Acne is commonly found among teenagers going through puberty or pregnant women. Some adults also have cases of acne and many people are left with acne scarring once the acne has cleared.

When the hair follicles under the skin clog up, acne appears on the surface of the skin. Acne can be visible as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or acne vulgaris. The severity of acne scarring will depend on the severity of the acne and also on whether the person picked at the acne a lot.

Types of acne scarring include:

• Boxcar scars
• Ice pick scars
• Rolling scars
• Hypertrophic/keloid scars

Not only is acne sometimes very painful, but the scars are sometimes worse than the actual condition. The acne may come and go, but some people believe they are stuck with acne scarring for the rest of their lives. Laser therapy is a very effective away of removing these scars.

There are many other ways to improve the appearance of your skin and remove these scars. Chemical peels are a great method to minimise the effect of acne scarring and other options include facials, creams, gels and serums.

While it is a good idea to try different treatments and methods to get rid of these scars, it should be noted that some of the cheaper over the counter options can do more harm than good and could possibly end up worsening the appearance of your acne scarring.

The option you find will best suit your skin type, should also suit your lifestyle. While it is normal to be shy about your acne scarring and the effect the treatment will have on your face, you should know that most of these painful effects are only temporary.

If you are considering options to have your acne scarring treated or removed, then contact us for honest and reliable advice to best suit your skin type.

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A testimonial from a client who had suffered from severe acne for most of her life…

I had moderate to severe acne from my young teens. I thought that I would outgrow it by my early 20’s, but once I had finished university at the age of 23, I realised it wasn’t going to happen. I decided I was going to take serous action to clear my acne and improve my skin’s condition. I subsequently tried various face products for a few months and my skin didn’t improve, in fact it was getting worse. I then decided I would go to The Melrose Aesthetic Centre to see what could be done.

Initially I was worried that the doctors might recommend that I go on roaccuatine or the pill. I was pleasantly surprised to find these were not prescribed for me and that there are other effective options. I was also very comfortable with Dr Cohen – I felt that he really knew what he was talking about and that he would be able to sort my skin out.

My hope was that I could clear all my acne for good and then also clear all the pigmentation and indented scars. I haven’t completed my treatment yet, but have been undergoing treatments for about 4 months. My skin is greatly improved – I would say at this stage my acne has cleared up about 85% and is progressively getting better. Now that I am at this level I can begin to undergo treatment for the scarring. I look forward to seeing the results!

All my family and friends have commented on how much better and clearer my skin is looking and I am very satisfied with my results.

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Acne is a common human skin disease, characterised by areas of skin with scaly red skin, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and possibly acne scarring once the acne has cleared. Acne scarring is the result of inflammation, within the dermis brought on by acne. The scarring is created by the wound trying to heal itself resulting in too much collagen in one spot.

Acne scars can take two forms: scars with a gradual dip or depression (sometimes called ‘rolling’ scars) or scars that are deep and narrow. A person’s acne needs to be under control before acne scarring can be treated.

Different types of acne scarring:

• Ice pick scars – deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring
• Box car scars – angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep, these are similar to chicken pox scars
• Rolling scars – scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance
• Hypertrophic scars – thickened or keloid scars

Treatments for acne scarring:

• Laser resurfacing – this procedure can be done in the doctor’s or dermatologist’s office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother.
• Dermabrasion – this treatment uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new smoother layer replaces the abraded skin.
• Fractional laser therapy – this type of treatment works at a deeper level than other acne scarring removal treatments like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. Because fractional laser therapy doesn’t wound the top layer of the tissue, healing time is shorter.

Picking at scabs should be avoided at all costs. Scabs form to protect the healing process that is going on underneath them. Pulling a scab off before it is ready interferes with the healing and remodelling process, prolonging the time that post-inflammatory changes will be visible, therefore increasing the visibility of acne scarring.

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We all know and loath the dryness of the air and subsequent dryness of the skin, that comes with winter. Luckily we don’t have to live with it. Juvederm Hydrate restores and replenishes depleted levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. With increasing age, the body’s natural ability to create and maintain volume and elasticity slows down, and the skin looks old and lacklustre as a result of this. Boost your skin’s natural tone, glow and elasticity with Juvederm Hydrate for younger looking, beautiful skin.
Superficial skin peels do wonders for resurfacing the skin and preparing it for hydration with mesotherapy. While the light chemical peel gets rid of dry, dead skin cells, mesotherapy feeds and nourishes the epidermis with nutrients and anti-oxidants, leaving the skin glowing, healthy and hydrated.

