Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

Patients who tend to break out should be on antibiotics to prevent spreading the acne after laser resurfacing. Using Vaseline can only make the acne worse and we normally do not recommend applying it after the laser. Patients actually break out more from the Vaseline because it’s too heavy and occlusive so it does not let you skin breath to recover. Vaseline also traps the heat underneath which will prolong the healing. You may use skin repair creams, such as Cicalfate by Avene or thermal spring water to help with the recovery without making your acne flare up. Once you heal Alceara treatment may help

I find that some patients are prone to acne breakouts after laser resurfacing, while others actually see a reduction in acne after the initial recovery period. I do think that the aggressive moisturizers we often use after laser resurfacing contribute to occlusion of pores and subsequent acne production. I find this to be mostly superficial pustules that are short-lived rather than cystic acne.Placing a patient on antibiotics after laser resurfacing and minimizing the use of heavy ointments may be helpful to reduce acne flare-ups.All the best,

In all resurfacing procedures that I have done for more than 20 years, dermabrasion, carbon dioxide laser, erbium yag laser, Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Restore, Portrait Plasma, chemical peels, many patients have had some acne flare. There may be swelling that occludes the pores, and the ointments and creams that are often needed after the resurfacing both may contribute to the development of acne, even if the patient never had an acne condition.

Breakouts do need to be distinguished from bacterial, yeast and herpes infections. Bacterial folliculitis might get confused with an acne break out.  These should be addressed by you seeing your doctor.

An acne breakout after a laser treatment is usually not due to the laser itself, but the topical agents that are used following the procedure to accelerate healing. Proper cleansing and topical care will cure the acne.

Yes, there were cases when patients break out after Fraxel. It is important that your provider gives your adequate topical and oral medications post treatment, to control your breakouts and help your skin heal quicker. Good luck!