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Medical technology has progressed by leaps and bounds in the last few decades. Among this progression has been the invention and then introduction into mainstream acceptance of laser therapy as a bona fide medical treatment program for a very wide variety of ailments. Originally, laser therapy was discovered to remove the hair from rats when they were exposed to low level therapies in the mid 1900s. As time and science progressed, more doctors became curious as to how they could apply this technology in their day to day practices, and now laser therapy is used to as a method of pain treatment, psychological disorder treatments, an aid to quit smoking and control substance abuse problems and even help with eating disorders. Most commonly, however, laser therapy is used cosmetically to improve the appearance of the skin. Recently, it was found that low level laser therapy was extremely productive in treating severe acne.

Caused by excessive clogging of skin pores which traps dirt and oil beneath the epidermis, acne is an emotionally painful experience for adults and teens alike. In a world where so much is based on our appearance, acne no longer seems like a frivolous problem for one to face. Many people turn to various methods of treating acne and ridding themselves of the unsightly bumps and redness accompanied by the affliction, from creams to exfoliates and now methods using laser technology.

As a relatively new method of treatment, it is important to first consult with a trusted dermatologist about laser therapy and possibly approaching other available treatments first since laser therapy can be extremely expensive. Normally, laser therapy is approached as a last resort to acne treatment.

P. Acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne, metabolizes with the help of porphyrins it produces. Certain wavelengths of light are absorbed by the porphyrins and their core operative is changed, which actually works to damage the metabolic process of P. Acnes. This inhibits future acne breakouts and helps begin the process of eliminating current acne.

Using laser therapy to treat acne can be very expensive, as it requires frequent sessions that could last very long periods of time, depending on the severity of the individual case. However, most people who opt to undergo laser therapy to treat their acne find it worth every penny invested and are extremely happy with the results they experience.

Unlike some other acne treatments, where scarring and skin damage can occur because of the abrasive nature of the treatment, lasers are safe in this respect. The light technology, or photo-therapy, that is used is designed to be emitted at certain wavelengths to target certain bacterias, help shrink pores and reduce the skin's natural production of oils. Still a relatively new technology, it is not yet known how long these effects can be expected to last or if they are permanent.

Most patients who opt to undergo laser therapy treatment report suffering no side effects or unpleasant feelings in the treated area following therapy, making it a preferred method of treatment for many acne sufferers. With no pills to remember, no messy creams, no side effects and no worries about ensuring the skin is perfectly clean at all times, laser technology is certainly becoming a preferred method of acne treatment.

Learn more about this author, Becka Chamaillard.
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