Pulsed-dye laser can reduce acne lesions by using high and low fluences, according to a prospective, single-blinded split-face clinical trial involving 55 individuals with moderate to severe acne.

Participants, averaging ~22 years of age, received pulsed dye laser treatment at either high or low fluence at 3-week intervals on each half of their face. After 4 treatments, photographs were blindly evaluated.

Investigators saw a substantial decrease in lesion counts vs baseline after all treatments. However, they saw no difference between the fluences delivered. They also observed temporary hyperpigmentation.

Citation: Voravutinon N, Rojanamatin J, Ivengar S, Alam M. A comparative split-face study using different mild purpuric and subpurpuric fluence level of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. [Published online ahead of print February 17, 2016]. Dermatol Surg. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000658.