Does fraxel help acne?

Fraxel is generally not indicated for the treatment of active acne. There are better options for this and one of the most aggressive is ALA phototherapy.
However, Fraxel can be beneficial in providing some improvement to the scarring or irregular pigmentation that occurs as a result of acne.
There are numerous other modalities including IPL treatment which have demonstrated varying responses.
It is best to consult with a physician who has multiple modalities on hand to offer you the best treatment for your specific conditions and concerns.
I hope this helps.

We do not advocate using the Fraxel laser for active acne. The resurfacing benefits of Fraxel are suited for acne scars, but not acne. If you are looking for acne options, consider photodynamic therapy with ALA (amino luvulanic acid), the Aramis laser, the Smoothbeam laser or Blu-u treatments. All would be better options than Fraxel. Good luck.

Acne should be in remission prior to fractionated laser resurfacing such as Fractional CO2 Laser or Fraxel. You would be asked to apply copious amount of emollient which can be comedogenic and trigger more acne outbreak. Ideally, you should get a board-certified dermatologist involved who can guide you steps to minimize acne outbreak and customize a post-op skin care routine to prevent acne flare after laser resurfacing.

Fraxel is not the best treatment for active acne, though it is quite effective for the treatment of both acne scarring and hyperpigmentation from acne.  The most effective laser and light treatments for improving active acne are the Isolaz laser (which uses a broad-spectrum light to kill bacteria and a gentle vacuum to clean out the pores) and Photodynamic Therapy (which uses LED light and a medication called aminolevulinic acid to kill the acne-causing bacteria on the skin.)

When I see patients who have significant acne, I tell them that first we have to get the acne under control and then treat the scars from the acne.  If there is pigmentation, then the 1920 setting of the Fraxel Dual would be a adjuvant treatment for that condition. Other lasers such as the V-Beam or Blue light lasers will treat acne.