If you think that gold is just a piece of expensive, luxurious metal – think again.
Did you know: gold has actually been applied in various medical treatments for centuries, and is now being used to treat low-to-intermediate grade tumors within the prostate?
Due to technological advancements in nanotechnology – gold nanoparticles has allowed us to become a step closer to finding not just the cure for cancer, but also skin conditions such as acne.
What are Gold nanoparticles?
Gold nanoparticles are essentially bulk gold that has been broken down into much smaller compounds, usually with a diameter between 1 to 100 nanometers.
Gold nanoparticles have powerful potential simply due to these 3 factors:
- Biocompatibility with human tissues
- Ability to penetrate easily into the deeper layers of the skin
- Efficient light-to-heat conversion
What research tells us
It is widely known that acne is mainly caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the skin, which combined with clogged pores and the proliferation of the P.acnes bacteria – leads to inflammation and nasty breakouts.
While there are a slew of treatments available to acne sufferers today, including over-the-counter creams and gels, to stronger, more powerful antibiotics and retinoid drugs – these techniques often come with undesirable side effects, and acne that eventually comes back if treatment is stopped.
Most treatments to date are aimed to intervene at one or more of the 4 stages of acne, but none has been designed to truly treat it at the root. This is where gold nanoparticles are set to completely change this.
A key study just published in October by Sebacia, a dermatology and aesthetics company, announced positive results that proved the efficacy and safety of gold nanoparticles as an acne treatment.
The treatment involved the application of gold particles on to the skin that is later activated with a laser. Conducted with 75 patients in total – the results showed a decreased mean inflammatory lesion count by about 53% at 2 months, and 61% at 3 months.
Another study conducted at Harvard Medical School showed 23 volunteers who saw over twice (34% vs. 16%) the decrease in skin inflammation when gold was used in their treatment regime, as compared to face wash containing salicylic acid – a treatment that is commonly used by many patients.
Hitting jackpot: combining gold nanoparticles with laser therapy
Given gold’s biocompatibility and easy penetration into the deeper layers of the skin – combining acne laser treatment with the topical application of gold nanoparticles is the key to effectively disabling the sebaceous glands so that it stops producing most or any of its sebum overtime.
Gold Photothermal Therapy
While laser treatment for acne isn’t new – it was only recently that the FDA has approved the topical treatment of gold nanoparticles for selective photothermolysis in treating mild-to-moderate acne. This makes Gold Photothermal Therapy (PTT) a safe and viable solution for attacking acne at its source.
We are constantly working to bring our customers the best acne treatment that is both safe and minimally-invasive, with exceptional results. We have one of the best acne dermatologist in Singapore and over 20 years of experience in treating a wide range of skin conditions – and are proud to include Gold PTT as one of our solutions.
This treatment is a highly-tolerable procedure that deactivates the sebaceous glands without harming the surrounding tissues, or irritating and drying out the skin – something that other conventional treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can cause.
There has also been no risk of resistance or long-term side effects reported thus far; eradicating the need for taking antibiotics; which has been raising alarm bells in recent years.
As we continue to discover new and more exciting technology in the cosmetics industry – it is hard to deny that this treatment for now, is pure gold.
FAQ
- What is a typical procedure like?
Our doctor will first cleanse your skin, followed by the application of gold particles by massaging and using the Bellasonic Ultrasound to pulse the gold particles into the oil glands. Then, we will finish up with the laser treatment to heat up the gold particles to let it work its magic.
- How long is the procedure?
The treatment takes only about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
- Is treatment painful?
You might feel a slight heating sensation or tiny pin pricks during the treatment, but many patients say it is highly tolerable. No anaesthesia is required for this treatment.
- Are there any side effects?
There may be mild to moderate redness, skin dryness or itching, as well as discomfort that should resolve within a month.
- How many sessions are required?
A total of 5 treatment sessions will be scheduled over a 5-week period. Patients can expect to see improvements around 6 weeks after the last treatment.
- Who is an ideal candidate?
If you find that you have little to no success with other conventional acne treatments. Whether you suffer from minor breakouts, or suffer from severe cystic acne – this is the treatment for you!