Acne.org Products
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
June 15, 2012
Cons:
expensive
no help with prevention
requires multiple treatments for best results (they say)
I did this in combination with treatments for dark spots. Worked great for dark spots and slowed down the acne for a while, but it came in as bad as ever shortly after. GREEN TEA is my new friend and I have high hopes for it!!
September 26, 2008
Pros:
It has an immediate affect.
Cons:
Lasts only for a few months and is very expensive.
I started my laser treatments 4 years ago using VBeam. Spent $3K on 8 treatments that worked wonders - my skin was awesome to the point where I needed to wear no make up (and I had severe cystic and topical acne). Fast forward 2 years and I break out again just as bad. Dermatologist recommends a series of smoothbeam lasers. Another $2K down the hole and my acne significantly improves (though not as great as with VBeam). Fast forward 1 year down the line and my acne returns with a vengence. Only problem I have is that I "know" the lasers work - so it's hard NOT to go back and spend $800 a pop on a treatment that will almost instantly make the cystic acne dissapear. But I need to find a new alternative. The lasers are too expensive to use as a maintenance regime.
January 23, 2007
Pros:
dried out some of my acne.
Cons:
assistant who performed treatment was not that helpful and attentive. I went to Private Clinic, Harley Street
I've had one treatment and am going back for a second this week. I did get an initial breakout which is still on my face. My neck has a lot of flaky dry skin on it now. I was shocked after my first visit when I was told I had to buy £90 worth of skincare products to compliment the treatment. I wasn't told this on my initial consultation. The assistant was not very attentive and did not pass the n-lite laser behind my lower ear and neck. (this is where my acne is particularly bad). I was too nervous to say anything, but I will this time! I will write another review after my next treatment. I'm putting down that I don't recommend it, as I am not as yet satisfied with the service or the results. This may change after the next treatment and the third and final one.
April 1, 2009
Pros:
Very minor improvement
Cons:
Extremely expensive, painful, and has shown little to no results.
Starting 12/09 through 3/09 I under went a series of 5 smoothbeam laser treatments and ended with 1 microdermabrasion. About half way through my laser treatments I got back on birth control pills, which by the way I noticed almost immediate improvement along my most problematic area; chin and jawline (proven to be hormone related acne). After purchasing a few products from the medispa, along with all 6 treatments, I spent a total of $675! My skin still broke out, really didn't look better at all, as I was still mortified going out in public with no make up on. After randomly googling one day I came upon the idea of epsom/sea salt facials. Ive been doing them for about a week. My skin is wayyyy better, as Epsom salt is natural and meant to be used for inflammation. PLEASE TRY EPSOM/SEA SALT ($6) BEFORE TRYING LASOR TREATMENTS ($700)! GOOGLE IT YOULL FIND A TON OF INFO. TRUST ME ITS WORTH TRYING.
February 17, 2009
Pros:
I am starting to see results after my third session. YEAH!!!!!
Cons:
Painful, even with numbing cream. Somewhat expensive but i m getting a deal.
I have or had a pretty bad inflated acne. I have been taking meds and creams for about four or five months and three sessions of smoothbeam. After not seeing resulst (actually got worst first) with the creams, pills, and laser treatment, i started to doubt my doctor and my self about actually getting rid of my acne in the forehead. Thankfully, finally i see a light at the end of the tunnel. My acne is getting better. I still have a bad case of blemishes ( red pigmentation) that my doctor said will go away in three to six months (lase helping too). Slow and painful (mentally and physically) process. Be very very patient and soon you will see a light at the end of the tunnel. P.S. My doctor (chicago) gave me a deal on the treatment of my acne, he charges me $85.00 for consultation, smooth beam and cortisone shots on only my forehead.
February 8, 2009
Pros:
???
Cons:
Hurts and Expensive!!
I had my first treatment 3days ago and im really worry it will not work!!
Im worried because i feel that this is my last chance of being happy! my skin is on my mind 24/7 and its ruining my life!!! so far skin seems totally the same.. i atleast wanted a swollen face to show it was doing something!! Also think i've been conned as i went to the pivate clinic in harley st also and its very expensive!!
July 11, 2007
Pros:
None
Cons:
Much worse, more scars now a year later because your skin is more delicate
I had this procedure done about a year ago and was a big waste of my money. It was almost 4k and my face is so much worse than before. Everyone says I should sue but you cant because they have you sign forms that protect them. Now my skin looks worse and on top of that now I Always have dark circles under my eyes which I never had. If you have scars dont do this. it makes it worse and if you have active acne dont do this because it makes it worse! Also if you have active acne and get this done you will have new scars on top of old ones because your skin is so so fragile after this procedure. Waste if your looking for a acne cure and or acne scar cure!! Please dont.
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!
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
January 14, 2007
Pros:
None it has ruined my face
Cons:
scarring, burning, bruising, horrendous acne, sensitive skin, skin peeling
I started getting acne when I was 10. I tried everything and nothing worked so I decided to try the N-lite at Hammersmith Hospital. After the first treatment my skin was awful and it has stayed bad ever since.
Before I went for the laser i had about 3 medium and 1 huge spots per week and had a few scars on my cheeks and chin. I have now had 3 laser treatments (each 2 months apart) and I am now getting at least 3 medium and 1 huge spots a day!
They say that a week after the laser you are supposed to get a breakout and then its supposed to clear up until a couple of months later when the laser wears off. I get the breakout a week after the laser but then my skin doesnt get any better.
Not only this but it has made my skin so unbelievably sensitive. I can now only use soap and water on my face and have to moisturise about 3 times a day or i feel like my skin is burning and it all flakes off.
This treatment is the most barbaric thing ever!!!
Pros:
dried me out for a while