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Longevity Edition III 2011

Longevity investigation : Latest research reveals that stem cells can help your body repair itself. by Lisa van der Knaap

Over the years there has been much research done to find cures for diseases where conventional medicine has not
been successful, and stem cells have become a viable option, say the scientists. Stem cells are the original building blocks of life, which differentiate into everything that makes up the human body. These can be used to repair or regenerate new blood vessels, cardiac muscle, nerves, bones and other tissues, potentially helping
heart-attack victims, patients with brain and spinal-cord injuries, people with osteoporosis, and even those with brain degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s. Rightly or wrongly, the science of stem cells has long been
viewed with a clouded eye and is shrouded in controversy, with many people closing themselves off to the potential that lies withinthese magical cells. The reason for this comes down to the simple fact that scientists
and doctors initially looked at embryonic stems cells, deemed to be the richest and most abundant of stem cells. But the retrieval process meant the possible termination of human life, and experimentation on unborn foetuses.
Further investigation and research revealed that umbilical cord stem cells are a better source, both morally and ethically, and this has become increasingly popular. These are taken from the umbilical cord and placenta, which are discarded at birth anyway. But again, this has its limitations. Luckily, for those who don’t still have their umbilical cord stem cells, scientists have found new ways to fight ageing and disease, using the stem cells created from your own body.

Why adult stem cells?

Adult stem cells are found throughout our body and are responsible for repairing our tissue as we age. Bone marrow is
rich in haematopoietic (blood) stem cells, which are used to treat mainly bloodrelated diseases and our fat is rich in
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These stem cells can differentiate into many tissues of the body, are extremely robust, can be easily replicated, and have shown
remarkable results for both aesthetic and medical conditions.
“Recently, interest in fat-derived stem cells has eclipsed all other stem cell types and these cells, known as adipose-derived stem cells (ADMSC), are progressing rapidly to clinical practice,” explains Dr Stephen Ray, chief scientist at Natural Biosciences SA and senior lecturer in Clinical Physiology at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. Ray isn’t alone in his thinking. Last year, national and international scientists gathered at the third annual International Fat Applied Technology Society Conference, held in Virginia in the USA, to present findings from 47 research extracts, all suggesting adipose tissue (fat) is a practical and appealing source of stem cells for regenerative therapies of the future.
And in August, the International Stem Cell Institute, considered a worldwide leader in stem cell therapy, released a
statement saying that adipose-derived adult stem cell therapy is an extremely effective solution to treat degenerative
diseases and conditions. It has been widely accepted in the medical and scientific fields that adult stem cells hold
the real key to curing and treating diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer’s,
Myocardial Ischemia, Lupus, Multiple Schlerosis, stroke, diabetes Type-1 and Type-2, spinal cord injuries and a host of autoimmune-related conditions. “This is the future direction of medicine.” Patients suffering with degenerative
diseases today have few options, so this medical breakthrough is an important milestone, both for affected patients
and doctors treating them,” explains Rita Alexander, executive director for The International Stem Cell Institute,
located in San Diego, California. Dr Ray explains that MSCs are accessible and easier to expand than blood stem cells, in order to use them for treatment. And the retrieval process is relatively easy. Only 100ml of fat is needed to be
extracted from the abdomen, and this procedure is normally done under local anaesthetic. If a patient is getting
liposuction done for cosmetic reasons, doctors are recommending more and more that they collect and store these
stem cells. ‘Stem cells hold the real key to curing and treating diseases and conditions’ Stem cells
Your fat cells can save your life

Your baby’s future

Cord blood is rich in haematopoetic (blood) stem cells, while the cord tissue is rich in mesenchymal stem cells. As soon as they are collected, these cells, as with adult stem cells, start dying, so you need to get them to the lab within 24 hours to ensure maximum viability, which is why local storage is preferable. These stem cells are easily collected and a perfect match for your baby. There is also a one-in-four chance that they will be a match for siblings. Another good
reason to collect your baby’s stem cells is that it is extremely difficult to find suitable donors for families of African origin and mixed race marriages, as they are so seriously under-represented in public stem cell banks. There is a one-in-40 000 chance that you will find a match in a public stem cell bank, and if you are lucky enough to do so, there is still a 50 percent chance that your body will reject these cells, which is why autologous transplants are preferable. Netcells Cryogenics is currently the only local stem cell bank storing cord tissue stem cells. It costs R6 900 to
store cord tissue and R13 900 to store cord blood, which is inclusive of 20 years’ storage. Storing your baby’s
stem cells is therefore an issue of affordability. If you can afford it, you should do it. Says Dr Yvonne Holt, medical
director of Netcells Cryogenics: “Even though you can access adult stem cells, it is still advisable to store your baby’s
stem cells, as cord-derived stem cells have long, healthy telomeres which shorten as we age, resulting in lower
levels of proliferation and regenerative potential and efficacy.”

