From the Guidelines
The most effective laser treatment for acne is the 1450-nm diode laser, which has been shown to improve acne by causing sebaceous gland destruction and reducing sebum production. This laser is particularly effective for inflammatory acne, as it targets the sebaceous glands and reduces oil production, killing acne-causing bacteria [ 1 ]. Treatment usually involves 3-4 sessions spaced about a month apart, with each session lasting 15-30 minutes. Patients can expect some redness and swelling for 1-3 days after treatment, but can generally resume normal activities immediately. Some key points to consider when using laser treatment for acne include:
- The 1450-nm diode laser has been found to be effective in improving acne in several studies [ 1 ]
- Pulsed-dye lasers (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy are also effective options for inflammatory acne [ 1 ]
- Laser treatments are most effective for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, rather than severe cystic acne or primarily comedonal acne
- The cost of laser treatments can be a barrier, with prices ranging from $300-500 per session, and are not typically covered by insurance
- Despite the cost, laser treatments can be beneficial for those who have not responded well to topical or oral medications.
From the Research
Most Effective Laser Treatment for Acne
The most effective laser treatment for acne can vary depending on the severity and type of acne, as well as individual skin types. However, several studies have shown promising results with various laser and light-based therapies.
- Combination blue and red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing acne lesions, with a mean reduction of 46% at 4 weeks and 81% at 12 weeks 2.
- Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy has also been found to be effective, with a mean percentage improvement of 34.28% for non-inflammatory lesions and 77.93% for inflammatory lesions 3.
- A systematic review of light and laser therapies for acne found that blue light, blue-red light, and infrared radiation were more successful, particularly with multiple treatments 4.
- A novel combined light-based treatment using 1,450-nm diode laser and 450-nm blue light has been shown to have synergistic effects, with a 62.3% decrease in inflammatory acne lesions at 12 weeks 5.
Comparison of Different Laser Treatments
Different laser treatments have been compared in various studies, with some showing better results than others.
- Red-blue light has been found to be more effective than topical 5% benzoyl peroxide cream in the short term 4.
- The combination of 1,450-nm diode laser and 450-nm blue light has been shown to be more effective than blue light alone 5.
- Laser and light-based treatments have been found to have improved patient compliance and safety profiles compared to pharmacologic therapy 6.
Safety and Efficacy
The safety and efficacy of laser treatments for acne have been evaluated in several studies.
- Most studies have found that laser and light-based treatments are safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects 2, 3, 5.
- The combination of 1,450-nm diode laser and 450-nm blue light has been shown to have a satisfactory safety profile, with no severe adverse effects reported 5.
- Larger scale studies with standardization of treatment protocols are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser treatments for acne 6.