Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting around 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 at some point in their lives. While some outgrow acne after adolescence, many continue to struggle well into adulthood. What’s more, research shows that about 1 in 5 people with acne develop lasting scars, which can impact confidence and self-esteem.
Traditional treatments like creams, oral medications, and facials help manage breakouts, but they often fall short in addressing stubborn scars and deep skin damage. This is where advanced solutions such as laser acne treatment come in. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Laser Acne Treatment and How Does It Work?
Laser acne treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to target acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil production, and stimulate skin healing. Depending on the type of laser, it can penetrate different layers of the skin to either kill bacteria, shrink oil glands, or resurface damaged skin.
Unlike creams or oral medications, which work systemically or only at the surface level, lasers go deeper. They deliver controlled energy that encourages the skin to heal from within, offering longer-lasting improvements in acne and overall skin tone.
How Does Laser Treatment Work on Active Acne?
Active acne is when you still have pimples, blackheads, or inflamed spots. The laser can help by:
- Killing bacteria – Acne is often caused by bacteria that live in the pores. The laser light destroys these bacteria, which reduces breakouts.
- Shrinking oil glands – The laser reduces the size of oil glands, which means less oil is produced. Less oil leads to fewer clogged pores and fewer pimples.
- Calming redness – The heat from the laser reduces swelling and redness, so the skin looks calmer after treatment.
For people with stubborn or recurring breakouts, this can be a great solution.
How Does Laser Work on Acne Scars?
Even after acne goes away, scars may stay. These can look like dents, raised spots, or dark marks. The laser helps with scars by:
- Breaking down scar tissue – The laser smooths the rough areas caused by old scars.
- Stimulating collagen – New collagen fills in the dents, making skin look more even.
- Improving tone and texture – Over time, skin looks smoother, healthier, and more balanced in colour.
This makes laser for acne scars one of the best treatments for people who have tried many other methods without results.
What Types of Lasers are Used for Acne Treatment?
Not all lasers are the same. Dermatologists choose the type based on whether you’re treating active acne or scars:
- Ablative Lasers: Remove the top layer of skin, making them effective for deep scarring but with longer downtime.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: Heat the skin without removing layers, stimulating collagen with minimal recovery time great for mild scarring.
- Fractional Lasers: Treat only small “fractions” of the skin at a time, balancing effectiveness with faster healing.
For active acne, non-ablative and fractional lasers are usually preferred. For scarring, ablative or fractional lasers tend to give more dramatic results.
Benefits of Laser Acne Treatment
The benefits of this treatment go beyond just clearer skin. Some of the main advantages include:
- Fewer active breakouts in the future
- Smoother skin texture
- Reduced the appearance of scars
- Improved skin tone and brightness
- Boosted confidence
This is why many people are choosing laser acne treatment in Mississauga over traditional creams and medicines.
Is Laser Acne Treatment Safe for All Skin Types?
Safety largely depends on your skin type, categorised by the Fitzpatrick scale:
- Light skin tones (Type I–III): Generally respond well with fewer risks of pigmentation changes.
- Medium to dark skin tones (Type IV–VI): Can also benefit, but there’s a higher risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Specialised lasers designed for darker tones are recommended.
Who should avoid it?
- Pregnant individuals, due to a lack of safety data.
- Those with very sensitive skin or active skin infections.
- People taking certain acne medications (like isotretinoin) should wait until treatment is complete.
How Many Sessions are Needed?
Laser acne treatment is not a one-time fix. Because acne and scars develop over the years, the skin needs time to heal and renew. Most people need three to six sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to see the best results.
Active acne may improve after just one or two sessions, while scars usually need more time and treatments to show clear changes.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Session?
Before treatment: You’ll be asked to avoid sun exposure, tanning, and certain skincare products like retinoids. Your dermatologist may apply a numbing cream before the session.
During treatment: You’ll feel warmth, tingling, or a snapping sensation against the skin. The intensity varies depending on the laser type. Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes.
After treatment: Expect redness, mild swelling, or peeling, similar to a sunburn, for a few days. Recovery time varies from one to two days for non-ablative lasers to up to two weeks for ablative treatments. Following aftercare instructions, like applying soothing creams and avoiding sun exposure, is essential.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Like all cosmetic procedures, laser acne treatment carries some risks. Common side effects include:
- Redness and swelling
- Peeling or dryness
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin
Serious complications are rare if performed by a qualified professional. Proper aftercare, such as using sunscreen and gentle cleansers, significantly reduces risks.
