Acne can cause physical discomfort and emotional devastation at any age. Many people living with acne feel embarrassed about it and may experience low self-esteem and depression as a result. It can be harder for those with acne to create social connections or explore new career opportunities. Both adolescent and adult acne sufferers know that acne can have lasting emotional consequences. At Reflections, we have a wide range of lasers available. Because each patient is unique, our team of physicians will carefully choose the right laser, or combination of lasers, and medications to bring your acne under control and get your skin looking its best again.
Acne Treatment Quick Facts
- Fast Results
- Treat Both Cause of Breakouts & Current Breakouts
- Affordable with Financing Availability
- Typically a Short Series of Monthly Laser Treatments, Combined with Rx & Skincare at Home
Today’s Best & Fastest Acne Treatments
Acne laser treatment is the newest and most exciting development in the battle against acne. Fast and virtually pain-free, acne laser treatment is the best acne treatment because it’s noninvasive and requires minimal or no downtime, making it an excellent choice for anyone living with chronic acne. For many of our patients, acne laser treatment results in the best possible outcome — experiencing clear skin for the first time in years, something they had only dreamed of in the past. Here are today’s best laser acne treatment options:
Smoothbeam
Smoothbeam laser is a non-ablative, diode laser that has several applications, the most well-known being a gentle and very effective treatment to reduce acne lesions. The Smoothbeam laser delivers a gentle but powerful beam of light that penetrates below the skin to target overactive sebaceous (oil) glands, the root cause of acne. This therapy may also help prevent future acne scarring. In addition to reducing the activity of the gland, Smoothbeam kills the acne-causing bacteria under the skin. Smoothbeam requires no downtime and is a safe, fast, and effective choice for patients of all skin types2.
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Vbeam Perfecta
Vbeam Perfecta is a pulsed dye laser (the kind that targets red exclusively) often used in conjunction with other lasers to rapidly bring acne lesions under control. It inactivates acne-forming bacteria on the skin, and targets blood vessels, reducing the appearance of both red blemishes, skin irritation, and acne scars that may result from chronic acne 5.
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Sebacia™
Sebacia has been FDA-approved for treating acne using a unique application of golden microparticles and an NdYag laser without the need for anesthesia (numbing) or downtime. Sebacia stops the overactive oil glands that cause breakouts, especially hormonal breakouts. We absolutely loved the results we were able to get from this treatment. However, Sebacia was a new startup that launched around the time of the lockdowns and they have really struggled with their supply chain. We will begin offering this again just as soon as we can get the gold microparticles from them, but this is currently not available due to this supply issue.
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Isolaz
Isolaz is an acne treatment alternative to antibiotics and topical treatments that uses light to fight the root causes of acne. It delivers deep pore cleansing, reduces the number of acne spots, helps remove blackheads, oil, and debris, reduces pore size appearance, and actually improves skin texture 3. We have mostly moved away from this treatment in recent years because we have found that Sebacia or Vbeam combined with SmoothBeam tends to be more effective.
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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Levulan and Light-Based Therapies
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the main alternatives to Accutane, a medication that can cause very unpleasant systemic side effects. Many patients want to steer clear of Accutane and PDT is a great alternative!
PDT is considered one of the best acne treatments because it can help even the most severe forms of acne. A medication called Levulan is applied topically and sits on the skin for one hour. We then stimulate the Levulan with pulse-dye lasers and red and blue light therapy. A series of two treatments have been shown to provide a significant improvement in the number of acne lesions (also called pimples). Other acne light-based treatment options include Lightwave Red/Blue Light, Blue-U, and Curelight iClearXL.
