Application of Technology in Acne Treatment

All currently available treatment methods are based on the four mechanisms underlying acne development, including hyperkeratinization of the follicular opening, increased sebum production, excessive proliferation of C. acnes, and inflammatory responses. Traditional treatment approaches commonly combine oral and topical medications.

However, this treatment approach has some limitations, such as antibiotic resistance and prolonged treatment duration, which can make it difficult for patients to adhere to treatment. Therefore, the use of technology is increasingly considered a safe approach for acne control and for addressing the limitations of conventional methods.

1. Technologies Used in Acne Treatment

1.1. Laser

The use of lasers in acne treatment is increasing due to several advantages, including fewer complications, the ability to treat acne scars simultaneously, and rapid results. There are many types of acne-treatment lasers, such as Nd:YAG laser, 585 and 595 nm PDL, 1450 nm diode laser, and 1540 nm Er:Glass laser.

Commonly used lasers include:

• 585 nm and 595 nm pulsed dye lasers (PDL) work through the absorption of light energy by oxyhemoglobin and are therefore known as vascular lasers used to treat conditions such as port-wine stains and telangiectasia. Accordingly, PDL can destroy the blood vessels supplying the sebaceous glands, increase TGF-β to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and directly destroy C. acnes bacteria.
• Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for acne treatment also works through a photothermal mechanism to destroy sebaceous glands and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8, TLR-2, and TNF-α. This is an effective and safe method for mild to moderate acne. According to a comparative study of Nd:YAG and PDL lasers, both types of lasers significantly reduced the number of acne lesions and post-acne erythema. However, study participants tended to prefer Nd:YAG laser because of its fewer side effects.

1.2. Light Therapy

The light therapies commonly used in acne treatment include photobiomodulation, intense pulsed light (IPL), and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

• Photobiomodulation

Blue light (400–750 nm) reduces acne through photochemical reactions with porphyrins and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing interleukin-1α production. In addition, combining blue light with red light at longer wavelengths allows the light to penetrate deeper into the tissue, thereby increasing treatment efficacy. According to a study in South Korea, using a combination of blue and red light twice daily for four weeks reduced inflammatory acne lesions by up to 77%.

• IPL

Intense pulsed light (IPL) has superior effects compared with other methods, particularly for inflammatory acne, through two mechanisms: destruction of the sebaceous glands by a photothermal effect and activation of porphyrin photochemical reactions, which help destroy C. acnes bacteria.

In addition, IPL helps prevent the development of and improve post-acne scarring by stimulating increased collagen synthesis. Overall, IPL has several advantages because it is minimally invasive, relatively affordable, and can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

• PDT

Among all technology-based approaches to acne treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the strongest supporting evidence, with a greater number of studies than other methods. This approach involves applying a photosensitizing agent, most commonly ALA or MAL, to the skin, followed by the use of light sources such as IPL or LED to activate photochemical reactions, resulting in sebaceous gland destruction and bacterial elimination. This method is suitable for moderate to severe inflammatory acne. After treatment, the skin is usually mildly red and returns to normal within 1–2 days.

• Cold Plasma

Cold plasma has been shown to be effective in destroying various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that interfere with wound healing. Therefore, this technology is highly effective in promoting wound healing. The application of cold plasma after comedone extraction, particularly for cystic acne, helps accelerate wound healing and prevent post-acne hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Currently, cold plasma has been demonstrated to be relatively safe for acne treatment, including in pregnant women, with three advantages: non-invasive, painless, and without side effects.

With the development of science and technology, an increasing number of new technologies are being applied in acne treatment. However, the methods mentioned above are supportive measures that should be combined with conventional treatment approaches to enhance efficacy and shorten treatment duration. If you have acne, you should consult a qualified dermatologist for examination and an appropriate individualized treatment plan.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.