In the short term, not tanning will help these blend better, so an SPF 30 sunscreen with at least 5-10% zinc is very helpful. Use the ones formulated for acne like the powder Colorscience Powder Sunscreen SPF 30 or the light Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46. Make sure her acne is well-controlled before investing in any laser treatment.

What is best for Acne?

Generally, the Fraxel laser or the Fraxel Dual laser are best for acne scarring that is a level white spot or just slightly indented. Larger indentations might need a fractionated CO2 laser. The Fraxel Dual system contains both the original Fraxel (a 1550 nm erbium laser) and the newer wavelength a 1927 nm thillium, which is better for pigment. This is confusing for consumers because the new Dual has both wavelengths but can be used with all one wavelength or mixed. The original Fraxel just has the 1550 nm.

What this means for you as a consumer is that if your daughter just has the scarring and not a lot of sun damage or brown spots, she just needs the 1550 nm wavelength. She can go with either the orginal Fraxel or the Dual used on the 1550 nm setting. Expect to need approximately 3-5 treatments depending on the amount of scarring.

Hope this helps,   Dr. B I

Read Dr. Irwin’s article on a Guide to Fraxel Dual Laser.

Read Dr. Irwin’s article on a Guide to Fractionated CO2 Laser.