For many people, adults and teenagers, acne is a life long problem that is a constant source of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and humiliation. But vanity is not the only reason people may want to rid themselves of acne. For many the physical discomforts such as redness and swelling make acne almost unbearable.

Luckily, modern science is discovering more and more ways of dealing with this nuisance.

By and large, acne is treated with an assortment of topical and oral health remedies. Inflammatory acne usually requires the taking of antibiotics. Other methods of acne treatment include excision, punch grafts, and chemical peels.

Laser treatment, around since the 1980's, is a relatively new way of taking care of acne. It can often times work at least as well as the afore mentioned treatments. Many times, laser treatment will also have the added benefit of lessening acne scarring. In fact, many times laser treatment is recommended for cases where there is already scarring - to help remove some of the existing scarring. And lastly, if you're looking to avoid the serious side effects of some of the drugs used to combat allergies, laser treatment may be the perfect treatment for you.

There are two fundamental types of laser acne treatments. One is targeted towards restricting the growth of bacteria in acne lesions. The other focuses on basically shrinking the overactive sebaceous oil glands which are often involved in the creation of blackheads and the clogging of pores. The laser process can also lessen the number and severity of acne outbreaks.

Laser treatment will in most cases last less than a half hour. Except in very light cases of acne, one treatment will usually not be enough. You may need to return for an additional three to five treatments over a period of months depending on the severity of the acne.

Generally speaking, especially with modern equipment, patients will not feel any pain and will not need an anesthetic when they have their laser treatment.

Another thing to consider before getting laser treatment for your acne is your skin color. The color of acne scars is different depending on the amount of pigment in your skin. You'll want to talk to your doctor before the treatment to ensure that the amount of possible discoloration is minimized.

It is important that the doctor you choose to perform your laser treatment, be qualified. It is also important that you realize that laser treatment is not a cure. It is a treatment. As long as your doctor is an experienced laser practitioner, laser acne treatment should pose very little risk to you.