Does a Laser Acne Treatment Actually Work?

You’ll often see dramatic before-and-after images—clear skin after “a few laser acne treatments.” It’s tempting to believe in overnight transformation. But the real question is: does a laser for acne actually deliver sustainable results? Let’s walk through the evidence — and decode what it means for your skin.

1. The Theory: Why lasers could work against acne

Before evaluating outcomes, we need a quick recap of how acne develops. At its core: inflammation, excess sebum production, clogged pores, bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), and a cycle of damage and repair.

Lasers and light-based devices aim to interrupt one or more points in this cycle:

• Heating or injuring sebaceous glands to reduce sebum output
• Disrupting bacteria or reducing their colonisation
• Modulating inflammation and vascular signals
• Remodelling tissue (in the case of scarring or lasting damage)

Because lasers can deliver energy precisely, they hold the promise of intervening without the systemic side effects of oral medications.

2. What Does the Evidence Say about Acne Lasers?

Overview: Mixed—but promising

A major narrative review, “Established and Emerging Laser Treatments for Acne”, examines decades of laser use in acne and notes that lasers have shown efficacy as primary or adjunctive treatments in many cases.

Another review, “Lasers, Light, and the Treatment of Acne”, observes that laser/light therapies offer better adherence and safety profiles compared to some pharmacologic therapies. The trick is combining modalities and tailoring to individual skin types, directed by Dermatologist-care.

A more recent piece, “Targeting Inflammation in Acne: Current Treatments and Future Prospects”, delves into specific wavelengths (e.g. 1450 nm diode, pulsed dye lasers, IPL) and notes  moderate efficacy in reducing inflammation, with typical side-effects like transient irritation and pigment changes.

So: yes — lasers can help. But with nuance. Let’s look at standout clinical studies.

Spotlight: The 1726 nm Laser for Acne Treatment (AviClear / Accure style)

One of the most compelling developments is the 1726-nm laser system (different lasers use different wavelengths to bring about responses in the skin, so the wavelength is significant here), which has been FDA cleared. The technology uses selective photothermolysis with contact cooling to target sebaceous glands while sparing surface skin.

In one trial of moderate-to-severe acne, investigators found:

• A ≥50% reduction in active inflammatory lesions in 32.6% at 4 weeks, rising to
• 79.8% at 12 weeks and
• 87.3% at 26 weeks.

With no serious adverse events; the procedure was well tolerated without anaesthesia.

These results suggest durable improvement over months, a major point in favour of lasers in a realistic clinical setting.

The Targeting Inflammation study also cites pre-publication manufacturer data showing fewer, shorter, and milder breakouts following three 30-minute sessions — again, across skin types. So, in our view when picking lasers, opt for the 1726nm laser for acne.

Other Laser Types & Results

Fractional and CO2 lasers are also mentioned in the studies, but specifically targeting scarring. An IPL/Sciton BBL is also effective at reducing lesions, particularly if there is underlying redness or rosacea, and used in combination with other treatments.

In sum: no single laser is a magic bullet. But many show measurable benefit — especially when integrated into a broader regimen, which is why it is important to be under the care of a dermatologist whilst selecting these treatments.

Strengths & Limitations of the Evidence

Strengths

• Clear physiological rationale
• Some prospective trials (e.g. 1726 nm) with strong lesion-reduction data
• Relatively benign side-effect profiles in many reports
• Appeal for patients who struggle with systemic medications

Limitations

• Variation in lasers, fluences, cooling, session number — hard to standardise across different wavelengths and clinicians.
• Risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types (dependant on the wavelength and mechanism of delivery).
• Less robust data comparing lasers against mainstream therapies in head-to-head trials

These limitations mean lasers are often best used not as a valuable adjunct — a tool in a sophisticated skincare protocol that should be used under medical care.

What Does This Mean for Your Acne Treatment?

If you have persistent inflammatory acne or breakouts that resist conventional treatment, here’s how lasers might fit into your skin health strategy…

When laser might make sense for Acne:

• You’ve already ruled out or optimised topical therapy, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, etc.
• You want a non-systemic option with low downtime
• You’re dealing with residual inflammation, redness, or a tendency to rebound
• You’re committed to maintenance and follow-up

How to approach a laser regimen: (our clinical sense)

1. Assessment & candidacy — our dermatologists look at your skin type, acne type, risk of pigmentation
2. Choose the appropriate device — e.g. 1726 nm for sebaceous targeting; fractional for scarring
3. Use multiple sessions — usually a series spaced weeks apart
4. Combine with other modalities — topical retinoids, anti-inflammatories, hormonal agents, etc.
5. Monitor and maintain — check clinical progress, side effects, relapse risk

Final Verdict: Yes, Lasers Can Work — But With Patience and Medical Support

A laser is not a one-and-done “zap and vanish” solution. But the body of evidence — especially around newer systems like the 1726 nm laser — strongly supports their role as potent allies in acne control.

For the right patient (realistic, informed, committed), laser therapy can reduce breakouts, tone down inflammation, decrease sebum activity, and help reset the skin’s ecosystem. It works best as part of a thoughtfully layered dermatology plan, not as a standalone shortcut.

At No. 23 Skin, we approach laser acne treatment like we do any other intervention: with science, respect, and wide-angle care. That means combining expertise, tailoring protocols, and partnering with you to build skin that’s resilient — not perfect, but healthy.

The next step is to talk to us about your skin – either by jumping straight in for a dermatology consultation, picking up the phone (02039411815) or by sending some images to hello@23skin.co.uk.

We love to chat about skin, so please don’t put it off – we know how to help acne and can support you every step of the way.

Helen & the team at No. 23 Skin

hc@23skin.co.uk

02039411815