1064-nm Nd:YAG and 595-nm PDL Are Equally Effective Treatments for Acne Vulgaris

In patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, the use of 1064-nm long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd:YAG) and 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) are equally effective alternative acne treatments capable of reducing inflammatory acne lesions and acne erythema, according to study data published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

The split-face study included 34 individuals with mild to moderate facial acne who were recruited at a university. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 treatments of 1064-nm Nd:YAG on 1 side of the face and 595-nm PDL on the other side of the face. Each treatment was administered at 2-week intervals. The investigators assessed acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and erythema index at baseline as well as weeks 2, 4, and 8. In addition, the researchers assessed satisfaction, preference, and adverse events (AEs).

For the 1064-nm Nd:YAG-treated sides of the face, the mean inflammatory lesion count significantly reduced from baseline (5.76 ± 3.70) to 2 weeks after treatment (3.24 ± 2.74; P <.001). The mean inflammatory lesion count was also significantly reduced with 1064-nm Nd:YAG to 2.91±2.07 at week 4 (P <.001) and 2.88±2.86 at 4 weeks after the final session (P <.001).

Likewise, the 595-nm PDL-treated sides of the face had significant reductions in mean inflammatory lesion count from baseline (5.97±4.38) to 2 weeks (3.38 ± 3.40; P <.001) and at 4 weeks (2.97±3.10; P <.001). The mean inflammatory lesion count was increased to 4.03±4.48 at 4 weeks after the final 595-nm PDL treatment (P =.001).

There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatments in regard to the changes in the mean noninflammatory acne lesion counts (P =.085). Both treatments resulted in significant reductions in the mean erythema index for both sides of the face, with no difference observed in either the 1064-nm Nd:YAG or 595-nm PDL treatments (P =.229).

Participants reported that they were satisfied with both laser approaches, but most participants preferred the 1064-nm Nd:YAG to  the 595-nm PDL. Fewer AEs were observed with the 1064 nm Nd: YAG treatment.

Limitations of the study include the small sample size, the lack of assessment on changes in skin oiliness, as well as the short follow-up period.

The researchers concluded that both the “1064-nm Nd:YAG and 595-nm PDL can be considered as an alternative treatment in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.”

Reference

Chalermsuwiwattanakan N, Rojhirunsakool S, Kamanamool N, Kanokrungsee S, Udompataikul M. The comparative study of efficacy between 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and 595-nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Published online November 23, 2020. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi:10.1111/jocd.13832