Learn MoreCompare the Best Acne Treatments
Quickly compare the most effective acne treatments in this table and be sure to schedule your free consultation with one of our physicians so that they can evaluate your skin and your needs and help you create a plan to get clear skin fast!
| Treatment | Cost | Invasiveness | Downtime | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmoothBeam | "$300 - $450 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | Numbing Cream Used; Medium Intensity Laser Treatment | Few Hours of Minor Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) | Improves Function of Oil Glands, reduces Blockage of Oil on to Skin, reduces bacteria. Can Be Performed with VBeam Laser Which Reduces Redness and Inflammation. |
| VBeam | "$300 - $450 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Cream required; Medium Intensity Laser Treatment | One to Two Days of Redness and Mild Swelling Possible | Laser Targets Redness and Inflammation, to improve appearance, accelerate acne control and reduce likelihood of scarring from acne. |
| Sebacia | "$850 - $1100 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Cream required; Medium Intensity Laser Treatment with Gold Micro-Particles | Few Hours of Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) and Black-Gold Visible in Pores for 24-48 Hours | Black-Gold Micro-Particles Massaged into Pores Allow Laser to Hyper-Target Oil Glands and Reduce Overactive Oil Glands that Cause Acne |
| Isolaz | "$350 - $450 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Cream required. Low Intensity Laser Treatment with Pore Suctioning | Few Hours of Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) | Kills Bacteria That Cause Acne; Cleans Pores with Suction |
Topical and Oral Prescription Medications |
Varies, Depending Upon Your Insurance Coverage | Topical and Oral Medicines May Be Utilized in Conjunction With Laser Technology, But Are Not Themselves Invasive At All | Topicals May Cause Some Initial Mild Redness or Flaky Skin | Medications Treat Symptoms and/or Underlying Causes of Acne - Varies by Prescription |
| Deep Pore Cleansing Facial | "$100 - $250 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Used; Deep Facial with Extractions | Few Hours of Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) | Steam Opens Pores and Exfoliation/Extraction Opens and Clears Blocked Pores to Remove Congestion and Clear Out Active Acne Breakouts for Clean Skin |
| Chemical Peel | "$100 - $250 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Used; Chemical Peels Vary In Intensity But None Are Painful or Uncomfortable | Few Hours of Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) | Chemical Exfoliation Reduces Congestion and Blockages that Cause Breakouts - and Helps to Reduce Surface Pigmentation from Previous Acne |
Long-Pulsed Nd:Yag 1064 Laser |
"$300 - $450 Per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended Reduced Package Pricing Available" | No Numbing Cream required. Medium Intensity Laser Treatment | Few Hours of mild Redness (Can Be Covered by Makeup) | Improves Function of Oil Glands, Reduces oil gland blockage of Oil. Sterilizes skin |
“You gave me my skin and life back. Acne had taken over, and now, thanks to all the wonderful devices and procedures and most importantly, expertise, my skin is clear, and I have my confidence and normally great emotional state back.”
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Before and Afters
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Why Choose Reflections for Acne Treatment?
Because your skin is unique, we formulate a customized treatment plan based on the type of acne you suffer from, your age, your skin type, and whether or not scars are present. Acne is not the same for everyone, and many factors contribute to its development. Therefore, a combination therapy approach is the best way to meet your overall treatment goals and treat the root causes of your stubborn acne. Your treatment plan might include a mix of laser or light therapy, oral and topical medications, and treatments by our experienced aestheticians.
Treatments are exclusively conducted by our skilled physicians in our comfortable offices. Fast, comfortable, and effective with no downtime required, laser acne treatment allows you to go right back to work or school after treatment.
Free Consultation with a Reflections Physician
We offer complimentary consultations so that you can have the time to sit down with your doctor and have a one-on-one conversation about your skin condition, previous treatments, lifestyle, and goals. We will take the time to discuss all your options in detail so that we can develop an effective treatment plan that you are comfortable with. Acne can be a tricky problem to solve, but we are here for you and are dedicated to helping you achieve glowing skin that you can feel confident about.
