It could be hard to ignore your irritated skin when you have an acne breakout. Picking or popping pimples, on the other hand, can aggravate the situation and result in scarring. Even if you take good care of skin, you might still have acne breakouts that are out of control.
Depending on severity of your acne and its area, laser treatment may be necessary to remove it completely. Laser therapy could help to clear up the bacterial issues that cause acne breakouts, leaving you with smooth, clear skin and evening out any scarring from previous breakouts.
Does laser hair removal help with acne?
Laser hair removal reduces breakouts by removing the bacteria’s clinging hair. Plucking and waxing don’t provide the same relief as permanent removal. Because it isn’t permanent, plucking and waxing don’t offer the same relief as removal.
Laser therapy could be the right solution for you if you’ve tried topical acne treatments like creams or gels but haven’t seen long-term results. You could reduce current acne outbreaks and prevent future breakouts by removing bacteria from your skin’s surface. Laser therapy also penetrates deeper into your dermis, where it can target and kill bacteria that could be harmful.
Some redness or tenderness may occur in the treatment area, but this should subside in a day or two. Until your skin heals, keep it out of the sun and away from harsh chemicals.
Can laser hair removal help acne scars?
Acne scar laser treatment aims to reduce the appearance of scars left over from previous breakouts. 95 percent of acne sufferers have residual scarring, according to Trusted Source. In order to break up scar tissue, laser treatment for acne scars focuses light on the top layers of the skin. Simultaneously, the treatment promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace the scar tissue.
While this treatment won’t completely eliminate acne scars, it will help to lessen their appearance and pain. This treatment may not be appropriate for you if you have active acne, a darker skin tone, or very wrinkled skin. Only a dermatologist could tell you whether or not laser treatment for acne scars is right for you.
What to know before removing acne from laser hair removal?
Acne, like its scars, is a dreadful condition. For removing acne scars and treating hyperpigmentation, laser therapy is the most popular treatment. Before you get laser treatment, there are a few things you should think about.
1. Before beginning any laser treatment, you should see a doctor
Walk away from anyone who promises to treat your scar without first consulting a physician. Make a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking and give it to your dermatologist. You might need to stop taking something for a while in order to heal properly and avoid scarring from the laser.
It’s vital that the person who performs your laser treatment is aware of your medical history. Each individual is distinct. The person performing your laser treatment must take into account your skin type, the characteristics of your scar, and your overall health in order to effectively treat your scar.
Tell your dermatologist if you have any of the following conditions during your consultation:
- Have a health problem, such as diabetes
- Smoke
- Take any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- It’s also crucial that your dermatologist understands your treatment goals.
2. Before beginning treatment, you may need to make some lifestyle changes
Dermatologists advise patients to do the following to heal quickly and get the most out of laser treatment:
- Before laser treatment, stop smoking for at least 2 weeks.
- Stop taking vitamin E, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatories and supplements.
- For 2 to 4 weeks, avoid using retinoid or glycolic acid-containing skincare products.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, consider taking medication to prevent them.
- Sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps should all be avoided. If you have a tan or sunburn, you could not be treated.
3. Protect yourself from the sun
Your dermatologist will not be able to treat your acne scars with a laser if you have a tan or sunburn. When laser is used on tanned or sunburned skin, a serious burn or skin discoloration can occur.
Even after the treatment, you should keep your skin protected from the sun until it is completely healed. Sun exposure without protection could cause skin damage and the formation of new scars.
4. The success of your laser treatment is largely determined by the laser technician’s abilities
Dermatologists are pioneers in the field of laser scar treatment. Laser treatment could safely treat many types of scars in the hands of a board-certified dermatologist.
Laser treatment may not give you results you want if the person performing it lacks medical knowledge and specialized skin knowledge. It’s even possible that it’s harmful.
5. Other sub-treatments could be used as part of the treatment
The laser treatment could be combined with other sub-treatments like dermal fillers, based on the severity and depth of your scar. It’s also possible that you’ll need multiple sessions to achieve your goals.
The treatment’s effects may not be visible right away or may take a few months. It would be a slow process to improve.
Are there any risks with removing acne from laser hair removal?
