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
November 24, 2016
Why is this fantastic treatment overlooked? It works.
I've waited for several months after starting Nlite before posting this review, as I wanted to make absolutely sure the fact my skin is currently perfect (apart from a couple of old scars from cysts) was not due to anything else but the Nlite. I'm not even going to mention what clinic I went to as I was put off myself when reading reviews by the idea that they were bogus reviews written by clinics advertising. I've suffered for about 30 years with acne, with the odd few years of relief when I didn't due to benzl peroxide cream (in my teens when skin was tougher), Dianette contraceptive pill, but then couldn't have that when pregnant or breastfeeding and am reluctant to accept the risks of that nowadays. I even had 9 days on roaccutane which I wrote a review on here about. Firstly, I'm not sure about the other laser names I'm reading in this thread - the treatment I had was "Nlite" laser, and I wasn't sold any other products to go with it nor was it even suggested I'd need them. It involves just the laser and it takes a few minutes. It is quite expensive and top up treatments are needed. I don't know how long between treatments is required yet as I've topped up rather than wait longer than 2 months as I can't bear to wait as I don't want to risk my acne coming back and leaving more scars, but I plan to top up about every two or three months. I've paid £225 in one place and £130 in another place. In one place they even did a "test patch" for £50 so I could see if it worked from the first go, so no having to pay out a fortune just to see!! The nurse in one place told me it seems to work in about 80% of clients (and it hurt slightly so I think she used a higher setting). The doctor in the other said it works in about 70% of his patients (I barely felt anything when treated here - it still worked but there was the odd pimple now and then, whereas I am completely clear after the higher power treatment in the other place that hurt slightly). I could see improvement from the first treatment. Worth a try I think.
January 20, 2013
Cons:
cost is a bit pricey especially if your having a minimum of six. Not available on NHS with is a joke !!! and can take a few months to notice a difference but patients is a virtue.
Having suffered severe cystic acne and been on every prescription drug available I thought id try N-lite you get fab results but does take a little while to start seeing any signs of improvement, however you do notice skin looking more plump and fuller after first zap (due to collagen reproduction). I go to the chester wellness centre and from what i can gather its quite a lot cheaper than other places amazing staff, excellent service highly recommend this treatment but remember you must persevere!!!!
March 2, 2012
Pros:
- Skin feels tighter
- Big reduction in pimples and oil on my face
- Pores seem to be smaller
- My skin is generally much better than before
Cons:
- Can be a little uncomfortable on the higher settings
I have had 3 treatments to date and have tried many different settings. The first time I went I had it on a relatively low setting but the technician did several passes over my entire face. On subsequent visits I have been taking a more intense treatment, it is a little uncomfortable at first but with the anesthetic cream you quickly get used to it and its not much to worry about. I would highly recommend the treatment to anyone who has suffered from acne. It's really helped me a lot. I am 2nd Generation Australian with rather light skin. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. I have read several of the posts below and do not really understand where most people are going wrong, I did not experience any redness or down time at all and went straight back to work.
May 31, 2010
Pros:
So I have had pretty bad acne and this treatment was a lifesaver. It helped my acne and scarring and prevents new outbreaks.I get numbing cream and then the treatment is almost painfree. I get my treatments at LASERKLINIC ([link removed]). The service/treatments/staff the best.
Cons:
I get numbing cream and then the treatment is almost painfree.
Proven effective treatment for acne and acne scars and prevention of new acne!
November 15, 2009
Pros:
It really tightened my skin and shrunk my pores.
Cons:
My mom thought I was weird when I beat egg whites and put them on my face, she thought I was going to cook them...haha
I would definitly recommend this to my friends, it worked wonders in such a short time!
June 10, 2009
Pros:
everything. I had 4 sessions on the n-lite and after 6 months had NO acne. It does take time but the results are worth while. I was on antibiotics for 12 years and it left me with major problems including depression.
Cons:
None
It is expensive but the results are worth it. I have been off all medication now for 4 years. I get the occasional spot but nothing like before. After I had had the treatment I researched the make up I used. I use Bare Essentuals mineral makeup combined with MD formulations skincare products. There are lots of mineral products available now, however, some of them have chemicals in, BE is the first and recommended by the skin cancer foundation. MD is amazing, it has glycolic acid in it and keeps spots at bay! ACNE medication has hideous side effects, I can't recommend N-Lite enough. I also have regular colonics which is highly recommended for treating acne as it clears all imputities. You need to keep at it, and look after your skin.
May 26, 2009
Pros:
It works it really does Use RetinA as well and you should be golden
Cons:
It takes repeated treatment and it costs an average of 600 per session So it can get expensive
I would recommend this treatment to all, especially if you have tried other methods with little to any results. The laser heats up the skin beneath the surface resulting in killing of bacteria and shrinking of oil glands. I could really see in the future that the laser treatment will replace the once convential methods of treating acne. Convential methods may or may not work but they certainly will not deal with scarring and the red marks, wheras smoothbeam corrects these problems as well. My only wish was they had this technology 15 years ago when I was in highschool.
My advice... If you are someone that is sufferring or if you have kids that are suffering, get them the treatment. It is expensive, but it could really change their life. Hopefully one day insurance will cover this miracle treatment.
April 10, 2009
Pros:
Made my skin clear
Cons:
Nothing bad
It is worth it
April 4, 2009
Pros:
saw a huge difference in my skin. had tried EVERYTHING. but I do truly believe you have to look at diet and lifestyle, its not a miracle cure for acne. I also see a nutritonist which has also helped massively. Its about taking an holitic approach
Cons:
the cost BUT, I would never be able to afford it. I was referred through my GP. It was a 5 year battle, but I researched researched researched!!, and would not take no for an answer. I got it on the NHS. Everyone is entitled to this.
go for it, do you research and dont take no for an answer from your GP. I have severe cystic ance caused through an illness, I tried everyting and was dismissed by many GP's. This and topical retinoid treatments combined with diet and nutrition has helped with scarring, healing and overall skin texture, and the bonus is it apparently also helps with wrinkles!!! for me it was the only thing that has helped, I still get outbreaks but fewer and the scaring has reduced dramatically. I can go out of the house without having to put a mask of foundation on and only use light mineral make up (also great for prob skin) good luck, I really know how debilitating acne is, make you Dr listen to you and gain control of your skin. Its easy for them to be dismissive when they dont have to live with it.
March 5, 2009
Pros:
My face looks so much better and my pores are smaller
Cons:
Much more painful then I was expecting. Also the bleeing I did not expect
I got the profractional laser treatment and micro laser peel done a week ago. It was more painful then I thought and I looked messed up for the first 3 days. Its been a week and I look normal again with only a few red areas. My pores are much smaller and my skin is smoother. The Dr. said I should see improvement for the next several months. So far I am very pleased with this procedure and would recommend it to others.
Pros:
Amazing results not just from prevention of cystic acne but general appearance of skin i.e scarring and pore size and texture over time even reduces redness and tone.