Other Helpful Acne Treatments to Add-In for Faster, Longer-Lasting Results
Medical-Grade Aesthetician Acne Treatments
DermaSweep™ uses a vacuum pump to gently lift the skin surface as a specially designed treatment brush sweeps away dead skin cells. This results in a mild peel that polishes the skin to leave it fresh and invigorated. DermaSweep can be used to infuse topical solutions that are formulated specifically to treat acne. This treatment is painless, requires no downtime, and is often combined with blue light therapy to enhance its positive effects. Blue LED therapy offers additional healing and calming effects as well as inactivating acne-causing bacteria. Learn More about DermaFrac, DermaPen, and DermaSweep treatments at Reflections.
Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion, an excellent alternative to microdermabrasion, is the ultimate combination in noninvasive skin therapies. This treatment uniquely uses wet and dry exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, vitamin infusion, and light therapy. A vibrating handpiece is passed slowly across the skin’s surface, effectively and comfortably ablating the outermost layers of skin. The level of exfoliation is customized to your needs and comfort level. This process results in improved skin texture and a decrease in acne lesions.
DermaFrac™ is an anti-aging therapy that combines microneedling with the simultaneous delivery of topical treatment solutions in a painless, no downtime treatment. DermaFrac stimulates collagen regeneration while allowing topical solutions to penetrate more deeply into facial tissue, improving the condition of acne-prone skin.
Chemical peels are performed by our aestheticians to improve skin texture and tone and enhance absorption and effectiveness of topical treatments applied during an office visit. A chemical solution, usually consisting of salicylic acid and other ingredients, is applied to the skin in a controlled manner to remove the outer layers of the affected skin. After healing, new skin is generated that is smoother and fresher in appearance.
Professional facials are an essential part of an effective skin care regimen. They serve to nourish the skin, counteract signs of aging, and combat acne. Our Deep Pore Cosmedical Facial is medically based and specifically formulated to treat acne and oil-prone skin types. Emphasis is placed on the extraction of impurities and reduction of congested skin.
Oral and Topical Medications for Acne
More traditional acne treatment options include oral and topical medicines, that are often the first line of defense against acne. Based on your medical history and the type of acne you have, our doctors will work closely with you to decide which medications might be helpful to you and what additional treatment approaches will help you achieve your treatment goals. Whatever your treatment plan, oral and topical medications are excellent tools that work well to complement laser and other treatments in the battle against acne. Some of the medications our physicians typically prescribe include Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide, topical antibiotics, and oral antibiotics.
Complementary Acne Treatments to Consider
Many patients struggling with acne want to treat their acne scars, too, and we want to let you know our doctors are here to not only help you prevent as much scarring as possible but to also clear away any scarring that might linger, using the very best treatments. However, we also want you to make wise investments in your skin’s health & beauty, so we sometimes have to caution you against taking that step before you’ve gotten your acne under control.
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Acne Scar Treatments
Acne scarring impacts many and can have lasting damage on skin important to the appearance of your face and body. Learn more about the different treatment options available for acne scars.
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SkinCare for Anti-Aging
Learn how to invest wisely in the few products that make a big difference in how you age, and incorporate them into your skincare routine safely now.
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Rosacea Treatments
Many patients in their 30's and beyond who believe they have acne, actually have rosacea. Could that be you?
Treatments We Don’t Recommend for
Acne and Why
For some patients, chemical peels may aggravate acne, making it worse. Because of this, we do not recommend chemical peels for those with active acne.
While videos on social media glamorize extractions and pimple-popping, the truth is that the temporary relief you might get from removing an actively-infected acne lesion is going to be overshadowed by the scars this technique leaves behind.
Real solutions to acne are gentle and reduce inflammation to minimize scarring. Since acne scarring is almost impossible to completely remove, you want to fight acne in the long-term, at its sources (oil glands, bacteria, hormones, etc.), and try to minimize its damage in the shorter term.
Undergoing microdermabrasion treatment when you have active acne can cause those pimples to burst, making your acne worse. It can also increase your healing time and put you at risk for further acne infection.
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Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
- How do I know If I have severe acne?