A Laser Acne Removal Treatment has no negative side effects. It is critical to use the right laser frequency for your skin type. It may harm your skin if this is not the case. As a result, it’s critical that you have your Laser Acne Removal done by a qualified and experienced Laser Clinic.
Here are some risks with removing acne from laser hair removal
1. Scarring
This is most common in people who have a proclivity for scarring.
2. Skin discoloration
Skin discoloration is frequently caused by the use of the incorrect wavelength or medium for treatment. When medical professionals perform this procedure, they use various types of lasers.
The type chosen is determined by the patient’s skin tone and hair color. Skin discoloration can occur when the wrong medium is used. Patients who are concerned about this side effect should speak with their doctor about any concerns they may have.
3. Irritation and redness
Redness, small bumps, irritation, and temporary discomfort may occur immediately after laser treatment, but only on the lasered area.
However, this is only a temporary condition that will resolve on its own within a few hours to several days. Using a cooling cream, on the other hand, could help to soothe the area. Try a fragrance-free aloe Vera or non-comedogenic after sun products, for example. Ice packs or cold washcloths could also be used as compresses to relieve swelling, burning, or itching.
On the treated area, avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliants. This would irritate the skin even more.
4. Risk of skin infection
The process of damaging hair follicles, like other cosmetic hair removal methods, can lead to infection. When there are wound-like side effects after the procedure, it’s critical to get the proper treatment. Only use dermatologist-approved products after treatment.
5. Eye injury
Powerful lasers are used in the laser hair removal procedure. When the area being treated is on the face, there is a greater chance of serious eye injury. Both the patient and the practitioner must wear protective eye equipment to avoid injury to their eyes.
Can laser hair removal cause acne?
Acne could appear on the treatment area after your laser hair removal sessions. This is a side effect that occurs when pores become clogged. Your skin would be more vulnerable to these tiny infections because the laser’s heat opens up your pores. They form in the same way that acne does: your body tries to expel dead skin cells and bacteria by creating a pus-filled bubble.
This problem can be avoided with a proper post-lasering treatment regimen. Keep your surroundings clean. Avoid wearing makeup, deodorant, or other cosmetics after your sessions. As the skin heals, it will be able to ‘breathe. To allow the pores to clear out debris, keep that ‘pathway’ open.
However, to keep irritation at bay, continue to use the cooling creams or ointments recommended by your doctor.
Acne could be treated with a triple-antibiotic ointment if it persists after laser hair removal. Most drugstores carry this type of product over-the-counter. A doctor could help you decide which one you require (another reason to only use a doctor-led medical spa for any laser treatment).
To avoid scarring, you must avoid picking or popping the acne spots.
What are the other possible ways to remove acne?
Start by following these top helpful tricks if you need some quick tips on how to get rid of acne.
1. Aloe vera gel
It not only cools your skin but it also reduces pimple inflammation and removes oiliness. You could make your own aloe Vera gel in addition to purchasing it from organic markets and drug stores.
Directions
- Cut an aloe Vera leaf into 8-inch sections.
- To get the flesh, turn your blade to the side and slide it just under the skin.
- Place the flesh in a clean bowl, cut into 2 or 3 pieces.
- Blend the flesh until smooth in your blender.
- Place the smooth gel in the refrigerator to keep it cool.
- Apply aloe Vera gel directly to the infected area of your skin.
2. Look into low-level light device options
On the market, there are several low-level light devices marketed as at-home acne treatments—but do they really work? Some, such as the Zeno electronic “zit-zapper,” are FDA-approved as acne treatments, but customer feedback is usually mixed.
Even the best acne treatment won’t work for everyone, depending on the severity of the acne, the type of acne, and the device’s quality; if you’re thinking about buying an at-home light device to treat your acne, consult your dermatologist first.
3. Use Prescription antibiotics and medications
Your dermatologist may prescribe certain medications to help with particularly severe cases of acne, but they should be used with caution. Unwanted effects can result in a small percentage of the population, as with all medications.
- Antibiotics could aid in the killing of bacteria which may be causing your acne. Antibiotics that are applied to the skin directly can also be used.
