Laser for Acne Scars? How About Red Light Therapy at Home?

Best Face Mask for Anti-Aging and Acne
|
Best Tabletop for Anti-Aging
|
Acne scars can be a source of insecurity and distress for many individuals. Fortunately, several options are available to help improve the appearance of acne scars.
Two popular treatments are red light therapy and laser therapy.
This article will explore these treatments’ effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for acne scars.

Lasers for Acne Scars
Laser and red light therapy are the most commonly used treatments for removing acne scars. Laser is invasive and resurfaces the skin. Red light therapy is the non-invasive, low-energy delivery of red and infrared light to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Laser Therapy for Acne Scars
Laser therapy is highly effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars. It works by stimulating collagen production and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Laser treatments can target specific areas of scarring and provide noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone.
Types of Laser Treatments
There are several types of laser treatments available for scar treatment. Other laser options include ablative and non-ablative lasers.
Fractional Lasers
The most commonly used laser for reducing scar size and pigment is the fractional laser, which delivers energy in tiny beams to the skin, targeting specific areas of scarring. This laser targets the damaged skin cells and stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother and healthier-looking skin. This treatment can reduce the depth and severity of the scars, making them less noticeable and creating a more even skin texture.
Ablative and Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative laser treatments involve removing the upper layers of the skin to promote the growth of new, healthier skin cells. This treatment is more aggressive and may require a longer recovery time.
Non-ablative laser treatments, on the other hand, target the underlying layers of the skin without damaging the surface. This treatment is less invasive and usually requires little to no downtime. Laser treatment is generally considered safe when performed by a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Laser therapy is considered safe but has side effects. These include redness, swelling, temporary skin pigmentation changes, and rare infection or scarring.
Laser Limitations
Laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone and has some limitations. For example, individuals with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk of pigmentation changes or other complications. Laser treatment is not recommended for active acne breakouts or certain acne scars, such as keloid scars.
How Many Laser Treatments?
The number of laser treatments needed for acne scars partly depends on the laser type and scar severity. A series of laser treatments are recommended, typically ranging from 3 to 6 sessions, spaced several weeks apart.
Red Light Therapy for Acne Scars
Red light therapy has shown promise in reducing the appearance of acne scars. This therapy delivers low-level red light wavelengths to the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone.
Collagen is a protein that helps support the skin and improve its elasticity. Collagen production replaces pitted skin with fresh cells. This therapy is generally considered safe with minimal risks or side effects.
Laser or Red Light: Which Scar Therapy is Better?
Red light therapy reduces the size and color intensity of the scar. It is painless but less effective than laser therapy.
Laser removes the skin associated with the scar. Laser has side effects but is more effective at reducing scar tissue.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?
It takes a few sessions to a few months to see results with either treatment type.
How Much Does it Cost?
Laser therapy over six sessions can cost $600 to $2000, depending on your area.
A red light therapy device for acne scars costs $300 or more. My favorite is the cheapest of the options: The Novaa Lab Glow Mask. It is the cheapest option, has three good wavelengths and direct contact with the skin.
You can also consider the LightpathLED Combo for acne scar therapy. It also has three good wavelengths, but is not in contact with the skin. This means you can use it for other body parts, which you might want to do.
Conclusion
Laser therapy is more effective at removing acne scars but has unpleasant side effects and is more expensive. Red light therapy is is effective at removing scars, but not as complete as laser treatments. However, it is safer and cheaper than laser therapy. The best red light therapy for acne scar removal is the Novaa Lab Glow Mask.
References
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/red-light-therapy
https://higherdose.com/blogs/news/red-light-therapy-for-acne-scars-does-it-really-work
https://www.laserskinsurgery.com/laser-treatment-for-acne-scars-is-it-actually-effective/
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lasers-lights-and-acne
https://lightwavetherapy.com/faq/how-does-blue-light-therapy-work/