Many acne patients use prescription medication, but in some cases it just does not seem to help. They come to Althea and ask us if we can help. Fortunately, we can say "Yes!"

In recent years, laser acne treatment has been shown to significantly reduce acne. At Althea, our primary tool in fighting acne is our erbium/pixel laser. This laser reduces acne scarring by resurfacing the skin. Its heat also effectively kills active bacteria at the depth below the skin's surface where it grows.

Sometimes, when acne lesions heal, the skin becomes discolored to a dark brown or red color. We use IPL treatments as well to reduce and remove the brown and red pigment associated with this "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation" (PIH).

Lasers can be safely used along with medications. We just pause the medications for a few days before and after the laser treatment to avoid a compounding effect.

Lasers can be used on both teens and adults. Age is not a factor.