Acne Laser Therapy in San Diego
In-office laser and light therapy calms active breakouts and reduces acne-causing bacteria, oil, and inflammation, with minimal downtime. At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, every plan is set by dermatologist-trained providers following the SOM Method.
How much does acne laser therapy cost in San Diego?
Acne laser and light therapy at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas typically costs about $200–$500 per session, confirmed in consultation, usually as a series. In-office devices like BroadBand Light (BBL) and blue and red light target acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil and inflammation, and calm active breakouts, with minimal downtime. It is a medication-free option that complements prescriptions. Planned by dermatologist-trained providers following the SOM Method.
~$200–$500
Series of 3–5
15–30 min
Minimal
Bacteria, oil, redness
Most (device)
15–30 minutes
24–48 hrs
3–5 sessions a series
None to minimal
BBL, blue & red light
Dermatologist-trained provider
In-office light to calm active acne.
Acne laser and light therapy uses in-office devices, such as BroadBand Light (BBL) and blue and red light, to treat acne at its source. The light destroys acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation and redness, and reduces excess oil, without medication.
It is a great medication-free option, or a complement to prescriptions, especially for patients who cannot or prefer not to use certain drugs. Best in a short series, with minimal downtime. A dermatologist-trained SOM provider selects the right device and settings for your skin.
✓ Dermatologist-led
Dermatologist-trained SOM providers plan every acne laser course.
✓ Medication-free option
Clears acne without pills, no systemic side effects.
✓ The SOM Method
Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
✓ Calms and clears
Targets bacteria, oil, and inflammation at once.
✓ Pairs with care
Complements prescriptions and skincare.
Is acne laser therapy right for you?
✓ Good Candidates
• Active inflammatory acne
• Want a medication-free option
• Cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid oral meds
• Redness and oil with breakouts
• Want to complement your acne plan
• Minimal downtime preferred
✗ May Not Be Right For
• Recently tanned or very dark sun-exposed skin (device)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Photosensitive condition or medication
• Recently on isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Active skin infection in the area
• Want results for scarring (see acne scars)
A consultation with a dermatologist-trained SOM provider confirms candidacy and the right device for your skin.
Acne laser vs. other acne care.
Acne Laser guided by dermatologist-led standards and the SOM Method.
Dermatologist-trained SOM providers plan and deliver Acne Laser through the SOM Method, with consultation, candidacy review, individualized treatment planning, documentation, and follow-up.
How much does acne laser therapy cost in San Diego?
Per laser/light session
New patient rate
10% off retail + priority
Available after first visit
Typical series
Best results in a series; ask about package pricing
Final pricing is confirmed in consultation. 0% APR financing through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying patients.
Four steps. One personalized plan.
Your SOM provider reviews your acne and skin and selects the right device.
Skin is cleansed; protective eyewear is placed; settings are tailored.
About 15 to 30 minutes of light treatment to active areas.
Mild pinkness fades quickly; breakouts calm over a short series.
Before · During · After
How to prepare for acne laser therapy
Avoid sun and self-tanner for two weeks before. Pause retinoids a few days prior if advised. Arrive with clean skin and tell us about photosensitizing medications or recent tanning.
• Avoid sun and self-tanner for 2 weeks prior
• Pause retinoids a few days before if advised
• Tell us about photosensitizing medications
• Clean skin, no makeup
• Plan sunscreen after treatment
What happens during active acne laser
An acne laser or light session takes about 20 to 30 minutes. the SOM clinical team protects your eyes and passes the device over active breakouts to target bacteria and calm inflammation. You will feel a warm snap. Numbing is usually not needed.
• 20–30 minute session
• Eye protection applied
• Targets bacteria + inflammation
• Warm snap sensation
• Usually no numbing
After active acne laser
Skin may look flushed for a few hours to a day. Avoid sun and heat that day, keep skincare gentle, and use SPF daily. Active breakouts calm over the following days; a short series alongside your skincare gives the best clearing.
• Flushed a few hours to a day
• Avoid sun and heat that day
• Keep skincare gentle
• Daily SPF
• Series + skincare for best clearing
Is acne laser therapy safe, and what should I do after?
✓ Do
• Apply sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors
• Keep skin cool and hydrated for 24 hours
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser the first days
• Let mild pinkness fade on its own
• Complete the series for best results
• Call us right away with any unusual symptoms
✗ Don't
• Do not sun-tan or use self-tanner before or after
• Do not treat over an active skin infection
• No saunas, hot yoga, or intense heat for 24 hours
• Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for a few days
• Do not use on recently tanned skin (device-dependent)
• Do not replace medical review with online advice
Acne laser questions patients ask
Explore other acne care services
Compare other approaches to acne care.
Acne Laser Therapy in Encinitas / North County San Diego.
SOM Aesthetics is at 25 E E St, Encinitas, CA 92024, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.
