the first photo was taken). After a two-week break, I went back for another BR facial, LED, and did a laser patch test in my second session (12/01/2018).

A week later, having had no side effects from the patch test, I went for my first laser treatment (19/01/2018). Then, two weeks after that, I treated myself to a mini facial, laser, and LED session (02/02/2018).

Three weeks later, I had the same three treatments again (22/02/2018), and then did it all once more for my final session (06/03/2018). A week after that, I had my 'after' photo taken (15/03/2018), keeping in mind that the treatment keeps working on your skin for a couple of weeks after each session.

Sian Victoria © - Before & After Clear Skin Laser Treatment, EF MEDISPA Skin Clinic, Birmingham

To conclude

Getting clear skin is all about finding a routine that works for you. If you’re dealing with breakouts, scars, or uneven texture, here are five tips to help you out:

Try Non-Invasive Treatments

LED light therapy and laser treatments can really help without a long recovery time. They tackle breakouts and even out skin tone without drastic measures.

Stick to Your Routine

Using ingredients such as retinoids or salicylic acid is key to keeping acne under control. Make sure to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate while avoiding harsh products. And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Post-Treatment Care Matters

After professional treatments, let your skin heal by skipping abrasive scrubs and using soothing products. Wearing sunscreen every day is absolutely necessary to keep your skin safe.

Live Healthy

What you eat and how you care for yourself impact your skin. Load up on vitamin-packed foods and drink lots of water — it can really help reduce breakouts.

Be Patient

Good results take time. Along with treatments, stick to your skincare routine and healthy habits. A skincare pro can help you tweak your plan if needed.

Overall, I’ve seen great results with my skin lately! The spots on my cheeks and chin are gone, my pores look smaller, and my oily skin is no longer like a reflection following me around.

I had Electro-sonic facial treatments last summer with Environ Skincare, which made a noticeable difference to my acne. If I had paired them with the LED and laser treatments I had this year, my skin would have completely changed by now. Either way, my skin’s texture is so much smoother now! So, big thanks to Veronica and Sarah at EF MEDISPA for all their help!

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