Laser Services for Acne Treatment

June is Acne Awareness Month and Luminary Dermatology can treat that pesky acne, year-round, with laser treatments. Acne can cause inflammation and swelling which is due in part to bacteria that builds up within the clogged sebaceous glands. Using laser treatment, bacteria is killed by exposing the skin to different types of light. The acne bacteria can also be killed with pulsed light and heat energy. These treatments help to shrink the sebaceous glands, which decreases oil production. The laser light is absorbed by water underneath the skin, shrinking oil glands and eliminating acne.

Candidates for Laser and Light Acne Treatment

Patients who have acne that has not responded to other treatments such as topical ointments or prescription medications may be candidates for laser and light acne treatment. In some cases, laser treatment is more effective when combined with other acne treatment such as medicine applied to the skin.

Benefits of Laser and Light Acne Treatment

Laser and light treatments for acne do not have the dangerous possible side effects that are associated with some of the strong prescription acne medications. In addition, these treatments do not irritate or dry the skin the way some topical acne medications may.

Types of Laser and Light Acne Treatment

Different laser or light treatments may be used to treat acne. Depending on the patient and the severity of the acne, different methods may be used. Most forms of therapy require several different treatment sessions before results are visible.

BroadBand Light

BroadBand light therapy is a skin treatment used to eliminate pigment and rapidly restore skin. Conveniently, BBL can be used on both the face and body. Here at Luminary, to treat acne, we use Forever Clear BBL. Forever Clear BBL uses a combination of varying light therapies to treat acne. Blue light therapy is first used to eliminate acne-causing bacteria at its source. From there, yellow light is used to reduce the inflammation and acne-related redness. Finally, infrared light is used in rapid, gentle pulses to initiate the body’s natural healing process.

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy is a treatment used for mild to moderate acne. It is uses visible light to treat pimples but is not effective for blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.

Infrared Light Therapy

Infrared light therapy is used to treat mild to moderate, inflammatory acne, that may be present on the back. It is only used to treat pimples but not any other forms of acne.

Photopneumatic Therapy

Photopneumatic therapy uses intense pulsed light or IPL, along with a vacuum device to remove excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells from clogged pores. It is used to treat blackheads and whiteheads and other mild forms of acne.

Risks of Laser and Light Acne Treatment

After receiving laser or light acne treatment some patients may experience redness or swelling. This may last from a few hours or up to a few days. Discomfort may be relieved by applying cold compresses to the skin.

Most patients who receive laser or light treatment experience some clearing of the acne on their skin, but results may vary depending on the method that is used and the severity of the acne.

If you’re interested in undergoing a laser service to manage your acne, now is the perfect time. Luminary is currently offering 25% off select laser services for a limited time—what a steal! While Forever Clear BBL is one of many laser services we do offer, there is much more to choose from. Visit our laser skin treatment page to learn about the abundance of other laser services we can provide.