In the 1950s x-rays were used to destroy the oil glands that cause acne. Today lasers are being tried to target either oil glands or bacteria that both play a role in acne. This interest in using lasers has been prompted by a rise in antibiotic resistance, side effects of oral and topical treatments, and public enthusiasm for a high-tech approach. To date, the studies on lasers and acne have been much less rigorous than those on medications and acne, however, it appears that lasers do work.

Currently, lasers that are used for acne require weekly or biweekly treatments for about eight treatments to give results that may last for months. Side effects include a sunburn-like reaction and swelling. So while laser therapy is not yet changing the face of acne, it may in the future. Laser treatment of rosacea, the acne-like facial rash that affects many adults causing pimples, spider veins, redness, and flushing, is another story.

Lasers including the Pulsed Dye Laser and the Intense Pulsed Light system are extremely effective in clearing the redness associated with this common condition.