Breakouts can pose more than just a visual issue to the face — they can erode confidence, disrupt the flow of conversation, and undermine the effectiveness of even the best skin routine. Chances are, you’ve already attempted the solutions: cleansers, serums, prescription creams, and even a change of lifestyle, yet the breakouts keep reappearing or the scars remain as a stubborn reminder.
In this case, the urge to seek additional forms of treatment surely follows. This is where the role of laser treatment for acne comes in. While traditional products only target the skin surface, this form of treatment can penetrate deeper to address the underlying cause of the acne.
This article will aim to walk you through the entire process of how the treatment works, as well as the various treatment options available, which are presented by the different types of lasers used in the treatment.
1. Identifies the Underlying Causes of Acne
One key advantage of laser therapy for acne is its ability to reach the deeper skin layers. For instance, the development of acne can depend on factors such as overactive sebaceous glands, acne-causing bacteria present in the skin pores, and inflammation occurring due to the development of skin blemishes.
Thus, the acne laser treatment can address factors such as reducing the functioning of the sebaceous glands, preventing the development of bacteria in the pores, and alleviating inflammation associated with acne. The dermatologist’s sources demonstrate how the treatment can reduce the secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands, the generation of bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation.
2. Various Types of Lasers for Different Requirements
A one-size-fits-all solution does not exist when it comes to treating acne with laser therapy. Various devices are suitable for treating a range of skin problems.
Here are the general classifications:
- Blue/Red Light Therapy: Involves the use of specific lights that can kill the bacteria responsible for acne and reduce inflammation.
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): This works well for the treatment of red skin, pimple inflammation, and the vasoconstrictor aspect of acne
- 1450nm Diode Laser: Penetrates sebaceous glands to warm them up and thereby reduce
- 1726nm Laser: This is a more recent wavelength that targets the sebaceous glands exclusively.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Although not considered a “laser,” IPL uses broad-spectrum light; effective at evening skin tone as well as reducing the appearance of “acne”-related hyperpig
As each type of laser has a unique functioning principle, your dermatologist may select one treatment method or multiple methods depending on what your skin requirements exactly are.
3. Effective for Both Active Acne and Scars
Another benefit of the best laser skin treatment is that it isn’t only used for treating lesions. Many of the devices can also treat the effects, including texture modifications, pitting, and red or brown patches.
For lesions, the treatment can help diminish bacteria and oils that hinder healing. For scars and other marks, many devices can stimulate the production of collagen and help the skin become more even.
In fact, one dermatologist resource explained that some devices can improve in two ways: by reducing lesions and altering the texture of scars. When both zits and scar tissue are a concern, the best treatment option can seem very appealing.
4. Fast and Minimally Invasive
Even if the thought of a long recovery process doesn’t appeal to you, it’s reassuring to know that, in most cases, laser treatment for acne is a relatively quick procedure, typically lasting 15-40 minutes. This depends on the treatment area.
Most individuals will experience only a slight warming or tingling sensation. This discomfort can also be eliminated if the treatment uses the cooling function. General anesthesia isn’t required.
In fact, more than likely, only a topical numbing or cooling applicator tip will be used. This procedure can easily fit into your busy day. Consider the following description of the procedure: skin preparation, the actual treatment procedure involving the laser application to the skin, and skin cooling.
5. Little to No Downtime
One of the advantages of many non-ablative acne lasers is the fact that the skin’s surface isn’t significantly affected. This means that you won’t have to sit out for days stuck indoors. In many cases, the immediate aftermath can include redness or puffiness that can last for a couple of hours or days. Makeup can sometimes be allowed once the procedure is finished, depending on the dictates of your dermatologist. Because the skin surface isn’t significantly affected in non-ablative acne lasers, the healing time isn’t as long.
6. Requires a Series of Treatments
Here’s what can realistically be expected: One session won’t fix everything. The best outcomes happen when 3-6 sessions are performed at intervals of 2-4 weeks. Some dermatologists believe that maintenance treatments should be performed periodically to maintain clarity.
This accumulated effect of the treatment regimen has a cumulative impact, changing the skin in the intended way: reducing sebum production in the skin pores and reducing inflammation. As one dermatologist puts it: Multiple treatments are sometimes required.
7. Safe for Most Skin Types
When conducted correctly, the procedure can be perfectly safe for most skin types. However, things come with their exceptions. Certain equipment works best for lighter skin tones. Other equipment is adjusted to ensure safe usage when the skin tone is darker, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation or shading.
For different skin tones and the severity of the breakout, a certified dermatologist will determine the appropriate wavelength and equipment adjustment. The secret to safety lies in customization. In fact, dermatologists emphasize the importance of equipment that matches the skin type.
8. Select the Correct Provider and Course of Treatment
Ultimately, it comes down to who and how your treatment is done. Given the numerous types of lasers available and the multiple factors to consider when evaluating skin type and acne patterns, it is essential to consult a dermatologist or a reputable skin treatment center specializing in laser-based acne treatments.
This will involve inquiries about the specific type of equipment used in the treatment, the expected treatment regimen, which typically involves multiple visits, the details of the treatment process and its aftermath, and the corresponding costs involved.
Summing Up
As a patient who has used creams, lotions, and made other lifestyle changes in the hopes that your acne and the scars it has left would clear up, acne laser therapy would represent a more scientifically-based hope. This form of treatment targets the causes of acne: the overproduction of oils, the buildup of bacteria, and the inflammation.
Its versatility enables the treatment to adapt to the unique skin type and requirements of the patient. This form of treatment has a slight downtime factor compared to other procedures since the patient would only have to undergo multiple treatment sessions. The best aspect of this treatment is that the dermatologist administers it based on the individual’s specific skin type.