- Using a specialized form of birth control (for women) can aid in the regulation of hormones that may be causing your severe acne. Consult your dermatologist to see if this is a viable option for you.
- Accutane, a specialized drug, can be prescribed for particularly troublesome cases of acne. This is a powerful retinoid treatment that has been shown to almost completely clear users of acne. It does, however, have the most severe side effects of any acne treatment and should be used with extreme caution.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliate dead skin cells could be removed with exfoliation. These cells could clog your pores and cause breakouts if they stay on your skin for too long.
A buildup of dead cells on face can make your skin look dull, flaky, and older than it is.
The following exfoliation techniques may aid in the removal of dry, dead skin:
- A salicylic acid mask with 2% salicylic acid and a glycolic acid mask or lotion with 10% or less glycolic acid
- A facial brush with a motor
- Once or twice a week for chemical exfoliants like masks or lotions. Use physical exfoliants three or four times per week, such as scrubs or brushes.
- Start with fewer exfoliating sessions and increase the number as needed to avoid damaging your skin by over-exfoliating.
- It’s best to consult your dermatologist if you have inflammatory acne (pustules and cysts), as some types of exfoliation could exacerbate it further.
Use an acne-fighting product.
Several topical therapies can help fight acne, as per the American Academy of Dermatology. Knowing what type of acne you have is crucial to finding the most effective treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends following treatments depending on the type of acne you have:
Acne that has left scars
Acne and acne scarring can be reduced with azelaic acid preparations.
Mild acne
Topical benzoyl peroxide, alone or in combination with a topical retinoid, can help treat mild acne.
Inflammatory acne
The use of a topical dapsone 5% gel is recommended, especially in adult females.
Acne with comedones (blackheads and similar bumps)
Look for retinoid in products such as adapalene gel (Differin).
Multiple types of acne
The AAD recommends using combination of benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or adapalene gel to treat multiple types of acne at once.
If you use these treatments together, your skin may become dry, so be sure to use a moisturizer to keep it hydrated.
5. Use acne soap to wash your face
Washing your face with regular soap won’t help you get rid of your breakouts. The best acne face wash removes oil and dirt effectively while remaining gentle enough to use regularly without over-drying your skin. Use gentle, nonabrasive cleansing techniques and look for topical acne medication ingredients salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in your face wash.
6. Once a week, use clay mask
Once a week, apply clay mask to help remove excess oil and dirt, which may help with acne. Clay masks can be found in most drug stores.
Apply the mask to clean skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it dries completely.
Then, using lukewarm water and your fingertips, remove the mask.
After removing the mask, pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply moisturizer.
Watch Laser acne scar removal | Before and after results | Video
Top 5 FAQ & answers on Does Laser Hair Removal Reduce Acne
Is laser hair removal effective in treating hormonal acne?
Once hormonal imbalances have been corrected, permanently reducing hair would reduce breakouts, preventing hair follicles from becoming infected and resulting in cystic acne. Hair is permanently removed after 4-6 treatments of Laser Hair Removal.
What is the best laser for acne scars?
Fractionated resurfacing lasers are the most effective for treating acne scars. Fractional CO2 laser therapy is most aggressive laser acne scar treatment available today, producing excellent results in a single treatment.
Does laser hair removal make your skin look better?
The hair follicle is removed, giving the skin a smoother appearance. Laser hair removal could improve skin texture by removing sun spots and evening out skin tone. After about six treatments, many of our clients notice an improvement in skin texture and tone.
How do you remove bumps leftover from laser hair removal?
Apply cold compress to the area if the small red bumps are causing you any discomfort. Pack a few ice cubes into a plastic bag to make an ice pack. Seal the bag and place it on the affected skin for several minutes.
How long does laser hair removal take to produce results?
Keep in mind that your skin would be sun-sensitive for 48 hours following treatment. It takes more than one session to achieve amazing results. You must expect long-term hair reduction once you finish your treatment plan!
Conclusion
Acne scars and pigmentation are effectively treated with laser therapy, but not completely. Most scars and pigmentations can be removed with a couple of sessions/sittings. A patient who takes good care of his or her skin could achieve better results from laser therapy. Acne scar laser treatment is usually not covered by insurance.
