For years, acne treatments revolved around oral antibiotics or powerful drugs that aimed to suppress the production of excess sebum. While these treatments can be effective, they bring a series of uncomfortable systemic side effects. Not to mention that stopping the treatment risks you going back to the exact point you started from. At Ariel Ostad, MD, in New York City, we offer laser therapy for acne care.

Laser therapy has become a common recommendation to address persistent acne, regardless of its cause. There are plenty of non-medication options that can help bring the condition under control, with the effects being visible in the long term. Find out more about the procedures that can help you when you have frequent acne breakouts.

Why We’re Stepping Away from Traditional Acne Treatments

Conventional treatments have frequently proven reliable to address acne inflammation and reduce current breakouts. The problem is that these treatments only address the surface symptoms instead of going after the biological mechanism that drives acne. In this case, it’s the excessive sebum production and poor skin quality. 

Traditional acne treatments also have their limitations. For example, antibiotics may clear bacteria, but long-term use can lead to resistance. Oral medication can also lead to systemic side effects like nausea or headaches, whereas topical drugs may further irritate the skin. Improvement is generally temporary after traditional treatment, with most patients relapsing once they stop the medication.

How Laser Therapy Works to Address Acne

Laser technology works by targeting the structures underneath the skin that cause acne. Modern acne treatments can reduce up to 56 percent of the acne lesions within four to 12 weeks, with improvements becoming even more evident in the months that follow. With time, patients notice the following:

• Reduced production of excessive sebum
• Acne-causing bacteria suppression
• Smaller pores that don’t trap as much sebum
• Fewer acne scars
• Reduced post-acne pigmentation spots

Laser treatments are chosen based on a patient’s skin condition and the type of acne. Most treatments have varied settings, which can address the condition based on severity. 

Popular Laser Treatments for Acne

Acne treatments come in different forms, with the goal either to prevent, treat, or clear the damage caused by persistent breakouts. Below are some of the most common options used in treatments. 

• AviClear™ for Reduced Sebum Production

AviClear™ is a treatment that uses a 1726 wavelength to target the sebaceous glands. Once administered, the water and lipids in the oil glands absorb the light, converting into heat and starting a thermal suppression process of the sebum. 

Since there’s no longer as much sebum coming from the sebaceous glands, there will be fewer clogged pores and less chance for bacteria to grow. The effect is similar to isotretinoin drugs, only without the systemic side effects.

• CUTERA® Laser Genesis for Destroying Acne Bacteria

AviClear™ helps address the excess sebaceous oil production, but while the effect does reduce some of the bacterial content, the effect is limited. This is where CUTERA® Laser Genesis shines, as the 1064 laser targets the acne-causing bacteria in the pores, killing them. At the same time, the procedure reduces inflammation while stimulating the production of collagen.

• PicoWay® for Addressing Acne Scars and Pigmentation

Some people only get the occasional monthly breakouts, with the zits eventually clearing, but a problem still lingers: acne scars. Some also end up with lingering pigmentation that doesn’t clear right away. These acne byproducts can be addressed with the PicoWay® laser, which uses short picosecond pulses instead of thermal energy. This stimulates collagen remodeling while breaking down the pigment bonds, allowing the skin to rejuvenate.

• Clear + Brilliant® for Refined Pores and Maintenance

Laser treatments offer long-term effects for addressing acne of all types, but the skin naturally loses its ability to produce collagen with age. This leads to larger pores and a weaker skin barrier, which makes patients predisposed to acne. 

Clear + Brilliant® treatments use a fractional laser to create thousands of microscopic injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. This refines the skin and creates a less desirable environment for bacteria to multiply. 

Who Should Get Laser-Based Acne Treatments?

Anyone can get laser-based acne treatments to prevent breakouts in the long run. However, the ones who would benefit the most are the following: 

• Adults with persistent hormonal acne
• Teenagers with moderate to severe acne
• Individuals who cannot tolerate acne medication
• Clients who seek long-term remission

Personalized combination treatments may also be recommended for those with persistent acne. For example, Dr. Ariel Ostad may recommend combining AviClear™ with CUTERA® to address both the sebum production and bacteria spread. 

Combining with the Right Skincare

Serums are effective non-medical solutions, as they don’t alter your systemic biology. These are used alongside laser treatments to help the skin regenerate and keep inflammation at a minimum. Exosomes are frequently used in anti-acne treatments, as they calm acne inflammation while speeding the healing of acne lesions. 

Once the skin heals sufficiently, continuing with skincare such as an acne regimen set strengthens the skin barrier and prevents acne from breaking out in the future. These can guide tissue repair through nourishment and signaling, supporting the skin’s functions. In the long term, it offers reliable acne control without potential drug dependence.

Get Your Laser-Based Acne Treatment Today!

Technology has significantly evolved in the past couple of years, and lasers have become the future for addressing acne in the long term. The technology you use depends on the stage of the acne and the concerns that need addressing. Contact Dr. Ariel Ostad today and schedule an appointment for a laser treatment!

For more information about laser-based solutions and non-medication options to treat acne, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can decide on a treatment plan that works best for your needs. As an alternative, fill out the provided online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly!