Every woman wants glowing skin. Even if they don’t say it out loud. While some are blessed with cooperative genes, most of us have to constantly fight to keep our skin clear. If you suffer from acne, the struggle is even harder. There are so many treatments that have been advertised as miracle workers, one of them being laser acne treatment. But does it really work?
In these treatments, lasers produce intense light that is limited to a very a narrow band of wavelengths (monochromatic light). Depending on the wavelength, the light destroys some substances but not others. For instance, a certain setting will attack the melanin that causes deep pigmentation on the skin but leave other cells intact. Another could only affect tattoo ink and nothing else.
These treatments work by heating particular substances in the skin. The scientific term for this is photothermolysis.
Pros
Modern laser treatments are advanced compared to those of old. Years ago, dermabrasion was used to physically strip away the top layers of skin, revealing those layers close to blood vessels. This would cause bleeding and expose the patient to infections. Laser acne treatments work from the inside out, with no bleeding or infections.
Cons
Be warned, however, that one treatment is never enough. One needs to go for repeat sessions before scars are completely cleared.
Africans are blessed with melanin, which is a hindrance for such treatments. High amount of melanin means the skin absorbs some of the light energy intended for hemoglobin. Darker skin suffers from loss of pigmentation after treatment. Skin above the level of the capillaries can burn and when it heals, it’s lighter than the surrounding skin.
Darker skin is also prone to the formation of keloids (tough scars) which are difficult to treat. Trying to get rid of these scars could cause more skin damage.
Certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and eczema are worsened by this treatment.
Laser treatments are quite expensive and not covered by insurance.
