Originally developed in the United States as an anti-aging treatment, laser therapy has become increasingly popular as one of the adult acne treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of acne. Along with light therapies, laser acne treatments have gained momentum in the treatment of active acne breakouts as well as acne scarring.
Laser therapy is effective because it reaches the inner layers of the skin without damaging the surface of the skin. Some lasers work by destroying the bacteria that are known to cause acne. Other laser treatments are thought to affect the sebaceous glands which are responsible for the overproduction of oil leading to clogged pores.
Although there is a need for more research on laser therapy as a form of adult acne treatments, people are becoming more and more interested in the concept. Although relatively new, some studies suggest that it can work effectively when administered correctly. However, these studies have also provided some rather mixed results based on the treatment protocol.
Improvement of the symptoms of adult acne can be seen rapidly and the effects have been reported to last for up to three months. Laser treatment can provide a reduction in the amount of acne blemishes that an individual experiences. Although not a cure as such, laser therapies may provide an alternative to chronic antibiotic therapy, a popular option amongst adult acne treatments.
Laser therapy is not suitable for those suffering from adult cystic acne but can be used safely when relieving other types of acne. It can also be utilized as an effective method to reduce the scarring that acne often causes. Some lasers are believed to promote the production of collagen in skin cells while other laser treatments are used to recontour scar tissue and reduce redness.
The treatment itself is rather quick and will take between five and twenty minutes to administer. It is not a very painful procedure although the patient will feel small stinging sensations which can be relieved by the application of ice once the treatment is complete. These sessions will need to be repeated around multiple times at monthly intervals until the desired affects have been obtained. The major drawback of laser therapy is the cost – expect to pay a few hundred dollars per session.
While the evidence for laser therapy as a legitimate choice in adult acne treatments is encouraging, conclusive trials are still needed to evaluate the treatment of active breakouts. If you are considering laser therapy to combat your adult acne, speak with your dermatologist for more information and determine if the therapy may be appropriate for your situation.
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