Acne Laser Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that targets teenagers and adults. Almost 100% of teenagers will have at least one acne breakout between ages 12 and 17. Some experience minimal acne during the teen years but develop moderate to severe acne in their 20s and 30s. Acne has many causes. Among them are heredity, hormonal changes, diet, and stress. Due the external and internal trauma that acne causes, there are hundreds of options to choose to treat acne. Depending on the type and severity of acne, those prone to this skin condition can find a treatment regimen that works. Daily cleansing routines, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet that includes drinking adequate amounts of water are all basic ways to control acne. For resistant acne, a dermatologist may need to be consulted. Severe cases may require topical or oral prescription treatments, a stricter skincare regimen, or cosmetic procedures to reduce acne. The focus of this article is acne laser treatment. There are a number of laser cosmetic procedures that have been effective in treating both acne and acne scarring.

Types of Acne Laser Treatment

A laser device creates a specific light or sound frequency by affecting atoms and molecules of light. The uniform light created by specific lasers can affect the skin by creating warmth which dries up acne pimples or by killing bacteria via a specific light or sound frequency. Acne laser treatment has been perfected so that acne sufferers of all skin colors and ethnicities can receive treatment with little to no skin discoloration. There are a multitude of lasers to choose from depending on the desired outcome. Dermatologists and/or cosmetic surgeons can perform acne laser treatment in their offices and some may require subsequent treatment. A few examples are as follows:

Fraxel laser or Photo-rejuvenation- uses light to penetrate the skin and increase collagen production. Improves acne scarring, reduces wrinkles, and fades age spots and other skin discolorations. Requires 3-5 treatments spread a month apart.

Erbium Yag laser, or Co2 laser- removes the top layer of skin and uses heat and carbon dioxide to tighten skin while reducing wrinkles and appearance of acne scars. This laser is highly invasive and treatment requires a long recovery period. It is used mainly in conjunction with face lifts.

Vbeam, or Pulsed dye laser- uses tiny pulses of light to remove redness associated with red acne scars, Rosacea, broken capillaries, spider veins, and stretch marks.

Smoothbeam laser- a non-invasive acne laser treatment that heals acne and smoothes acne scars by causing collagen production. This procedure is effective for dark as well as light skin. 3-6 treatments may be required to see results.