How Much Does Laser Acne Treatment Cost in Mississauga?
The cost of laser acne treatment in Mississauga varies widely. On average, each session can fall within a few hundred dollars, but multiple sessions are usually needed.
Factors that influence cost include:
- Type of laser (ablative vs non-ablative)
- Severity of acne or scarring
- Clinic expertise and reputation
It’s best to consult with local dermatology clinics to get an accurate estimate tailored to your needs.
Is Laser Acne Treatment Permanent?
Laser treatment offers long-lasting results, but it’s not always permanent.
- For active acne: Lasers reduce breakouts for months or even years, but lifestyle, hormones, and genetics can influence recurrence.
- For scars: Improvements are generally permanent, but new breakouts can cause new scars.
Many patients schedule maintenance sessions once or twice a year to keep their skin clear and smooth.
Laser Acne Treatment vs Other Acne Treatments
- Laser vs Microneedling: Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries, boosting collagen. It’s effective for mild scars and costs less, but often requires more sessions. Lasers, on the other hand, can deliver faster, more dramatic results for moderate to severe scars.
- Laser vs Chemical Peels: Chemical peels exfoliate the top skin layer, improving texture and tone. They’re great for surface-level issues but less effective for deep scars compared to lasers.
- When to Combine Treatments: Many dermatologists recommend combining lasers with microneedling, peels, or topical treatments for comprehensive results.
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Laser Acne Treatment | Uses concentrated light beams to kill bacteria, shrink oil glands, and resurface skin. | Active acne & moderate to severe scars | Dramatic results, long-lasting improvements, stimulates collagen. | Higher cost, some downtime depending on laser type. |
| Microneedling | Creates tiny micro-injuries with fine needles to boost collagen production. | Mild to moderate acne scars, enlarged pores | Less expensive, minimal downtime, natural collagen boost. | Requires more sessions, less effective for deep scars. |
| Chemical Peels | Uses chemical solutions to exfoliate and peel away the top skin layer. | Dramatic results, long-lasting improvements, stimulate collagen. | Affordable, quick recovery, improves skin tone and brightness. | Limited impact on deep scars, may cause temporary redness or irritation. |
Who Can Get Laser Acne Treatment?
Most people with active acne or acne scars can get this treatment. However, it is important to have a consultation first. People with very sensitive skin, certain skin conditions, or who are pregnant may need to wait or choose another option.
Conclusion
Acne and acne scars can be frustrating, but modern treatments make it possible to get clearer skin. Laser treatment works by reducing bacteria, shrinking oil glands, and stimulating collagen. It can help with both active acne and old scars, making skin look smoother and healthier.
Kaizen Medspa uses safe and advanced technology to provide effective treatments for acne and scars. Our team will guide you through the process and help you choose the right plan for your skin. Book your consultation today and start your journey toward clear, confident skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. Does Laser Acne Treatment Really Work?
Yes, laser acne treatment works for both active acne and scars. The laser kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces oil production, and boosts collagen for smoother skin. Most people see visible improvements after several sessions, especially when combined with proper aftercare.
2. How Many Sessions Are Needed For Acne Scars?
Most people need between three and six sessions for acne scars. The number depends on how deep or old the scars are. Each session builds new collagen and improves skin texture. Results become more visible with every treatment.
3. Is Laser Acne Treatment Painful?
Laser acne treatment is not very painful. People often say it feels like a rubber band snapping lightly on the skin. A numbing cream is usually applied before treatment, which makes the process comfortable and easy to handle.
4. What is the Recovery Time After Treatment?
Recovery time depends on the type of laser used. Non-ablative lasers have little to no downtime, with just redness for a day or two. Stronger ablative lasers may need about a week as the skin heals and renews.
5. Can Anyone Get a Laser For Acne Scars?
Most people can get laser treatment for acne scars, but a consultation is important. Those with very sensitive skin, certain medical conditions, or pregnant individuals may need to wait. A professional will decide if it is safe and suitable.
