Light and laser-based therapy in treatment of acne vulgaris: A clinical review.

Abstract

The gold standard of acne vulgaris management remains a step-wise and combination approach with topical and systemic medications. However, it is not uncommon for patients to experience intermittent flares or inadequate control despite optimized medical management. Other patients may experience side effects that limit their ability to comply with these medications or desire to avoid systemic medications altogether. In order to optimize acne control, light and laser-based devices are gaining popularity due to their efficacy and durable results. In this review, we explore the principles of visible light therapy, photodynamic therapy, photopneumatic therapy, intense pulsed light, pulse dye laser, potassium titanyl phosphate lasers, infrared lasers, and the novel 1726 nm fiber-coupled diode lasers in the treatment of acne vulgaris.