Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Laser therapy works by harming skin oil glands. That can lead to some improvement in acne, and perhaps even long-term relief of some acne symptoms. However, evolution gave us skin oil glands for a reason and what happens long term when you permanently disable them is still unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 4, 2007
Cons:
After treatments stopped the oil eventually returned. I have to admit that my beauty regimen was more consistent, though, when I was having monthly treatments.
Here I go, again. My skin is sensitive, so the pain is pretty intense. I need to be more generous with the Lidocaine before each session. After seeing the price others have paid, I am really grateful to my dermatologist for her reasonable fees. I buy a 4-treatment package for $240
July 5, 2007
Pros:
Smoothed My Skin.. Got Rid Of Scars.. Reduced Break-Outs!
Cons:
Really Expensive.. =[
Well I'm 16. I've Suffered From Acne Since I Was About 10.. We At That Time Thought It Was Just A Phase And It Would Fade, 6 Years On It Was Just As Bad. Went Through Almost Every Bit Of Medication On The Market & That The Doctor Could Give Me. I Had REALLY Low Self-Estime =[
We Were Reading The Newspaper On Wednesday When Me And Mum Where Waiting In The Doctors Waiting Room. There Was An Add For The Laser Clinic! Instantly, We Thought This Was Something Different & That The Results They Showed Were Amazing!
Now 2 Treatments And About 6 Months On, My Skin Is Greatly Improved And Getting better Everyday.
Its Costly, But Can You Really Put A Price On Confidence?!!
June 27, 2007
Pros:
None Really
Cons:
Expensive,Not Sure it works, gives false hope
i had pretty bad acne on my chin i have had two sessions and its bin about 6 weeks since my first i am still getting breakouts and my skin is no clearer than i can see. but maybe it will get better with time
June 25, 2007
I was very concerned about having treatment after reading the reviews on this site. However after a lot of nerves decided to go for it on saturday. I suffered no redness or any other side affects and after only one treatment have all ready seen an improvement. So far very happy.It is however expensive but worth a go I feel.
May 17, 2007
Pros:
Works great. Reduces oiliness. Have had one small whitehead in four months
Cons:
Ouch! Red for a few hours afterwards.
If you want ZERO acne, this regimen works: 1. Smoothbeam laser treatment once a month
2. Cleanse twice a day using the Clarisonic Brush and a gentle sacilyic acid cleanser (I use Neutragena)
3. Get the Beauty Light (Red and Blue Light) and use 15 minutes per day.
4. drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet
5. Look at your beautiful skin every morning in order to resolve to continue doing 1 thru 4 above
Good Luck!
April 1, 2007
Pros:
Acne-free in 3 months (with the help of BP too) and completely soft and rejuevenated, healthy, toned skin.
Cons:
There isn't one. No acne sufferer could put a price on clear skin - its worth every penny. I've probably spent more than £450 over the years on sh*tty OTC products, fad diets and prescriptions that never worked.
To any one who has already used, or is currently using BP, this treatment works identically but in higher doses! It produces oxygen under the skin to kill bacteria and also stimulates collagen to promote healing. And it works. My skin had reached such a severe point I can honestly say that I'd given up on life. I used to think about ways to kill myself on the tube - I was so miserable. No treatment worked and I'd been fighting it for two years. I honestly just wanted to die. I found the N-lite treatment on the Skin health Spa website and thought why not. Its saved my skin and my life. I never had an initial breakout or bruising - it didn't hurt. I just carried on using BP (as I'd always done) and weeks after the 3rd and final treatment my skin looked perfect. I was and still am so happy and soo thankful. I'm still using BP in teeny tiny quantities but my skin is clear. My advice - don't waste your time, your money or your hopes on any other treatment.
March 17, 2007
Pros:
Lasting Effects quickly. Excellent, excellent, excellent.
Cons:
On balance, none compared to other acne treatments but does need repeating ideally 3-4 times. £250 1st, then £175 thereafter.
In my 30's I have mild flare-ups. I get n-lite laser every six months at a private medical centre by a practising GP. I think it's really important that anyone getting N-Lite does some research and avoids skin laser clinics where profit is the bottom line. I am appalled to read one reviewer had to shell out £90 on products. This is ridiculous and I urge her to report that clinic to the BMA. Utterly contemptful and shockingly unethical! You do NOT need any extras with N-Lite. My dad is a GP and I've spoken to a few doctors about this. It will work without expensive creams so don't be pressured. Also worth going to a practitioner (qualifyied doctor) that has been trained in using the n-lite laser in the original Hammersmith Hospital trial some years ago. These people know what they are doing and are not beauty technicians given a brief training on a laser. Contact the Hammersmith and ask them for a list of practitioners. I hope one day this will be available on NHS for everyon
March 7, 2007
Pros:
makes skin less oily and pores smaller, less breakouts
Cons:
stings a little bit at the time, but with ice it's not too bad. i wouldnt say its painfull, depends on the doctor
i've been twice with the smoothbeam laser and it stings in some sensitive areas, but in others it feels like a tiny shock. my face wasnt really red at all, so i would say i didnt have any side effects at all. ive noticed my face has really gotten less shiny/oily and my breakouts are fewer.
Definitely try it, but know that the pain is all dependent on the doctor you have.
March 6, 2007
Pros:
I love this laser!!! I udnerstand it does not work for some people, but I am about a week and a half out from my first treatment and my acne has dramatically diminshed just during that time period.....as my sebaceous glands were apparantley very wel
Cons:
Very Expensive(I am paying $850 w/numbing agents for 4 rounds), buut really not that painful at all, more annoying, with the numbing cream.
This is a fantastic system that worked really well for me in the first treatment alone. I am so exicted about the next ttreatment. i experienced 0 discoloration, pain or discomfort, just some reddening for about 2 hours afer the procedure. it was easy, fast, and effective!!!
January 14, 2007
Pros:
Had three treatments a year and a half a go and the results were unbelievably fantastic
Cons:
Initial first break out after 1st treatment, plus dont suggest doing in lunch break as im pale skinned and was left red and slightly bruised for about half a day
I had the three treatments about a year and a half ago and the results were fantastic.I went to the clinic in Manchester the Private Clinic, after the treatment s i noticed such a fantastic difference in my skin, so much so that people constantly mentioned the clearness.I am considering having one or two top up treatments just to maintain the effects
The cost may seem expensive but think how much you spend trying product after product at around £5 a time...that mounts up...try N Lite!!!!!
Pros:
After six months of treatment, my skin was smoother, and certainly less oily. I was able to wear foundation, alone, and last all day.