Laser Acne Treatment Technologies

There are many different types of lasers used for laser acne treatment. The growing demand for solutions is stimulating ongoing research. As a result there have been regular announcements of new innovations designed to address stubborn acne conditions. There are two core laser approaches, based on the two most common causes of acne: excess oil production and excess skin bacteria.

Reducing oil production is the foundation of most acne treatments. A standard laser creates heat under the skin to disable or "turn off" the oil-producing sebaceous glands. Using this strategy heals pimples and prevents eruptions because there is much less oil available to block pores. An added benefit of this technique is that the skin surface becomes much less oily and shiny.

The second most important treatment strategy is targeting the bacteria that cause acne, known as "P.acnes". Laser beams that eliminate these bacteria are designed to be easily absorbed. Once absorbed, the heat of the laser destroys the bacteria. This has been an important discovery--skin washing alone cannot reduce bacteria counts because the bacteria live under the skin. Before laser treatment was an option, the main medical approach to reducing P.acnes was prescribing antibiotics. Many people would rather have a few laser sessions than take a medication every day. Considering that the sessions bring long-term relief, laser acne treatment has become a very effective and convenient alternative.

Wavelength is the key factor which makes a laser suitable for the oil reduction method or the bacteria elimination approach. Longer wavelengths are absorbed by the sebaceous glands and shorter wavelengths kill P.acnes. The range of wavelengths for laser acne treatment starts at approximately 450 nm and goes to 1450 nm. Usually laser devices are designed so that they can address more than one of the causes of acne.

Some of the devices used for treatments were first developed for other cosmetic applications--while some were developed specifically for acne. Names of lasers commonly used include erbium, carbon dioxide (C02), pulsed dye and diode. Blue light lasers are a special kind that target P.acnes. It is hard to keep up with all the different kinds of lasers because new and innovative developments are being announced regularly.

Another approach to acne removal is skin resurfacing. Ablative lasers, which target the outer layer of skin, have the effect of a peel. They remove the outer layer of cells to reveal a smooth, healthy layer of skin underneath. This technique is often used for removing acne scars.

The variety of laser types, techniques and laser acne treatment technologies give flexibility and versatility to treatment providers. All aspects of an acne problem can be addressed: healing, prevention, and removal of scars. Whatever type of laser is used, treatments involve only minor discomfort and any after-effects disappear within a short period of time.

Laser Treatment for Acne
Have you been plagued by a persistent acne condition that just won't be cured? Have you tried medications and creams with no lasting results? If your answer to either of these questions is "yes", you certainly are not alone. Well over 50% of adults suffer from some kind of acne. Laser treatment for acne, offered by dermatologists, provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional medical remedies.

Laser Acne Treatment Introduction
To be effective an acne treatment needs to deal with the underlying reasons behind your acne, not just the external effects. Laser treatments for acne target the skin bacteria, excess oil, and inflammation causing acne. There are distinct types of laser acne treatment and the way they deal your acne will also differ, but the way the treatment is performed will be the same.

How Does Laser Acne Treatment Work?
For patients it is helpful to understand what a treatment will be like and how it works. There are different types of lasers used in laser acne treatment. The main distinguishing feature is a laser's wavelength. However, the specific type of technology doesn't really change your experience as a patient.

Laser Acne Treatment Advantages
Laser acne treatment has many positive features and advantages, having the potential to bring relief to numerous acne sufferers. Even though acne is a very common condition, traditional techniques are often unsuccessful. If you suffer from chronic flare-ups, you will be pleased to know that there is a treatment that often works when medications and creams do not.

Acne Scar Laser Treatment Restores Your Skin
Often people looking into laser treatments for acne wonder if scar removal is also possible. Scar removal is available, either as part of your basic laser acne treatments or as a follow-up treatment.

Acne can leave behind scars and marks that give you uneven, discolored skin. Acne scar laser treatment fades marks while leveling and smoothing your skin.