Revisiting an Oldie

Currently, several treatment options for common acne (acne vulgaris) are available. Treatments vary depending on the extent and severity of the skin condition. One method now widely used for treating acne is laser treatment. This method has become very popular as more and more people have testified to it being totally painless and very effective.

Another attractive feature is that this treatment option has relatively few side effects, and the positive effects are long-lasting. However, the cost of laser therapy is relatively high when compared to other alternatives. Laser treatment for acne costs about $500 for a 15 – 20-minute session. Many consider it a good trade-off as the therapy guarantees great results. This is a claim that no other skincare product can make. There is no doubt that spending money on laser treatment is better than spending thousands of dollars on the dozens and dozens of non-effective products that are available in the marketplace today.

The main focus of laser treatment is on the bacteria that cause acne, which resides in the pores of the skin. The procedure that is used in laser therapy kills the bacteria and repairs the damaged skin tissue all at the same time. There are different kinds of lasers used in the treatment of acne, such as erbium lasers, non-ablative lasers, and carbon dioxide lasers. Non-ablative lasers work their way underneath the skin and encourage the production of collagen. They also tighten the skin pores. Good skin tone, reduction of fine lines and a very obvious difference in the appearance of the skin are the most positive results of these lasers.

Erbium lasers, unlike the non-ablative lasers, which work on the ducts of the skin, work on the water molecules in the skin. This laser treatment for acne is used for people who have very shallow or a moderate level of facial wrinkles or lesions. In fact, erbium laser treatment is probably your best bet for eliminating acne-related facial lesions.

Carbon dioxide laser treatment involves the emission of short outbursts of high energy light on to the skin. As a result, the damaged skin vaporizes and is removed. Carbon dioxide laser therapy is considered best for removing all types of acne.

While considering the laser treatment for acne, it is necessary to think about the side effects of the treatment. Unlike common belief, laser therapy does have some negative effects on the skin in at least a few cases. There have been reports of discoloration or increased roughness of the skin and swelling of the affected areas after treatment. Carbon dioxide laser treatment, in particular, is reported to increase the pigmentation of the skin.

It is important to remember that laser treatments for acne are still new. It is possible that the newer side effects of this therapy may be observed later on. However, there is no doubt that it is the most popular and effective method of treating acne today. Right from the time you decide to undergo laser treatment, try to collect and read all the available literature pertaining to the subject. This will clear up any doubts you might have regarding how the treatment procedure may affect your skin and any long-term side effects. Moreover, being well-read on the subject ensures safety from getting swindled by selfish money grabbers. There is no doubt that knowledge is power when it comes to new treatment options for whatever disease/symptom.