In a world where beauty and wellness go hand in hand, people are always on the lookout for new, better, and innovative treatments to help improve their skin. For most of these individuals, the perfect skin tone and texture seem to be just beyond their reach. It gets worse when acne develops and leaves one’s face with unsightly blemishes that undermine self-confidence.
Although several acne treatment options are available in the market, most of them tend to work only temporarily. Worse, some cause harmful side effects. Thankfully, skincare professionals have now found a feasible answer to this bothersome problem with the development of laser treatment for acne. Laser acne treatments help treat and prevent acne outbreaks and future formations.
The procedure offers several benefits over traditional acne treatments. From quick and effective results to less downtime, there’s a lot to look forward to. This guide addresses all angles of the topic to help interested individuals make an informed decision.
What Are Acne Laser Treatments?
Acne laser treatments are tech-based skincare solutions designed to treat acne-prone skin by triggering a process known as photo-rejuvenation. In layman’s terms, it means that the technology utilizes short bursts of laser light to boost collagen production, which helps eliminate dead skin cells and diminish acne scars. The result is a clearer, tighter, and more luminous skin.
How Acne Laser Treatment Works
The entire procedure is fairly straightforward, at the same time, far from being “simple.” A dermatologist may use either photodynamic therapy (PDT) or blue- and red-light combination LED phototherapy or both as a form of pre-treatment. The former is geared towards increasing sensitivity to the light beams, while the latter rid the pores of bacteria. When implemented, both therapies improve the outcome of the laser treatment.
The skincare professional then performs acne treatment on the affected area using a handheld laser device that delivers a pulse of light through the skin. While the pulses don’t hurt, some people may experience a tingling sensation, which is nothing but the heat of the laser light sloughing off the top layers of the skin. The layers break away easily without causing any damage to the surrounding tissues.
Since heat is absorbed into the deep tissues within the dermis, blood circulation increases in the affected area, triggering tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. The rejuvenation process helps exfoliate, heal, and remove oil and dirt to reveal a smoother and healthier epidermis. Plus, there will be no outbreaks since the pre-treatment removes the acne-causing bacteria.
Acne Laser Treatment Target Areas
The face tends to be a common area where acne develops. But in some cases, it can also affect other regions like the:
- Neck
- Back
- Arms
- Upper torso
These are the parts most prone to excessive oil build-up, which is usually the root cause of acne. The good news is that acne laser treatments are also effective in all these areas. If the treatment is performed on the face, it’s more efficient in the areas where clogged pores are prone to develop, including the forehead, nose, and cheeks. In other words, acne laser treatments are an all-in-one solution to breakouts.
Types of Acne Laser Treatments
When it comes to skincare, there’s always more than one way to skin the cat. This is especially true with the different acne laser treatments available today. Depending on the type of acne and the current state of the skin, any of the following laser types may be recommended:
- Ablative
- Non-ablative
- Fractionated
Ablative Laser Treatment
The most powerful acne laser treatment today is considered to be the ablative. It is the most efficient at treating acne scars and removing large pimples. Unlike other laser therapies, it uses a higher intensity of light and heat that penetrates deep into the skin. The heat generated will destroy the sebaceous glands. It also damages the bacteria colonies, easing up clogged pores. Laser solutions in this category include C02 and erbium YAG lasers.
Non-Ablative Laser Treatment
This type of laser treats a wide array of skin conditions. It has an impressive effect on facial and body acne, such as fading acne scars. It’s not as powerful as the ablative laser, but then it’s much gentler on the skin. Using infrared technology, the laser heats the inner layers of the skin. This thermal energy stimulates the production of collagen to regenerate and strengthen the dermis. With this type of treatment, there’s a low risk of scarring.
Fractionated Laser Treatment
A type of laser resurfacing, this technology uses a fractional beam to perform deep Microdermabrasion. It targets acne scarring. This technique is best for individuals with darker skin types, as it’s more effective in destroying the melanin in the skin.
Laser Acne Pre-Treatment Requirements
Before undergoing laser acne treatment, the dermatologist will assess the severity of the problem first. The patient will undergo a skin analysis to determine the ideal laser solution. There is also the need to adopt some lifestyle modifications before the procedure to help enhance the skin.
- Avoid the use of retinol-based skincare products
- Don’t undergo any other skin treatment
- Don’t consume alcohol, cigarettes, or caffeine-containing items at least two weeks before treatment
- Limit the skin exposure to direct sunlight
- Steer clear of blood thinners and aspirin as they increase the risk of bruising
Adhering to these instructions may increase the treatment’s success rate and prevent scarring. Nonetheless, there may be some temporary redness, inflammation, and discomfort. The most significant risk of all is infection. Hence, antibiotics may be prescribed. It’s crucial to discuss all aspects of the procedure with the dermatologist to help decide if it is the right option.
How Much Does An Acne Laser Treatment Cost?
The cost of this procedure depends on several factors, including the type of laser, location, and experience of the dermatologist. Ablative lasers average $2,000 in cost. Non-ablatives, on the other hand, may set a cosmetic patient back by $1,100. Then again, this cost is relative. It is best to choose a dermatologist who will adapt the treatment to fit a specific need and budget.
Conclusion
The advent of acne laser treatments is a breakthrough in the world of skincare. As opposed to the harsh chemical-based procedures of old, the laser technology offers a safer and more effective treatment option. As more people adopt the cosmetic treatment, more breakthroughs will be made to further advance this revolutionary technology.
No Comments