December 12, 2007
Future Acne Treatments
For longer-term results, it appears to be necessary to destroy the sebaceous gland as well as the bacteria. Various light sources are being tried in order to more deeply penetrate into the sebaceous glands. Technologies currently under consideration as potential acne treatment include
- Intense pulsed light (IPL): These devices are similar to lasers, but they use a wider range of wavelengths as opposed to only a single beam of light. They employ a broad band of visible and near infrared wavelengths of light that block out other wavelengths. Pulsed light can deliver hundreds or thousands of colors of light at a time. Pulsed light machines use "cut off" filters to selectively deliver the desired wavelengths. These wavelengths can be customized to reach the specific targets such as blood vessels or other skin components that are being treated. IPLs can penetrate various depths into the skin, and by using longer wavelengths, they may able to affect the sebaceous glands' growth and activity. Long-term studies are necessary to see how effective they will prove to be.
- Pulsed dye laser (PDL): Results for acne have so far been inconsistent. This laser is "tuned" to a specific wavelength of light. It produces a bright light that is absorbed by blood vessels. This laser is also being used to improve the appearance of acne scars and is effective in removing the enlarged blood vessels associated with rosacea.
- Pulsed light and heat energy (LHE) therapy: This treatment combines pulses of light and heat, which researchers believe target both P. acnes and the sebaceous glands, two of the main causes of acne.
- Diode laser: This laser uses infrared frequencies that are longer, invisible wavelengths. It appears to be effective on not only acne, but on the acne scars as well.