The process 

Once the fat has been collected, it is taken to a special lab designed to deal with human tissue, where scientists extract the stem cells from the fat. These cells are cultured in special “flasks” (fed nutrients in order to grow to a required number which is adequate for storage and initial therapy) and then cryogenically frozen at -196⁰C. The best part is that these are your own cells, stored for your personal (autologous) use in the future. As your body recognises these cells, there is little to no risk of rejection. ‘Banking your stem cells is your medical insurance policy for the future’

Do your homework

With numerous case studies and clinical trials to back up stem cell treatments, there are still charlatans out there –
numerous supplements and serums, which promise the earth, but are short on delivery, the scientists warn.
One product, Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum, suggests it can reverse skinageing, increase the lifespan of human cells, and possibly make lost hair regrow. Celebs like Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lopez are said to be big fans. But, Professor Liam Dolan, Sheradian professor of Botany at Oxford University, who specialises in studying plant cells, is sceptical about the product, and was quoted on The Daily Mail’s website as saying: “I don’t see how plant stem cells could interact with human stem cells in this way.” Dr Daniel Schmid, research director of Mibelle Biochemistry, the Swiss lab which  developed PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica [the “magic” ingredient in the serum], explains his apple stem cell extracts
have been “shown to improve the maintenance of the characteristics of epidermal stem cells”. He says: “The extract offers a promise of real skin rejuvenation,” but admits, “the anti-ageing benefit for the skin after topical application could not be confirmed in a clinical trial.” Dr Carola Niesler, senior lecturer and stem cell research group leader
in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal responds: “Although some supplements
have been shown (in small clinical trial-type settings) to have an effect on (for example) stem cell levels in the peripheral blood, it is difficult to extrapolate this to the larger population. These supplements are usually also
not cheap. It is therefore important to be aware of the fact that they may or may not work, when you buy them.”
as it is only the cell fractionate, there is no risk of this happening, describing it as essentially “cell-free therapy”. Dr Ray’s team of scientists work with the secretory factors of the cell which help it to “communicate” on an intercellular level. The cell fractionates are used to prepare a therapeutic, which is injected back into the body. This can be done intramuscularly or intravenously for diseases like motor neuron disease, which affects the entire body. Once back
in the body, the secretory factors simply do what nature intended them to do: hone in on the damaged cells and start
to repair them. It’s simply working with basic cell biology and how cells naturally repair themselves – they have just been given a kick-start again. With all medical breakthroughs come years of research, and for Natural Biosciences SA − a company with expertise  in stem cell research and treatment − this was no different. Dr Ray worked out that they only needed to use certain secretory factors of the cell, not the entire cell as previously advocated, to have impressive
results with medical treatments. This is seen as an advancement, as the previous method of transplanting the entire cell brought with it the risk of tumours forming. 

Treatment

There are three major stem cell transplant centres in South Africa: Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic and Groote Schuur Hospital. Many transplants are done monthly with bone marrow stem cells. Recently, more have been done with umbilical cord blood stem cells, which all engrafted successfully. South African physicians, in the future, will be able to offer more treatment options to their patients. Natural Biosciences SA is currently
treating patients on a compassionate basis in Germany and Switzerland, with good results. Dr Ray has been meeting with doctors in South Africa, so that patients here can be treated locally going forward, instead of having to travel overseas. Natural Biosciences SA is working with Netcells Cryogenics, South Africa’s largest stem cell bank, to do the lab work and stem cell banking. As recently as March this year, Netcells began offering adult fat stem cell banking,
which costs around R15 000.

What does this mean going forward?

Right now, today, scientists have learnt how the body should repair itself and can stimulate this repair with stem cells when the body fails to do so. Banking stem cells – whether they be umbilical cord or adult − is a good idea, because you will have them readily available should you ever need them. Using your own stem cells to repair damage done to your body truly is “personalised” medicine – and is set to change the future of medicine, at a rapid pace. As medical science progresses, more and more diseases will become treatable with stem cells, and although you may never use them, banking your stem cells may be your medical insurance policy for the future. 

Practical applications

Dr Ray presented his findings in Cape Town, in March this year, to local aesthetic and plastic surgeons, who are
now considering using this technology to help with skin rejuvenation. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue have shown increasing success with both aesthetic and medical condition, such as neurology, sports injuries, cardiology, reconstructive surgeries, antioxidant effects and more. They have also shown improvements in dementia, autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Interestingly, people who adopt this treatment for a specific condition sometimes find marked improvements elsewhere in the body. The cost of stem cell therapy varies according to the disease which is being targeted – some diseases need just one injection during treatment, whereas others may need a few. Every potential patient under Natural Biosciences SA works with a treating physician and scientist. However, it isn’t a cheap exercise: just the lab work can cost anywhere from £1 000 (R10 000) to over £10 000 (R100 000), as it needs to be done in a completely sealed laboratory.

What can go wrong?
The experts suggest that the response from one patient to another with regard to stem cell treatments is different, and success of these treatments depends on the person’s age, general health and the extent of deterioration or damage to the body.

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