Acne Treatment: Combining Devices & Therapy for Faster Results

Acne treatment is evolving, with dermatologists increasingly incorporating devices alongside traditional medical therapies to accelerate results and improve patient satisfaction. This approach, discussed at the South Beach Symposium earlier this month, recognizes that acne extends beyond a purely dermatological issue, impacting psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Beyond Topical Treatments: A Multi-Modal Approach

For many, acne isn’t simply a skin condition; it’s associated with stigma, depression, and social anxiety. Michael H. Gold, MD, a dermatologic surgeon from Nashville, emphasized the importance of addressing these psychosocial aspects during treatment. While antibiotics and topical therapies remain foundational, they can be slow to display visible improvement. Devices, such as pulsed light and various laser therapies, offer a way to augment these treatments and provide quicker results, potentially improving adherence and overall patient experience.

“We are not curing anybody with our devices,” Dr. Gold clarified, “But there is no reason for us to deliver prescriptions and then wait weeks or months to see an effect. We have incredible acne devices that can improve the lesions faster. When I combine [devices] with my medical treatments, we have happy patients in almost every case.”

How Devices Target Acne

Pulsed light devices, available since the 1990s, function by targeting sebaceous glands and improving both acne lesions and skin texture. Newer devices feature dedicated acne filters, including a 420 nanometer cutoff filter, specifically designed for acne treatment. Vascular lasers also play a role, targeting Cutibacterium acnes – the bacteria implicated in acne development – at specific wavelengths.

A particularly promising option is the short-pulse 1064 nanometer laser. Dr. Gold noted its excellent tolerability, minimal pain for most patients, and suitability for all skin types. Two 1726 nanometer lasers, which directly target sebaceous glands, have also shown encouraging results. Notably, both have undergone FDA clinical trials, demonstrating prolonged improvement even after the initial series of treatments. Researchers followed patients for up to 12 months after completing a 3-month treatment course and observed continued benefits.

Managing Expectations: The “Purge” Phenomenon

Dr. Gold cautioned patients about the potential for an initial “purge” – a temporary worsening of acne – following device-based treatments. This flare-up can be concerning, but it’s often a sign that the treatment is bringing underlying lesions to the surface. However, combining devices with medical therapies can significantly minimize this effect.

devices are considered an integral part of the broader acne treatment journey, which may also involve addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or erythema (redness) – common consequences of acne. A range of devices can target these concerns, and options like radiofrequency microneedling and fractional lasers can address acne scarring and uneven skin texture. The FDA recently issued warnings regarding the risks associated with radiofrequency microneedling, highlighting the importance of careful patient selection and adherence to safety protocols.

Cost and Comfort Considerations

A significant barrier to access can be the cost of these devices, as they are often not covered by insurance. Dermatologists should openly discuss treatment costs with patients upfront. Equally important is addressing potential discomfort. Dr. Gold emphasized the need for appropriate topical anesthetics, particularly when treating younger patients, to ensure a positive treatment experience. “If you hurt kids, they are never going to come back,” he stated.

The March 3, 2026, total lunar eclipse, visible across parts of Asia, North America, and the Pacific Ocean, occurred on the same day as the South Beach Symposium, offering a striking celestial event alongside advancements in dermatological care.

Looking Ahead: Continued Research and Personalized Approaches

The field of acne treatment is continually evolving. Ongoing research is focused on refining device technologies, optimizing treatment protocols, and identifying biomarkers to predict individual responses. The goal is to move towards more personalized approaches, tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs of each patient. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term efficacy and safety of these devices, as well as to identify the optimal combinations of medical and device-based therapies. Advances in laser technology are also being applied to the treatment of burn scars, demonstrating the versatility of these tools in dermatological care.

Michael H. Gold, MD, can be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram: @goldskincarecenter.