Acne Starts with Inflammation—Here’s Why That Changes Everything for Treatment

For years, skincare has approached acne treatments the same way: reduce the excess oil, kill the bacteria, and unclog the pores. But recently, studies are pointing us in a new direction—one that changes how we understand and treat acne entirely¹.

Emerging dermatological research reveals that inflammation is not a late-stage symptom of acne—it’s the starting point. And since inflammation drives the process, it’s evident, surface-level solutions aren’t enough.

This has been the foundation of how the Neo Elite® works. The Neo Elite laser was built as a future-forward acne solution that starts where acne begins.

Inflammation comes before breakouts are visible

Inflammation isn’t just what makes a pimple red or painful, it’s the silent driver that’s activated deep within the skin before any visible lesions form. The early inflammation alters the behavior of skin cells, disrupting oil production, and setting the stage for everything that follows—clogged pores, bacterial imbalance, and active breakouts.

We now have an understanding of:

• Why some patients with dry or normal skin still struggle with acne
• Why over-drying or medicating the skin can backfire
• Why long-term success often comes from calming, not stripping, the skin

Aerolase Neo Elite®: Designed to target inflammation at the root

While traditional acne treatments tend to focus on visible symptoms, the Aerolase Neo Elite®, powered by the 650-microsecond 1064nm Nd:YAG technology, works differently. It addresses underlying inflammation that fuels acne—before and after breakouts appear.

In a single pass, the Neo Elite:

• Penetrates deeply to calm inflammatory triggers
• Destroys C. acnes bacteria without harming surrounding skin
• Reduces redness, lesions, and post-acne marks (including PIH)
• Normalizes oil production and improves sebum quality

Aerolase gives you the ability to disrupt acne in its development before it takes hold preventing current and future breakouts.

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Dermatology Times interview with Sophia Reid, MD speaking on safe and effective acne treatments using Aerolase Neo Elite

Interview topics include:

• Using laser therapy for varied skin types and stages of acne
• Laser therapy as an alternative or combination treatment for acne
• Efficacy and safety of laser treatment for patients with acne

Watch full interview here

(Interview duration: 7 minutes)

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Why inflammation-first treatment is the future

If inflammation is the earliest and most consistent feature of acne, it should be the first thing you treat. Yet, most regimens jump ahead—attacking oil or bacteria after the inflammatory process is already in motion.

Neo Elite shifts the focus back to where it belongs:

• Reduce inflammation before lesions form
• Prevent scarring and pigment damage
• Break the cycle of flare-ups and rebound irritation

This is especially crucial for melanin-rich skin, where inflammation can lead to long-lasting pigmentation changes. Aerolase’s short pulse duration and non-ablative approach make it one of the safest and most effective solutions for skin of color.

Treat smarter. Treat earlier. Treat the cause.

As our understanding of acne evolves, so must our treatment protocols. Inflammation is no longer an afterthought—it’s the origin.

With Aerolase Neo Elite, you have the ability to intervene earlier, treat more precisely, and deliver exceptional outcomes across all acne severities and skin types.

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¹Zhao D, Wang Y, Wu S, Ji X, Gong K, Zheng H, Zhu M. Research progress on the role of macrophages in acne and regulation by natural plant products. Frontiers in Immunology, Volume 15 (2024): Article 1383263. Published 26 April 2024.