CLINICAL ACNE & VENUS AC DUAL TREATMENT

Banish active acne with the Venus AC Dual, an advanced IPL light therapy that combines blue and red light to target breakouts at their source. Blue light destroys porphyrins produced by acne-causing bacteria, while red light reduces inflammation, supports healing, and helps calm irritated skin.

Acne affects people of all ages and is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. Clinic owner Sue Carroll understands this journey personally, having experienced acne from her early teens into adulthood while undergoing medical treatment. Her lived experience, combined with decades of clinical practice, has shaped a compassionate, results-focused approach to acne care. Sue has since helped thousands of teenagers, men, and women regain confidence and improve long-term skin health.

Although both adult and teenage acne are linked to the same bacteria, P. acnes, each individual’s skin presents differently. Hormones, lifestyle, stress, and skin function all influence how acne develops, which is why personalised clinical treatment is essential.

Acne itself can present in many forms, including cystic acne, acne vulgaris, rosacea-related breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. Understanding the type and trigger allows treatment to be tailored for clearer, healthier skin.

Acne Treatments

There are several treatments available at Skin Inspiration for acne, other than antibiotics. These include photodynamic therapy (PDT), microdermabrasion, peels, light-emitting diode (LED), and quality cosmeceutical homecare products. Following a consultation with our qualified aestheticians, we may recommend a combination of treatments to target the root cause of acne infection and inflammation.

The Venus AC Dual applicator uses IPL to simultaneously address both the cause and visible symptoms of acne. In the dual-light acne treatment, blue light targets the porphyrin produced by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, leading to destruction of the bacteria, while the longer wavelength of red light controls inflammation and promotes faster healing, whilst a real-time cooling system monitors the light guide temperature 1,000 times a second for unparalleled patient safety and comfort. The AC Dual applicator (IPL) is indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris by using a blue light (415 nm) to target porphyrins produced by the P. acne bacteria, destroying the bacteria, and uses the red light (630 nm) to help reduce inflammation, inhibit sebum production and improve healing.

Tips to Reduce Acne

Understanding the different triggers and causes of acne enhances treatment outcomes. Controlling and reducing the triggers alleviates the symptoms. An alteration or two in diet, lifestyle, home care, and treatments will help improve the health of the skin and body, which in turn will assist in the control of acne and related problems.

Stress – when under pressure or stress the body produces hormonal steroids, such as cortisol ( a corticosteroid hormone frequently called hydrocortisone). Like other hormonal steroids such as testosterone, these chemicals target the skin in a disruptive manner, and acne flare-ups may coincide with increased stress.

Coffee – coffee with or without caffeine stimulates the production of cortisol and acts just like stress. Coffee may be a promoter of acne, and its consumption should be limited. When stress levels rise, it is advisable to reduce coffee consumption to achieve a reduction in cortisol levels which promote acne.

Diet – A proper diet is a useful tool in controlling acne, especially fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, combined with adequate protein. Every organ in your body relies on the same vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for function. Given that the skin is the last organ in the body to receive nutrients, an improperly balanced diet can significantly harm it.

Wheat – wheat products may cause a sudden increase in blood sugar, resulting in the production of insulin. This can lead to inflammation in the follicles, which promotes the growth of acne infections. A reduction in wheat products may assist in reducing acne breakouts.

Essential Fatty Acids – a deficiency in linoleic acid may create multiple blackheads/whiteheads.

Milk – a small segment of the acne population may react to milk and dairy products. Milk contains hormones that can promote the potential for acne infections. Hormonally induced acne frequently follows the chin and jawline.

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) – BPO generates free radicals in the skin. Its effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. Repeated use of BPO can damage the skin’s structure and cellular DNA, resulting in premature aging of the skin. The concentration, frequency, and duration of BPO use determine the damage.

Smoking – a German study published in 2001 showed acne was more prevalent in active smokers than in non-smokers.

Hormone Supplementation – the development of adult acne following the initiation of hormone supplementation may be caused by the dosage. Therefore modification may be required by your doctor.

Headgear – washcloths, hats, pillowcases and sweatbands collect bacteria and return it to the area each time it is used. Changing these items every two days will help achieve control of acne.

Hairline or Forehead Acne – washing and conditioning hair with a low-dose coconut shampoo and conditioner will prevent congestion in this area. A pattern of face acne that follows the hairline may be caused by sebum and free fatty acids that are generated in the scalp and migrate onto the forehead. Hair should be kept off the face at all times, and leave-in hair products should be kept to a minimum.

Sun Exposure – myths about unprotected sun exposure being beneficial in reducing skin oiliness and thereby reducing acne are ill-founded. Photons of sunlight produce free radicals within the skin, which promote acne and cut the skin’s ability to heal and repair.