In the world of aesthetics and skin care, few cosmetic skin conditions are more frustrating than acne. Whether you’ve struggled with breakouts for years and tried nearly every product on the market, or you’ve only recently started experiencing them, acne can cause confidence to plummet and affect your day-to-day life.
Thankfully, acne treatments have come a long way. Medications and topical products can help tame breakouts, but they often come with side effects. In recent years, laser technology for acne has evolved, making it a reliable option for many. We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD, founder of Glösense Dermatology & Aesthetics in Miami, to learn what makes lasers stand out in a crowded field of acne solutions.
Innovations in Acne Care
“Over the past year, the biggest innovation is the ability to treat acne at the source without relying solely on antibiotics, retinoids or hormonal therapy,” says Dr. Gonzalez. She points to devices like AviClear as expanding the way providers approach both breakouts and their aftermath. “We're also seeing advancements in microbiome-friendly skin care, prescription topicals with newer molecules like clascoterone and personalized treatment plans combining in-office procedures with medical-grade at-home regimens,” she adds.
Why Are Dermatologists Turning to Lasers for Acne?
“Lasers have become an essential tool in dermatology for acne because they offer targeted, non-systemic treatment options,” explains Dr. Gonzalez. In her practice, she prefers AviClear, the first FDA-cleared device for the long-term treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne. “It’s safe for all skin types1, has no hormones or harsh topicals and is ideal for patients seeking an alternative to long-term medications.”
Who Should Consider Laser Treatment for Acne?
“Ideal candidates are those who have tried topical or oral medications with limited success or are experiencing side effects from current treatments,” says Dr. Gonzalez. However, lasers aren’t just a last resort. “Lasers are also great for hormonal acne, adult acne or patients who want to avoid long-term systemic medications like isotretinoin.”
“For the right patient, lasers can be a great starting point,” she adds. Dr. Gonzalez evaluates each patient’s full skin history, lifestyle and preferences before building a personalized plan. That plan may include lasers but also skin care, diet changes, and occasionally, short-term medications.
Benefits of Laser Treatments vs. Medication or Topicals
Lasers provide a more targeted approach to treating acne. For example, AviClear works by selectively targeting the sebaceous glands using a 1726 nm wavelength. “Other wavelengths can also address concerns like scarring and pigmentation in the same treatment plan,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
Lasers often have fewer systemic side effects, making them easier for many patients to tolerate long-term.
What to Expect After Treatment: Results and Recovery
AviClear generally involves little or no downtime. Some patients may experience mild redness or warmth for a couple of days. “Unlike harsh peels or resurfacing lasers, these treatments are buildable and suitable for routine lifestyles,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
“Improvements in oil production and acne severity can be seen in the months after the recommended three treatments," she explains. "Over time, the skin not only appears clearer but becomes more balanced and less prone to future breakouts.”
Lasers vs. Topical and Oral Medications
“Topicals often take months to show progress and can irritate sensitive skin," says Dr. Gonzalez. "Oral drugs can be highly effective but come with systemic effects. Lasers offer a middle ground." Lasers like AviClear “work deeper than topicals but without the systemic impact of pills. They also provide long-term oil reduction, clearer skin, and smoother texture and benefits that can be difficult to achieve with just creams or medications alone.”
References:
1. Data on file. AviClear Pivotal Study.
Indications for Use: AviClear is FDA-cleared for the long-term treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Contraindications: Pregnant patients and patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
Important Safety Information: The following treatment-related side effects may occur during or after treatment with AviClear: Discomfort, erythema and edema, transient acne flareups, temporary skin dryness, blisters, crusting/scabbing, hyperpigmentation, skin texture changes, infection, scarring, hypopigmentation and altered hair growth.
Warnings: Do not treat over dysplastic nevi or questionable pigmented lesions; do not treat over or close to tattoos or permanent make-up.
Precautions: Use only topical anesthetics recommended by Cutera for AviClear treatments. Use caution when treating patients with any of the following: current or recent use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane), current or recent use of anticoagulants, presence of any inflammatory skin condition other than acne in the target area, history of malignant tumors in the target area, history of coagulopathies, history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring, history of vitiligo or pigmentary disorders, history of herpes - pre-treatment with an antiviral may be indicated, open lesions or wounds - treatment should only be performed on intact skin, metal or electronic implants - reaction to treating over implants is unknown; check with implant manufacturer or physician managing the implant before treating. The AviClear Laser System has not been studied on the lips, upper and lower eyelids, and eyebrows. Refer to the Operator Manual to view the laser safety labels of the product.
