How Do Laser Treatments for Acne Work?
In about 25% of acne products, the therapeutic action involves destroying the so-called acne causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). For years, phototherapy for acne was considered effective because it apparently targeted and diminished p. acnes colonies. However, new research quashes that phototherapy theory. Even so, laser treatments can remedy acneic skin. For example, in the June 2006 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy presented by David Goldberg and Bruce Russell alternated each acne phototherapy session between 20 minute sessions with 415 nm blue light and 633 nm red light therapy. Patients received a pre-microdermabrasion treatment and a blue or red laser treatment twice per week, every three days, for up to twelve weeks. At week four, the 22 patients saw a mean reduction in acne lesion counts of 46%. At week 12, acne lesion count dropped by 86%. But, as many dermatologists and acne patients realize, the blue light laser did not impact comedones. Wh
