Acne

OPT (Optimal Pulse Technology) uses controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to target specific colours, known as chromophores, within the skin.

Depending on the treatment being performed, the main target may be:
Melanin – for suitable pigmentation concerns
Haemoglobin – for redness and superficial vascular concerns
Porphyrins associated with Cutibacterium acnes – when treating suitable inflammatory acne

OPT (Optimal Pulse Technology) is a method of delivering OPT energy in a controlled pulse. Treatment parameters are selected according to your skin type and the concern being treated.

Depending on your skin and individual suitability, OPT may be used for:
Skin rejuvenation
Sun-related pigmentation and age spots
Freckles and certain superficial pigmentation
Facial redness
Small superficial facial vessels/thread veins
Certain vascular lesions
Suitable inflammatory acne
Uneven skin tone and overall skin clarity

Not every skin concern is suitable for IPL, which is why consultation and correct assessment are essential.

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, OPT is not technically a laser.

A laser typically emits a specific wavelength of light, whereas OPT produces a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Filters and treatment parameters are then used to select the light appropriate for the target being treated.

This versatility allows OPT to address several different skin concerns.

OPT skin rejuvenation uses controlled light and heat within the skin to target concerns such as sun-related pigmentation, redness and uneven skin tone.

The thermal effect can also stimulate a wound-healing response and collagen remodelling, which may gradually improve aspects of skin texture and the appearance of fine lines.

The goal is a clearer, brighter and more even-looking complexion, rather than changing the natural appearance of your skin

For suitable pigmentation, light energy is absorbed by melanin within the pigmented area and converted into heat.

Following treatment, some pigmented areas may initially become darker. This can be a normal response. Over the following days, superficial pigment may gradually fade or shed as the skin naturally renews itself.

OPT can be particularly useful for certain types of sun-induced pigmentation, but not every brown mark is suitable for treatment.

Melasma needs particular caution.

It is a complex condition influenced by factors including hormones, genetics, UV exposure and visible light. Heat and light-based treatments can sometimes trigger or worsen melasma.

For this reason, I will not automatically treat pigmentation simply because it appears brown.

If I suspect melasma or another condition that isn't appropriate for OPT, I will explain this during your consultation and recommend that you seek an appropriate alternative assessment or treatment where necessary.

Certain OPT wavelengths can interact with porphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes, the bacterium associated with inflammatory acne.

This interaction can generate reactive oxygen species that damage the bacteria.

OPT's light and thermal effects may also help reduce some of the redness and inflammation associated with active breakouts.

However, IPL does not cure the underlying causes of acne, and it isn't appropriate for every type or severity.

Severe, painful, nodular or cystic acne may require medical assessment by your GP or dermatologist.

OPT can help reduce the appearance of certain small, superficial visible blood vessels, particularly on the face.

Light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin within the vessel and converted into heat. This controlled heating damages the targeted vessel, which may then gradually be broken down and cleared by the body.

However, OPT isn't appropriate for every visible vein.

Larger, deeper, bulging or symptomatic veins—particularly on the legs—should be medically assessed rather than treated as a cosmetic concern.

OPT may help reduce persistent facial redness and visible superficial vessels associated with some presentations of rosacea.

It does not cure rosacea, as rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The aim is to improve certain visible symptoms.

If your skin is actively inflamed or your symptoms require medical assessment, treatment may need to be postponed or another approach recommended.

There is no single number that's right for everyone.

The number of treatments depends on:
The concern being treated
Its severity and depth
Your skin type
The treatment area
How your skin responds
Your individual goals

Many skin concerns are treated as a course rather than a single session, with treatments spaced appropriately to allow the skin to respond.

I'll recommend a treatment plan following your consultation rather than promising a predetermined result.

Most clients describe OPT as a brief warm or snapping sensation against the skin.

Sensitivity varies according to the treatment area, settings and individual tolerance.

Your comfort and skin response will be monitored throughout your treatment.

Your skin may temporarily appear red or feel warm, similar to mild sun exposure.

Depending on the treatment performed, you may also notice:
Pigmentation: Treated areas may initially darken before gradually fading or shedding.
Vascular treatment: Vessels may temporarily appear darker or more noticeable before improving.
Acne: Temporary redness can occur.

Reactions vary, so you'll receive aftercare instructions appropriate to your treatment.

OPT generally involves relatively little downtime, although this depends on the treatment intensity and what is being targeted.

Some clients return to normal activities quickly, while temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling or darkening of pigmentation can remain visible for a period after treatment.

You should therefore consider upcoming events when planning your appointment.

Your skin may be more sensitive immediately after treatment.

I generally recommend allowing the skin to settle and following the specific aftercare instructions provided after your appointment.

If your skin remains hot, red, irritated or sensitive, avoid products that could further irritate it.

OPT should not be performed over recently tanned skin.

A tan means there is increased melanin within the skin. Because OPT energy can be absorbed by melanin, treating recently tanned skin can increase the risk of unwanted reactions such as burns or changes in pigmentation.

This includes recent significant sun exposure and sunbed use.

Always tell me about recent tanning or holidays before your appointment—even if the tan doesn't look particularly dark.

Missing an appointment is better than risking your skin.

Fake tan should be completely removed from the treatment area before OPT.

You'll receive specific preparation instructions explaining when to stop using tanning products before your treatment.

Your individual instructions may vary, but you'll generally be advised to:
Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
Avoid sunbeds
Remove fake tan completely
Avoid irritating the treatment area
Tell me about any changes to medications or health
Tell me if you've recently had another skin treatment
Follow any skincare instructions provided during consultation

Never stop prescribed medication simply to have an OPT treatment. Tell me what you're taking so I can assess whether treatment is appropriate.

Aftercare depends on the treatment performed, but you may be advised temporarily to avoid:
Excessive heat
Hot baths, showers, saunas and steam rooms
Strenuous exercise
Swimming
Harsh exfoliation
Retinoids, acids or other potentially irritating active skincare
Picking or scratching treated pigmentation
Excessive sun exposure

Good sun protection is particularly important following light-based skin treatments.

You'll receive specific instructions following your appointment.

No.

After pigmentation treatment, targeted areas can become darker before gradually fading or shedding.

Don't scratch, scrub or pick at these areas.

Allow your skin to complete the process naturally. Picking can increase irritation and potentially contribute to unwanted pigmentation changes or scarring.

Not necessarily.

Because OPT energy can be absorbed by melanin within the skin as well as the intended target, treatment becomes more challenging as epidermal melanin increases.

Suitability depends on your skin type, current skin colour, the concern being treated and the capabilities of the specific equipment.

This is one reason a consultation and patch test are essential.

If OPT isn't appropriate for your skin, I won't recommend it simply to make a booking.

At Crystal Confidence Aesthetics, elective OPT treatments are not performed during pregnancy.

Treatment can simply be postponed until an appropriate time after pregnancy.

You don't need to diagnose yourself.

A brown mark isn't automatically sun damage. Redness isn't automatically rosacea. And every breakout isn't the same type of acne.

During your consultation, we'll discuss what you're concerned about and assess whether OPT is appropriate.

If something requires medical diagnosis or falls outside the scope of cosmetic treatment, I'll tell you rather than guessing.