When it comes to acne therapies, the wave of the future may just be a
light wave. Acne treatments are being developed and used that employ
non-invasive application of light. If the old stand-bys of antibiotics,
astringents, and chemical peels haven't worked for you, there are a
number of different acne light and laser therapies that your
dermatologist may recommend.
The FDA classifies procedural treatments such as acne light therapy differently from drug therapies, so there have been few extended studies on their use. The procedures are new enough that the long-term effects are unknown; however, the trials that have been done suggest improvements of up to 55% in acne skin conditions from these various light therapies.
The FDA classifies procedural treatments such as acne light therapy differently from drug therapies, so there have been few extended studies on their use. The procedures are new enough that the long-term effects are unknown; however, the trials that have been done suggest improvements of up to 55% in acne skin conditions from these various light therapies.
Pulsed light and heat energy (LHE). A combination of light pulses and
heat kill the P. acnes bacteria that causes the inflammed lesions of
acne. The therapy also shrinks the oil-producing glands in the skin so
that any remaining bacteria don't have excess oil to feed on. Side
effects of this acne light therapy seem to be limited to temporary
redness.
Acne laser therapy. Laser treatments use a beam of intense light which passes harmlessly through the skin's surface to reach the middle layer of the dermis. The laser produces heat in that layer and stunts the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production. Laser therapy also destroys the P. acnes bacteria. Mild pain may be experienced during the procedure, so a topical pain blocker is applied to the skin first. Side effects are temporary redness and swelling.
Photodynamic therapy. The first step of this acne therapy is a topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light. Then the skin is exposed to light therapy. The increased light sensitivity allows the therapy to work more quickly. Patients undergoing this acne therapy must stay protected from the sun. Side effects include redness, swelling, crusty skin, and even a flare-up of the acne.
Photopneumatic therapy. With this therapy, oils and dead skin cells are suctioned from the sebaceous glands. Then the P. acne bacteria is destroyed with a form of light therapy. This two-pronged approach targets both the sebaceous glands and the bacteria to clear up and prevent acne. The only side effects are some dryness of the skin.
Acne laser therapy. Laser treatments use a beam of intense light which passes harmlessly through the skin's surface to reach the middle layer of the dermis. The laser produces heat in that layer and stunts the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production. Laser therapy also destroys the P. acnes bacteria. Mild pain may be experienced during the procedure, so a topical pain blocker is applied to the skin first. Side effects are temporary redness and swelling.
Photodynamic therapy. The first step of this acne therapy is a topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light. Then the skin is exposed to light therapy. The increased light sensitivity allows the therapy to work more quickly. Patients undergoing this acne therapy must stay protected from the sun. Side effects include redness, swelling, crusty skin, and even a flare-up of the acne.
Photopneumatic therapy. With this therapy, oils and dead skin cells are suctioned from the sebaceous glands. Then the P. acne bacteria is destroyed with a form of light therapy. This two-pronged approach targets both the sebaceous glands and the bacteria to clear up and prevent acne. The only side effects are some dryness of the skin.
