The latest news in October 2026 is durable results for the sebum-selective 1726-nm laser for active acne and a new FDA-cleared 1927-nm laser for acne scarring. The 1726-nm laser is a device that heats sebaceous glands, the oil glands that drive breakouts, while cooling the skin surface. Three monthly 1726-nm treatments reduced moderate-to-severe facial acne across all skin types, with benefit lasting at least one year, according to a prospective multicenter study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. At the same time, dermatology guidelines remain cautious about lasers for active acne, while scar experts issued new international recommendations on energy-based devices.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Official resources:
- Read the official guidance from Practicaldermatology — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
- Read the official guidance from Co — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
Table of Contents
- How well does the 1726-nm laser work?
- Who should consider it?
- What do current guidelines recommend?
- What is FDA-cleared right now?
- What is new for acne scars?
How well does the 1726-nm laser work?
The 2026 JAAD study followed patients for 52 weeks after three monthly sessions. Lesion counts fell across skin types, and improvement persisted through one year. That durability matters because many topical and oral treatments require ongoing use to hold gains.
Patient satisfaction was high. At 52 weeks, 70.4% said they were likely to repeat treatment and about 90.2% no longer felt self-conscious or embarrassed about acne, according to a Medscape summary of the JAAD study. Confidence can affect school, work, and social life, so this outcome is relevant for readers weighing cost and office visits.
Who should consider it?
A 2026 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology consensus panel suggested considering contact-cooled 1726-nm laser when inflammatory acne persists after three months of standard topical or oral care, according to a consensus report in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The panel also listed interest in a non-drug option as a reason to discuss it.
Practical candidates include people who cannot tolerate retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, those who want to avoid antibiotics or isotretinoin, and those with repeated relapses after stopping drugs. Ask your dermatologist these checks:.
- Is my acne mainly inflammatory papules and pustules?
- Have I given standard care a full three months?
- Am I willing to do three sessions plus sun protection?
- What is the total cost, since coverage is often limited?
What do current guidelines recommend?
Guidelines still place drugs first. Current AAD acne guidance strongly recommends benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and combination therapy. It states evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against lasers, light devices, peels, and microneedling for active acne.
The 2026 European EuroGuiDerm update takes a similar stance. It gives an open recommendation, neither for nor against lasers for acne of any severity, citing limited clinical data. For readers, this means lasers are an add-on or alternative to discuss, not a replacement for proven first-line care.
What is FDA-cleared right now?
The FDA has cleared two 1726-nm platforms for acne: Cutera AviClear as the first energy device for mild, moderate, and severe acne, and the Accure Laser System for mild-to-severe inflammatory acne vulgaris using selective sebaceous-gland heating. Both use contact cooling to protect the epidermis while targeting oil glands.
For scarring rather than active breakouts, Saratoga Technologies launched Laserase in February 2026. It is an FDA-cleared 1927-nm thulium laser indicated for acne scarring plus pigmentation, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and sun damage using micro-ablative and non-ablative modes. Active acne and acne scars need different devices, so confirm which concern the clinic treats.
What is new for acne scars?
For acne scars, 24 dermatologists and plastic surgeons from 12 countries issued the first modified-Delphi international recommendations on energy-based devices. They note lasers are now established for scars, but high-quality research and reimbursement updates are still needed.
That caveat affects access. Many practices treat laser scar revision as cosmetic, with per-session pricing and multiple visits. Bring photos showing scar type, prior treatments, and pigment change history to help the doctor match device, depth, and downtime to rolling, boxcar, or icepick scars.
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