How to Reduce Acne Redness & Inflammation with Laser Therapy
January 13, 2026 by VitalSkin Dermatology
Even when your acne breakout clears, it can leave behind redness. For many patients, lingering redness and inflammation can remain for weeks or even months after active acne improves. This post-acne redness can make skin appear irritated, uneven, or constantly flushed, even when breakouts are under control.
If you’re looking to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support your acne healing journey, consider laser therapy as a non-invasive option. By targeting blood vessels and inflammatory processes beneath the skin, laser and light-based treatments can improve skin tone without treating scars or pigmentation concerns.
What Causes Redness and Inflammation From Acne?
Acne can leave your skin inflamed, causing noticeable redness on the surface. As part of the healing process, the body increases blood flow to the area where pores are clogged and irritated. This increased vascular activity can persist, even after a blemish resolves. Many things can cause this:
- Inflammatory acne lesions (papules, pustules, cysts)
- Repeated breakouts in the same area
- Skin sensitivity following active acne treatment
- Slow resolution of post-breakout inflammation
This type of redness is different from acne scarring or pigmentation changes and requires a targeted approach.
How Laser Therapy Helps Reduce Acne Redness
Laser and light-based therapies work beneath the skin to address inflammation and visible redness without damaging surrounding tissue. These treatments are often used as part of a comprehensive acne care plan.
Laser Targets Inflammation Beneath the Skin
Vascular and light-based lasers are designed to:
- Target excess blood vessels that contribute to redness
- Reduce inflammatory signals in the skin
- Promote a calmer, more balanced complexion
Laser therapy addresses the source of inflammation, helping the skin return to a more even tone over time.
Benefits for Persistent Redness After Breakouts
Laser therapy can improve lingering redness from acne, with many patients seeing improvements such as:
- Reduced pink or red discoloration
- Smoother-looking skin tone
- Less visible irritation after breakouts
- Support for long-term acne management
These treatments focus specifically on redness and inflammation — not acne scars or pigment-related discoloration.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Acne Therapy?
Laser therapy may be a good option for patients who:
- Have ongoing redness after acne clears
- Experience inflammatory acne that is slow to resolve
- Want a non-invasive treatment option
- Are managing acne with medical therapies, but still have visible redness
A dermatologist can help determine whether laser therapy is appropriate based on your skin type, acne history, and overall treatment plan.
What to Expect During Treatment and Recovery
Laser treatments for acne-related redness are typically performed in-office and require little to no downtime.
During treatment:
- Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes
- Mild warmth or tingling may be felt
- No anesthesia is typically required
After treatment:
- Temporary redness or mild swelling may occur
- Most patients return to normal activities the same day
- Some laser treatments require a series of treatments for the best results
Your dermatologist will provide guidance on post-treatment care and how laser therapy fits into your overall treatment plan for acne.
Calm Redness and Support Clearer Skin
If acne-related redness or inflammation persists despite treatment, laser therapy may help restore a more even, calmer appearance to your skin. When used alongside medical acne care, it can be an effective tool for managing inflammation and improving skin tone.
At VitalSkin Dermatology and affiliated clinics, our dermatology teams personalize acne treatment plans to address both active breakouts and the effects they leave behind. Find a dermatologist near you and book an appointment today!
