Laser treatment can reduce acne and in some cases clear it up completely, according to hospital researchers.

A system developed for use on birthmarks and wrinkles produced ‘significant improvements’ for four out of five volunteers with the condition. In a quarter of cases the condition vanished completely after treatment. The laser heats small blood vessels to provoke a natural heating response and collagen production.

Forty-one patients had a single five-minute session with the so-called NLite laser at the Hammersmith Hospital in West London.

Dr Tony Chu, a consultants dermatologist at the hospital and founder of the Acne Support Group, said: “The results were stunning. I was a complete sceptic but now I’m completely converted. This really is the first major advance in acne treatment in 30 years.

Sixteen men and 25 women took part in the trial. All had mild to moderate acne, and failed to respond to other treatments. They were given one NLite treatment and monitored for 12 weeks. By the end of the study period 81 per cent showed a significant improvement, and in 58 per cent spots were reduced by 50 per cent.
Ten of the patients were cleared of acne.

The NLite, developed at the University of Wales to tackle birthmarks and wrinkles, is being used to treat acne at about 25 private clinics around Britain.

Presenting the findings in London yesterday, Dr Chu said: ‘The most important thing is it has a prolonged effect. A single treatment has an effect that lasts three months.’ Dr Chu acknowledged that more work was needed to confirm the findings.

Rachel White, 21, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, turned to the NLite treatment after antibiotics and creams failed. She said: ‘ On good days I don’t have any spots at all, it’s completely clear. I feel much more confident now.’

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