Laser Acne Treatments Do What Creams and Chemicals Cannot

Laser Acne Treatments Do What Creams and Chemicals Cannot

There are many myths that exist about what causes acne. Many people think chocolate or French fries cause pimples, as well as stress. However, in reality these factors have little effect on our skin.

Acne is most commonly caused by changing hormones, environmental factors such as pollution and humidity, and irritation such as picking at blemishes and hard scrubbing or friction on the skin. Other factors such as heredity, certain drugs, and oily cosmetics can also cause pimples. Any number of these factors can clog the sebaceous glands leading to outbreaks.

Unfortunately, this condition is all too common, affecting nearly 85% of people aged 12 to 24. This had lead to a multi-million dollar industry, plying people both young and old with expensive and time consuming daily treatments that may only reduce the pimples marginally.

Fortunately, modern science has come to rescue, freeing people from the scourge of acne and the hassle of expensive creams and chemicals. Laser treatment is one method that has been found to be extremely effective for pimples, in fact more effective in reducing breakouts than over the counter and prescription drugs.

Not only can laser treatment treat current acne, it is also highly effective at preventing future breakouts. So how does it work? A device emitting a smooth laser beam is focused on the affected areas. The laser emits a pulsating heat beneath the skin’s surface which shrinks the size of the sebaceous glands.

Numbing cream is applied to the skin making the process nearly painless. Laser treatment generally is most effective when completed over a series of sessions. However, doctors have reported that even one laser treatment can reduce severity of breakouts by more than half.

The three commonly used types of lasers used for acne treatment are Nonablative lasers, Erbium (ER) lasers, and Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Nonablative devices work by stimulating collagen growth and tightening underlying skin, leading to better skin tone and a reduction in fine lines.

Erbium lasers work by transmitting heat to the water molecules in the skin. This type of device is effective with treating acne, as well as an effective treatment for mild to moderate wrinkling as well as acne scarring.

CO2 lasers work by emitting bursts of high energy light to the skin. This reduces layers of damaged skin which stimulates the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. CO2 lasers are also the best for deeper facial lines and wrinkles.

Though laser treatment is extremely effective, it does come at a price. However, many patients comment that, because the results are permanent, that treatment is less expensive in the long run than years of expensive creams and medications. Although cost of laser treatment can vary, the average cost of a session is approximately 0 for a 15-20 minute session.

After examining the risks and costs associated with laser acne treatment, you may decide it best for you. Hopefully after the procedure, you will be able to control your appearance and how people see you. After all, the focus should be on you, and not your pimples.