Energy-based devices have their importance over other treatment options available for treating acne (like topical agents, oral antibiotics, isotretinoinetc) because patients′ compliance is better with it, says David Goldberg, who is the director of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New York and New Jersey, New York, New York and a member of Dermatology Time′s® editorial board.

He explains that some patients don′t want to take oral medications, some have significant side effects, which is overcome by energy-based devices.

The infrared lasers absorb water from the sebaceous gland and heat up the sebaceous gland. Currently, 1064nm wavelength is most commonly used. The reason for the superiority of laser devices is-

They are not absorbed by the pigment, so can be used in all skin types

They are painless

Goldberg D. published a study investigating the use of lasers with 1064 nm, 650 microseconds over a series of every other week treatment in an actively treated group with 10 subjects versus a sham-treated group (10 subjects treated with lasers but a filter on it). 3 month follow up showed-

No improvement or worsening of the lesion in sham patients

Less inflammatory lesions, fewer comedonal lesions, less porphyrin count and less sebum production in the actively treated group

So it was inferred that lasers are a simple and safe device for treating acne that does not require compliance.

He further mentions that the 1726nm wavelength is currently under investigation as it specifically targets sebaceous glands. Treatment with this wavelength is expected to give not only more effective results but also longer-lasting results.

Source: Dermatology Times [Internet]. Update in Acne for Lasers, November 2021. Available from: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/update-in-acne-for-lasers