How Does Acne Laser Treatment Work?

Acne laser treatment - though still not a generally accepted remedy for acne itself - has generated interest both from pimple sufferers and skin experts in terms of taking care of scars left by severe forms of pimples or acne. But research is already shifting its focus towards the use of laser in preventing the actual formation of acne.

Because acne laser treatment is still new, it can be quite expensive and the potential side effects have yet to be fully established. Despite some concerns, using laser in treating acne is already being done, particularly among Hollywood stars and people who, well, can afford the expenses. To better understand what you will be getting from a laser treatment, here is a brief discussion.

More often than not, laser for skin treatment purposes is used to lessen wrinkles and scars. In the area of acne treatment, laser is used to burn away the materials clogging the pores that cause pimples. Acne is formed when follicles are blocked by excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, prevents oxygen from getting through the pores. This creates a place for dirt and bacteria to accumulate, causing an inflammation commonly known as acne.

The purpose of the laser then is to burn away the sebaceous gland producing the excess oil and eliminate the follicles blocking the pores. This allows more oxygen to come through and prevents bacteria from accumulating in the pores. Although a number of companies have been allowed by U.S. authorities to use laser in treating acne, concerns still remain that the intense light produced by the technology will cause permanent discoloration or spots on the skin.

Because of these concerns, laser manufacturers have made adjustments to their laser systems; even adding some features that can bring back pigmentation, particularly for Caucasian patients who are most prone to loss of pigmentation or skin color. The method is still not widely used, but for the small number of cases for which laser has been used to treat acne, a success percentage of above 90 percent has been reported after only three or four treatment sessions.

Acne laser treatment is more commonly used to treat scars left by severe forms of acne, but researchers have already exerted efforts to find out how effective this technology can be when it comes to preventing the formation of pimples. Eventually, enough adjustments might be made and risks might be totally eliminated. This should give hope to individuals who suffer from acne and other forms of skin problems.