Acne lesions range in severity from blackheads and whiteheads to nodules and cysts:
Mild Acne: generally hormone-related, causing rare, mild breakouts that don’t leave scarring and don’t interfere with life in any way.
Moderate Acne: may include papules, inflamed lesions that appear as small, reddish, or pinkish bumps that can be sensitive to touch, or pustules, inflamed, white-centered bumps that can be red at the base.
Severe Acne: characterized by nodules, large, painful, solid lesions that appear as lumps under the skin, and cysts, deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be very painful; both are inflammatory and may cause scarring.
- Do you treat adolescents with acne at your NJ practice?
Yes, many of our adult patients suffer from acne, but at Reflections we know that to our teenage patients, living with acne can be particularly devastating. Teens with acne can be so self-conscious and embarrassed about their condition that they may withdraw socially. Acne can leave a deep and lasting emotional impact on a teenager.
Parents who help their children gain control of acne will set them up for long-term success in managing it. At Reflections, we love finding treatment for our younger patients that transforms the way they look and positively impacts their lives.
- What are the risks of acne treatment?
As with any form of aesthetic treatment, there are some risks associated with acne treatment including dryness and irritation of the skin, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and changes in skin pigmentation. Our team of board-certified physicians will discuss these risks with you prior to treatment and take all precautions to mitigate these risks.
- What makes acne worse?
There are several factors that can make acne worse, including hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, stress, diet, and certain skin care products. To reduce exacerbating your acne, take note of these factors and which ones affect you, and make a treatment plan with your skin health specialist.
- Can acne come back after treatment?
Yes, there is always the risk of acne returning. This is especially true if underlying causes include hormonal imbalances or genetic factors. Improper skincare habits or discontinuation of maintenance treatments may also cause acne to return.
- Is there any long-term maintenance after acne treatment?
Yes, long-term maintenance is often required following acne treatment to maintain results. This may include following a personalized skincare routine, using sunscreen daily, avoiding triggers that you know worsen your acne, and regularly visiting your dermatologist for adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
- Is all acne the same?
No, not all acne is the same. There are various forms of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, and acne conglobata. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to address your acne.
Sources:
- Friedman, P. M., Jih, M. H., Kimyai-Asadi, A. and Goldberg, L. H. (2004), Treatment of Inflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris with the 1450-nm Diode Laser: A Pilot Study. Dermatologic Surgery, 30: 147–151.
- Tanzi, E. L. and Alster, T. S. (2004), Comparison of a 1450-nm Diode Laser and a 1320-nm Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Atrophic Facial Scars: A Prospective Clinical and Histologic Study. Dermatologic Surgery, 30: 152–157.
- Gold MH , Biron J (2008) Efficacy of a novel combination of pneumatic energy and broadband light for the treatment of acne; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD [2008, 7(7):639-642]
- Pollock, B., Turner, D., Stringer, M.R., Bojar, R.A., Goulden, V., Stables, G.I. and Cunliffe, W.J. (2004), Topical aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a study of clinical efficacy and mechanism of action. British Journal of Dermatology, 151: 616–622
- Attia, Enas A.S.a; Abd El-Aziz, Yasser A.b; Elsayed, Shereen B.c; Tawfiek, Sameh K.F.d A pilot study on serum cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine in acne patients: effect of low-fluence long pulsed dye laser therapy; Journal of the Egyptian Women’s Dermatologic Society:May 2014 – Volume 11 – Issue 2 – p 103–108
Imran Majid; Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: An objective assessment; Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery : 2009 – Volume : 2 -Issue : 1; Page : 26-30 - C. A. Mortona*, R. D. Scholefieldb, C. Whitehurstc & J. Birchc; An open study to determine the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of mild to moderate acne; Journal of Dermatological Treatment; Volume 16, Issue 4, 2005
Dr. Mitchell Chasin is a Cosmetic & Laser Physician at Reflections Center. Dr. Chasin believes strongly that the best cosmetic physicians are those who are dedicated to mastering their craft through continuing education and collaboration with the industry’s top doctors.
