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Best Laser to Reduce Facial Oil/sebum?

I have overactive sebaceous glands such that my face is extremely oily beyond tolerance. I was told that a certain laser might help. Problem is there are many different options. Please provide me with a detailed and accurate suggestion.

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{by Britt, please do not post in all caps it looks like you are yelling and against community guidelines, thanks}

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Riz in Singapore

Doctor Answers (10)
Community Comments (0)

Smoothbeam 1250 for Facial Oil/Sebum

The sebaceous glands are glands in the skin that secrete an oily, waxy substance called sebum, to lubricate the skin skin and hair. The FDA approved Smoothbeam 1250 nm diode laser which penetrates to a depth in the skin where the sebaceous glands are found and causes injury to reduce the over production of sebum and therefore intended and helpful for the treatment of acne vulgaris. In addition to laser treatments, excessive sebum production can be controlled by topical... more

Lasers are not a treatment for oil production

Excessive oil production may be very frustrating but are not best treated by lasers. We may not have a good therapy for this and some of the topical cosmeceuticals help absorb the oil by using special ingredients.

Excess Sebum Treatment

Currently I do not recommend lasers to reduce sebum formation It is best to see a local physician to discuss what are the best measures available to your excessive sebum

Paul Carniol, MD

Summit Facial Plastic Surgeon

drcarniol.com

Lasers will not reduce oil production in the skin

Skin oil, known as sebum, is our body's own natural skin moisturizers. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin and lubricate the hair follicles. Oil production is determined by our hormones, so we can not easily control how much we produce. While some lasers, such as Fraxel or other fractionated resurfacing lasers, may improve the tone and texture of the skin and possibly make pores appear less apparent, they do not lessen oil production in the skin... more

Thermage to reduce sebum production

Thermage is a radiofrequency device which has been shown in clinical studies and histopathology of the skin to target sebaaceous glands. It is one of the best devices to treat overactive sebaceous glands. There are many lasers which have been shown to affect sebaceous gland activity--these are lasers in the infrared region including the long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers (Genesis by Cutera, Lyra/Gemini by Iridex), the 1320 nm CoolTouch, and the 1450 nm Smoothbeam laser. Most... more

Reduction of oil sebum production

Short of Accutane, combination of photodynamic therapy and prescription strength retinoid is probably the best approach to improve oily complexion. You would be best served to go under the care of a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience with photodynamic therapy using Levulan and/or Metvixia.

Medical and physical treaments may reduce oiliness of the face

Medical therapy such as oral spironolactone and physcial treatments such as microdermabrasion and peels may reduce facial oiliness. Photodynamic therapy can reduce the size of oil glands but usually does not reduce the oiliness of the skin.

Reducing excess facial sebum

Excess sebum can be reduced in a number of different ways. The first thing to try is topical retinoids, like Retin A or Tazorac. If there is also acne, you might consider a course of Accutane, which reduces sebum production for approximately two years. Low dose Accutane taken continuously to control excess oil. Fractional laser resurfacing can also help reduce sebum, but to a lesser degree than Accutane.

Oil production

I would highly suggest you consider low dose accutane as lasers might be dissappointing for you and less predictable. Dr. Malouf