Struggling with Acne? Aerolase Treatment Can Be a Helpful Alternative

Struggling with persistent acne despite skincare or medication? This article explores the limitations of common acne treatments and explains how Aerolase acne treatment can be used as a low-risk, non-invasive option to target acne bacteria, inflammation, excess oil production, pigmentation and early scarring. Guided by Dr Andrew Sun at Sun Health Clinic, Aerolase can be used on its own or alongside medical care as part of a balanced, long-term approach to clearer, healthier skin.

For many, the confusing path to clearer skin involves a series of complex skincare routines, creams, medication, and (hopefully) the occasional doctor consultation.

Even with genuine effort, these treatment regimens often don't give adequate or lasting improvement, especially in cases of recurring, persistent, or nodular/cystic acne. 

At any stage of these acne management processes, there is a role for modern medical-grade technology to improve results. At Sun Health Clinic, we use Aerolase for acne treatment, offering a low-risk, non-invasive approach that can complement or, in some cases, provide an alternative to conventional therapies.


The Limitations of Topical Agents and Antibiotics for Acne Treatment

Initial topical acne treatments typically include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and mild retinoids.

While these are useful for managing mild cases, they tend to:

  • Cause dryness or irritation
  • Disrupt the natural skin barrier further
  • Do not adequately address deeper causes from germs, inflammation, and blockages.

Prescribed antibiotics often provide notable improvement through antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects over weeks to months. However, causing germ resistance and risk for side effects means they are not for long-term use.


Is Isotretinoin the Right Choice for Acne? Benefits and Limitations

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Accutane) is a well-established prescription treatment for severe acne, or acne that did not respond to safer options. It is generally effective and produces significant long term clearance in ~8 out of 10 patients. 

Isotretinoin however is associated with a wide range of undesirable and dangerous side effects, including

  • Dry skin/mouth/nose/eyes
  • Skin rash/flaking/sensitivity
  • Hair thinning
  • Joint/muscle pain
  • Liver/stomach injury
  • Depression
  • Suicidal ideation, and
  • Birth defects if pregnant while taking it

It is also contraindicated in some patients, and acne recurrence after a full treatment course occurs in 2-3 out of 10 patients.

How Can Aerolase Help with Acne?

Aerolase Neo Elite represents an evidence-based complement or alternative for acne treatment.

Using a 650-microsecond laser, NeoClear targets multiple factors implicated in acne development, including:

  • Eliminating Cutibacterium acnes, Demodex mites (the associated germs)
  • Reducing the blood supply to sebaceous glands (the oil production, and is the sole target of the generally effective Aviclear laser)
  • Reducing skin inflammation (the redness and disrupted skin barrier)
  • Side effect of cumulatively reducing hyperpigmentation/erythema (PIH and PIE)
  • Side effect of stimulating new collagen to even out scars (gradual process and can be continued with scar treatment protocols once acne controlled)
  • Side effect of tightening skin and increasing skin barrier/skin health (when in conjunction with basic skincare)

What differentiates this modality is its capacity to deliver energy deeply into the skin with minimal collateral heat, so no numbing required, and no damage to skin. 

It is suitable for all skin types, including darker skin that would hyperpigment with older lasers, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

Aerolase has demonstrated results as a standalone treatment, as well as in conjunction with prescribed medications and isotretinoin.

For patients considering this option, you can learn more about Aerolase laser skin treatment in Sydney and whether it may be suitable for your skin and acne concerns.

What Should You Expect from Aerolase Acne Treatment?


Aerolase treatment is not an immediate solution and requires consistency over 3-6 sessions. (That being said, for many the inflammation immediately improves following the treatment, and continues to settle over the next few days.)

Treatment response varies based on acne severity, skin health, and the patient's lifestyle.

At Sun Health Clinic, our protocol includes a complimentary non-medical consultation to assess suitability, followed by medical consultation and treatment plan.

Aerolase does not replace basic skincare or medical oversight, but can be integrated very well into a broader management plan.

It is a valuable option for patients seeking effective, low-risk alternatives without systemic side effects risk.

Is There a Long-Term Solution for Acne?

Conventional medical wisdom is that acne is a long term skin condition that can be treated effectively in most cases, but does require long term maintenance to keep the skin acne-free with eg 0.5% tretinoin (which also helps with skin texture and scar/pigmentation reduction).

It is important for patients and clinicians to be aware of the limitations that apply to the widely accepted skincare products, the evidenced-based medications, and even to the newer scientifically advanced options such as lasers and PRP. And to date, there is unfortunately no single treatment that works completely for every person.

Is Aerolase Acne Treatment Right for You?

At Sun Health Clinic in Sydney, Aerolase acne treatment is doctor-guided and integrated into a broader medical and integrative care plan.

If you would like to understand whether Aerolase is appropriate for your skin and acne concerns, you can book a free doctor consultation with Dr Andrew Sun to discuss treatment options and next steps.

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Author

Dr Andrew Sun

Specialist general practitioner passionate about health, wellness and beauty

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