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.
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
July 21, 2015
Laser resurfacing
I just had laser resurfacing done 5 days ago and had high hopes. They told me to use Cetaphil and aquaphor while my face healed, unfortunately my face severly broke out more than it ever has my entire life. I'm pretty sure it's from using the aquaphor, I wish my Dr had advised me to use something more acne friendly. He put me on antibiotics now which I'm hoping will help but the damage is already done. I just want to warn anyone interested in doing this, wait until your acne is cleared up!!! And don't use aquaphor, do your research!
January 9, 2014
Waste of hope
Cons:
only temporary
very expensive
I had mine done at Manchester Private Clinic. I first got acne at 9 years of age, and I am now 20. I started my treatment when I was 19. I have tried everything to cure my acne, antibiotics, herbal medications, special make ups, special machines, different contraceptives etc and nothing has ever been successful. I have combination skin both dry and oily. I mainly suffer from large, reg angry boil type spots and large whiteheads. Firstly the Jan Mari products they sell you with your treatment really stings, and are almost unsuable because of this plus they are really expensive and made my skin sore, red and dry so I wouldn't bother with these. They suggested I use mineral make up to get maximum benefits from the treatment so I did so, although I didn't buy theres as it was really expensive, I started with Bareminerals instead and that has helped slightly, also I started only using 'simple' brand products which they also suggested, and this also seemed to help. The treatment itself seemed to gradually work after each session although not dramatically. After my 3rd & final session I went back for a review a few weeks after, I wasn't happy that there was enough change and asked for the free session they had promised me during consultation. They were extremely reluctant to give me the free session especially considering the crazy amount of money I had spent, so I was extremely unpleased with this. It was only after my forth session that I noticed any real difference, my scarring had faded slighltly and I had less active acne although it was still awful but I was greatful for some improvement. A couple of months later and the spots have completely returned as angry as ever. I wont bother with anymore sessions, its not worth the hassle and expense for such temporary difference. Also during consultation it was suggested that I may have 'acne roascea' the lady finally decided it wasn't and that the n-lite would therefore be suitable however when i turned up for my sessions the lady performing the treatment said she was user it was acne rocasea and that therefore it wans't the right treatment to me (telling me this whilst performing the treatment) so I didn't know who to belive and this was extremely disheartening.
May 28, 2013
Pros:
no side effects
Cons:
did not work
did 6 treatments hoping it was going to cure my acne. just waisted my money . I did not had any side effects like some of the people have commented on. it just didn't work never made my acne better stayed the same . the only thing it did was made my face less oily . but for $300.00 a treatment I expected more than just giving me a less oily face ..
June 15, 2012
Pros:
dried me out for a while
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!!
February 2, 2011
Pros:
made my face feel cleaner and smoother
Cons:
my face is completley red
i have only got the first treatment done but my face is completley red. its has been 3 weeks sense my first treatment and my face is still completley red. I dont no what to do..... anyone have any ideas?
October 17, 2010
Pros:
Skin got better shortly after the treatments, but this was just a short-term improvement.
Cons:
I had 3 treatments over the period of 2,5 months, last treatment 1 month ago. Each treatment was preceded by acid peel (50%) and the second treatment was preceded by both acid peel and microdermabrasion.
One month after the last treatment, my face looks as bad as it did before the treatments, although the areas of my face that were originally affected are now clear and I have outbreaks in the places that had never been affected before.
I was told 3 treatment would be sufficient for me, which was not the case. Or I'm yet to see the results. I may invest in another 3 treatments. I paid £400 for the series of 3 Nlite treatments in west London.
December 3, 2009
Pros:
None
Cons:
Waste of money. Acne flared up.
I would not recommend. I have had 4 treatments.
June 30, 2009
Pros:
None
Cons:
I had my Nlite treatment 1 month ago. It did nothing to my skin except to make it worse!
Do not try it
May 15, 2009
Pros:
It did reduce my active acne. I had 2 sessions about 5-6 weeks apart.
Cons:
It was very expensive at £400 for two sessions. Not permanent.
It did make a difference where no other creams or diet changes had before. I did notice the acne reducing within days but I could only manage 2 treatments as it was so expensive. I went to the Private clinic in Harley St having read the press but I did feel like I was on an assembly line and they couldn't wait to get my payment details. They say in the blurb that there is no down time but it did make my face go red and luckily I had brought my make up with me so I could put it on again in the loo before I left the building. The redness did calm down quickly enough during my journey home but I wouldn't like to have this done in a lunch hour and return to work or meet anyone straight after. I am going to recommend it because it did work for me but it's only for people with the money to continue treatments. It was uncomfortable but I don't think it was too painful. Please see my review of the BeautySkin acne light.
May 1, 2009
Pros:
Some improvement in forehead lines, lightening of a few freckles
Cons:
Procedure was much more painful than advertised - down time longer than advertised - saw no difference in lines around eyes.
Broke out in zits from the thick Aquafor dressing.
Skin looks slight fresher but overall not worth it.
Pros:
slight difference after forth session