Laser treatments for acne are a popular choice recommended by dermatologists for people dealing with stubborn breakouts, redness, and scars that do not improve with creams or pills alone. These treatments use focused light to target the root causes of acne right in the skin.
Dermatologists explain that lasers work by sending light energy deep into the skin. This energy can kill bacteria that cause pimples, calm down swelling, shrink oil glands that clog pores, and boost collagen to smooth out scars. Different lasers handle different problems. For example, AviClear focuses on oil glands to cut down on breakouts and bacteria. Nd:YAG lasers go deep and work well for moderate to severe acne, even on darker skin tones, while reducing redness. Fractional CO2 lasers resurface the skin to fix scars and improve texture. Pulsed Dye Lasers, or PDL, target redness and broken blood vessels from old acne. Erbium YAG lasers help with milder scars by removing thin skin layers with less heat and quicker healing. Non-ablative fractional lasers improve early scars and texture without much downtime. Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant are gentler options that refresh skin over time.
Patients often see changes after just a few sessions. Most need three to six treatments, spaced weeks apart, depending on the acne type and scar depth. Mild cases might need only one or two, while deeper scars take five or more. Results build up over months as skin heals and makes new collagen. Many notice fewer pimples, smoother skin, and faded scars. The treatments are precise, so they spare healthy skin nearby.
Safety is a big plus. Side effects are usually mild, like redness or swelling that fades in hours or a couple of days. Some lasers need numbing cream and have longer recovery, up to two weeks for stronger ones like CO2. Downtime varies: zero to two days for gentle lasers, three to seven for others. Dermatologists pick the right laser based on your skin type, acne severity, and goals after a check-up. They also review your health history to avoid issues.
Before treatment, skip sun exposure, retinoids, and harsh products for a week or two. At the appointment, your skin gets cleaned, numbed if needed, and protected with eyewear. Sessions last 20 to 60 minutes. After, use sunscreen daily, stay hydrated, and follow a gentle routine to protect results and prevent new scars.
Sources
https://trilliumclinic.com/laser-treatments-for-acne-dermatologist-guide/
https://www.michelegreenmd.com/laser-vs-microneedling-for-acne-scars
https://vitalskinderm.com/blog/laser-acne-and-scar-removal-guide/
https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/provider/jacqueline-watchmaker-md/
https://maryleeamerian.com/skin-conditions/acneacne-scarring/
https://www.summitderm.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-your-first-laser-treatment-a-step-by-step-guide
