Acne Laser treatment

1. Active acne

Developments in laser technology now offer a breakthrough in the treatment of active acne. Aesthetic laser systems use a high power laser, such as Nd:YAG (1064 nm), to penetrate the skin and target the bacteria that produces the inflammation associated with acne. This bacteria releases molecules called porphyrins which when exposed to a certain wavelength of light (the laser beam) increase in number until they destroy the bacteria.

2. Acne scars

Lasers have been used to treat acne scars for several years. In such treatments the Er:YAG (2940 nm) laser is used to remove skin so that new skin can form in its place. Unlike chemical peels and dermabrasion with laser resurfacing the penetration depth into the skin is more easily controlled. The laser gently vaporises the acne-scarred surface of the skin so that undamaged skin below is revealed. Unlike many other techniques laser resurfacing is bloodless, gentle and complete recovery is achieved within days.

Some of the laser systems include both an erbium laser that allows the minimal penetration required for the gentle resurfacing of acne-scarred skin, and a neodymium laser to penetrate deeper in order to destroy the active bacteria in acne (propionobacterium). As a result, present laser systems offer a comprehensive solution to the misery of acne.