New Laser Protocol Targets Acne and Restores Skin Texture

Featured in Aesthetic Insights Newsletter.

Amid rising demand for personalized aesthetic care, Aerolase Corp. (Tarrytown, N.Y.) has emerged with a compelling solution using its Neo and Era laser systems. Together, these technologies couple the deep, non-ablative reach of the 1064 nm Nd: YAG Neo with the precise, surface-level ablation of the 2940 nm Er:YAG Era — enabling physicians to treat acne, pigmentation, inflammation, and scarring on a wide range of skin types with surgical-level control and minimal downtime.

This dual-technology method combines therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, said Alexis Stephens, DO, FACOD, FAAD, a dermatologist in Boca Raton, Fla. “Neo and Era give me the flexibility to truly customize treatment plans based on the patient’s unique skin biology and clinical presentation. For example, the Neo has really changed the way I manage inflammatory acne. This is especially true for patients who are not candidates for systemic medications or simply prefer non-pharmaceutical options,” she said. “It targets Cutibacterium acnes, reduces sebaceous gland activity, and calms inflammation without disrupting the skin barrier. With the Neo, I can target vascularity, pigment, inflammation, and collagen stimulation, all in one device, without risking thermal damage in melanin-rich skin. And when paired with the Era’s precision ablation, I can fine-tune resurfacing depth and density based on the indication, whether I’m treating perioral rhytids, post-acne scarring, or photodamage.”

The Neo penetrates deeply to reduce redness, target sebaceous glands, and stimulate neocollagenesis, while the Era delivers precise fractional resurfacing and scar repair with minimal thermal injury in a controlled, customizable manner. “That level of control is critical when personalizing care, especially across diverse skin tones, where patients are at risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” added Dr. Stephens.

James Newman, M.D., F.A.C.S., a plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, Calif., typically begins treatment with the Neo “to target active inflammation, using its controlled thermal energy to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness, particularly in red, swollen breakouts. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly sessions until the inflammation subsides,” he said. “Once the skin is stabilized, we use Era to resurface; this removes damaged outer layers and stimulates new collagen production to improve texture and minimize post-acne scarring. This two-step approach, treating inflammation first, then texture, has transformed how we manage acne cases.”

“When we use both devices, we’re treating what’s visible, like breakouts and pigment, but also addressing what’s beneath the surface, like inflammation and collagen loss,” said Dr. Stephens. “The dual stimulation promotes both superficial resurfacing and deeper collagen remodeling. It leads to visible improvements in texture and tone without extended downtime.”

The Neo differs from other YAG lasers because of its unique 650-microsecond pulse width, explained Dr. Newman. “Most YAG lasers use longer pulses that can be more painful and damaging to the skin. The Neo’s short pulse delivers energy more gently and effectively, which means we can treat sensitive or inflamed skin, like acne-prone skin, safely and comfortably. It also targets sebaceous glands and unwanted facial hair, sterilizing follicular areas and reducing the root cause of breakouts. The result is a safer, more tolerable laser treatment that doesn’t cause scarring or hyperpigmentation, even with repeated use.”

The dual stimulation promotes both superficial resurfacing and deeper collagen remodeling, leading to visible improvements in texture and tone without extended downtime.

The Era complements the Neo by addressing what’s left behind after calming the inflammation, he said. “Once the Neo has done its job beneath the surface, we bring in the Era to resurface the top layers of skin. It’s incredibly precise, allowing us to smooth out scarring and improve texture without creating unnecessary heat or risk to the skin. That combination gives us a full-spectrum solution, from treating active acne to restoring clear, even skin.”

As expressed by Dr. Stephens, “That versatility is essential when working with patients who have deeper skin tones and are at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We treat a lot of East Indian, Hispanic, and African American patients. With Aerolase, we don’t have to worry about triggering pigmentation issues. That’s an enormous relief for both provider and patient.”

In addition to reducing acne, the Neo is also effective for treating rosacea. “It targets hemoglobin and reduces redness. For patients with both acne and rosacea, the Neo offers a comprehensive solution without aggravating sensitive skin,” said Dr. Newman. “Treating with this device is virtually painless, doesn’t require cooling systems, and has no downtime.”

That ease of use translates to higher patient satisfaction and better workflow efficiency. “Our laser nurses can perform the treatments safely, which frees up the doctor’s time and makes it a scalable solution for busy practices,” he said.

According to Dr. Stephens, the Neo and Era combination fits well into both corrective and preventative regimens. “I often integrate Neo into quarterly regimens for acne maintenance, aging prevention, and pigmentation control. It helps regulate oil production, calm subclinical inflammation, and support ongoing collagen synthesis, all of which contribute to healthy, resilient skin. It’s a great way to support skin longevity with minimal downtime and high tolerability.”

She finds that patients appreciate the layered treatment approach, “especially when it’s explained to treat both what’s seen (like pigment and breakouts) and what’s beneath the surface (like inflammation and collagen loss),” she added. “It positions the treatment as part of a bigger skin health strategy, not just a onetime fix. That builds trust and encourages patients to stay engaged for the long term because they understand the ‘why’ behind each step.”

Some acne patients also appreciate having an alternative to systemic medications like Accutane, said Dr. Newman. “Accutane is still the gold standard in severe cases, but it requires strict monitoring, including liver tests and birth control. Many patients, especially teens and their parents, are relieved to have a safe, effective alternative that doesn’t involve systemic side effects.”

Regardless of the indication, less pain and shorter recovery times drive patient compliance and satisfaction, he noted. “That’s where Aerolase really stands out. Treatments are quick and virtually painless. Plus, there’s minimal to no downtime, which is ideal for patients who can’t afford to put their lives on hold. For teens, busy professionals, or anyone who’s hesitant about traditional energy-based devices because of concerns about discomfort or pigmentary risk, the Neo and Era offer a safe and effective alternative.”

The Neo and Era devices offer more than just technological innovation, concluded Dr. Newman. “They reflect a new standard in safe, personalized, multi-modal care in aesthetic and dermatology practices. This approach fits into a modern, comprehensive approach to acne treatment, especially for patients seeking non-drug solutions. It’s ideal for practitioners that specialize in treating diverse skin tones, which speaks volumes about its versatility and safety.”

Building on that foundation of safety and personalization, Aerolase has expanded its capabilities even further with the launch of the Era Elite Hybrid Fractional Lens. This first-of-its-kind hybrid Er:YAG fractional laser blends full-field ablation with 16 micro-channels of fractional ablation in a single pulse, reaching an optimal 140-micron depth for maximized collagen stimulation. In clinical studies, after one treatment, patients experienced dramatic, measurable improvements: Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale improved from Grade 3 to Grade 1, Photodamage Scores fell from 11 to 5, and Glogau classifications shifted from Class II to Class I — all achieved with minimal discomfort (a Visual Analog Scale score of 3/10) and no need for numbing.