Laser options
and downtime.
Spectra MDF
Downtime: No downtime
Hollywood Spectra
Downtime: No downtime
LASER & SKIN REJUVENATION
Acne & Active
Breakouts
Acne is driven by three things working together: excess sebum production, bacterial activity, and inflammation. Topical treatments work at the surface. Dr. Martin addresses the sebaceous environment directly — using laser energy to disrupt the follicular conditions that sustain the breakout cycle, without requiring any downtime.
The Spectra MDF and Hollywood Spectra platforms, both Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, are the primary tools for this. The Hollywood Laser Peel protocol applies a carbon lotion to the skin before delivering laser energy that heats and exfoliates the follicular environment, reducing oil and bacteria in a single 20 to 30 minute session that patients can schedule and walk away from without any recovery period. For patients dealing with both active breakouts and post-inflammatory pigmentation from past ones, the same session addresses both — which makes it a practical option for anyone managing acne as an ongoing concern rather than an occasional flare.
Can laser treatments actually help with active acne?
Yes — and for the right patient, they can be surprisingly effective. Laser energy targets two of the main drivers of acne: the sebaceous glands that overproduce oil, and the bacterial environment that turns that oil into a breakout. At our practice, we use the Spectra MDF and Hollywood Spectra platforms for this purpose — lasers that have a strong track record with active acne and oily skin. The Hollywood Laser Peel protocol in particular is a favorite for patients managing ongoing breakouts because it requires zero downtime and can be repeated regularly to keep things under control.
Is laser treatment for acne safe for all skin types?
For most skin types, yes — and the platforms we use at our practice are specifically selected with safety across a range of tones in mind. The Nd:YAG wavelength used in our Spectra protocols is particularly well-suited to darker skin because it has a lower risk of causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to other laser technologies. That said, every patient is evaluated individually before treatment. Skin type, sensitivity level, any current skincare or medication regimen — all of it gets reviewed before we recommend anything.
How is this different from topical treatments or medications?
Topical treatments and medications address acne systemically or at the surface level — they're valuable tools, and we're not dismissing them. But laser energy works by directly disrupting the follicular environment where breakouts begin, reducing sebum production and bacterial load in a way that topicals can't always reach. At our practice, we often think of laser as a complement to an existing skincare regimen rather than a replacement for it. For patients who've tried topicals without satisfying results, or who want a low-maintenance approach to ongoing breakout management, laser can be a meaningful addition.
How many sessions will I need to see a difference?
Most patients start noticing cleaner skin, reduced oiliness, and fewer breakouts after two to four sessions — though this varies depending on how active the acne is and how the skin responds. The Hollywood Laser Peel protocol is designed to be repeated at regular intervals, so ongoing maintenance is part of the plan rather than a surprise. At our practice, we track your response session by session and adjust the protocol based on how your skin is behaving. There's no fixed number that applies to everyone — it's a conversation we continue throughout treatment.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.