Lasers for acne 101: how they reduce oil and bacteria, who’s a candidate, and what downtime to expect
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Acne is very common and can affect quality of life, especially in teenagers. Many cases improve with topical treatments, but some patients need oral antibiotics like doxycycline, which can be problematic if used for years. Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) often provides long‑term control but can cause side effects such as dry skin and eyes, joint pain, stomach issues, and sometimes depression, and it requires strict pregnancy avoidance. A newer option, the AviClear laser, targets the oil glands similarly to isotretinoin. In three monthly sessions with no downtime, it can deliver results comparable to isotretinoin without those side effects, helping both teens and adults with acne.
Acne: A common skin condition where pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples and inflammation.
Dermatology: The medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Topical treatments: Medications applied directly to the skin (such as creams or gels) to treat acne.
Antibiotics: Oral medicines used to reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation; long-term use can be an issue for some patients.
Doxycycline: A commonly used oral antibiotic for acne.
Isotretinoin: A powerful oral acne medication that targets oil glands for long-term control but can have significant side effects and requires strict pregnancy avoidance.
Accutane: A brand name for isotretinoin, an oral medication for severe or persistent acne.
Depression: A mood disorder; listed here as a possible side effect associated with isotretinoin for some people.
Pregnancy (avoidance): Patients taking isotretinoin must not become pregnant due to serious medication risks.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): U.S. agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of medical drugs and devices; AviClear underwent FDA studies.
AviClear: A laser treatment for acne that targets the skin’s oil glands; typically done in three monthly sessions with no downtime.
Oil glands: Structures in the skin that produce oil; overactivity can contribute to acne. AviClear and isotretinoin both target these glands.
Downtime: Recovery time needed after a procedure; AviClear is described as having no downtime.