Lasers, Light, and the Treatment of Acne: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Acne vulgaris is common dermatologic condition with an estimated prevalence of 70 to 87%. Acne has been shown to have a significant impact on patient quality of life and mental health, especially as inflammatory lesions typically occur on cosmetically sensitive areas with the potential for permanent scarring. There have been numerous advances in the treatment of inflammatory acne with light-based and laser devices.

To review the current evidence for light-based and laser treatments in the management of inflammatory acne.

An analysis was conducted of PubMed indexed English language literature regarding management of inflammatory acne using light-based and laser treatments.

Evidence for the utilization of laser and light-based therapy for acne was summarized in a comprehensive review. Laser and light-based treatment holds the advantages of improved patient compliance and safety profiles in comparison to pharmacologic therapy. Efficacy of device based treatment varied in comparison to standard topical treatment regimens, often more effective when used in combination therapy. Adverse effects reported were generally self-limited.

These treatments do and will continue to play an important and enlarging role in the management of acne. Larger scale studies with standardization of treatment protocols are warranted.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(11):1095-1102.