Impact of IPL treatments on parameters of acne skin

Abstract

Background In the treatment of acne, skin parameters such as sebum secretion, hydration, and the content of hemoglobin and melanin are very important. The values of these parameters at the appropriate level show the maintenance of good functionality of the epidermal barrier and the impact of a given treatment procedure on the condition and physiology of the epidermis. Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anti‐acne therapy with IPL by volunteers, as well as to quantify parameters such as sebum secretion, hydration level, and the content of melanin and hemoglobin in the skin. Patients/Methods The study involved 27 volunteers with moderate acne. A series of 4 treatments was performed with intense pulse light at weekly intervals. The secretion of sebum, skin hydration, and the content of melanin and hemoglobin was measured. Results A decrease in sebum secretion in the forehead area after light treatments was observed, the level of hydration remained the same in all areas examined, as did the levels of melanin and hemoglobin. The volunteers were asked about the satisfaction with the effects of the treatment: 100% answered that they were satisfied with the effects of the treatment to a degree of 7.8 ± 1.5. Conclusions During anti‐acne therapy, therapists usually focus only on reducing acne lesions, forgetting that proper care has a large impact on the success of dermatological therapies. It is very important to know the influence of treatment procedures on the parameters of the skin in order to choose the right care for the best treatment effect.

Efficacy of alpha hydroxy acid combined with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A meta‐analysis

“…Mohame et al 32 studied 74 patients with acne vulgaris receiving IPL and half of the face with 1064‐nm Nd: YAG intervention and found a significant reduction in inflammatory acne at the end of treatment (67% and 70%) with no significant difference in efficacy between the two interventions ( p > 0.05). Zdrada et al 33 showed a reduction in sebum production and no significant changes in skin moisture loss, hemoglobin, or melanin levels in 27 patients with moderate‐to‐severe acne treated with four sessions of IPL, with a noteworthy satisfaction rate of 100% of treated patients. Enough to prove that IPL can reduce the number of propionibacterium acnes and the sebum excretion rate, thus exerting an anti‐inflammatory effect and improving skin texture.…”

Mast cell stabilization: new mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of intense pulsed light on rosacea

“…The effect of IPL on rosacea may be related to selective photothermal effects and photobiomodulation [18][19][20][21]. Selective photothermal effects include targeting hemoglobin to destroy dilated blood vessels [11], reducing sebum secretion [22], and killing demodex [23]. Selective photothermal action is the principal theoretical basis of phototherapy; however, the photobiomodulation effect remains unclear, especially the effect of low-density IPL on rosacea.…”