LASER & LIGHT FOR ACTIVE ACNE · IN-OFFICE

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.

✓ Dermatologist-led · dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method
✓ Calms active acne, a medication-free option
✓ Dermatologist-led aesthetic center · SOM Method
ACNE LASER TREATMENT COST GUIDE · SAN DIEGO

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.

ACNE LASER · QUICK FACTS
Per session

~$200–$500

Sessions

Series of 3–5

Treatment time

15–30 min

Downtime

Minimal

Targets

Bacteria, oil, redness

Skin tones

Most (device)

ACNE LASER AT A GLANCE
TREATMENT TIME

15–30 minutes

ONSET

24–48 hrs

DURATION

3–5 sessions a series

DOWNTIME

None to minimal

DEVICES

BBL, blue & red light

PROVIDER

Dermatologist-trained provider

DOCUMENTED ACNE LASER RESULTS

Real acne laser patients.

Every case is documented by the SOM team. Laser and light therapy calms active acne and redness, building over a short series.

Acne laser · before
AM I A CANDIDATE?

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.

ABOUT THE TREATMENT

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.

WHY CHOOSE SOM FOR ACNE LASER

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.

TRANSPARENT PRICING · BY TIER

How much does acne laser therapy cost in San Diego?

SINGLE SESSION
~$200 – $500

Per laser/light session

New patient rate

RECOMMENDED
SOM MEMBER
~$180 – $450

10% off retail + priority

Available after first visit

MAINTENANCE
3–5 sessions

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.

FROM CONSULTATION TO RESULT

Four steps. One personalized plan.

01
Consultation

Your SOM provider reviews your acne and skin and selects the right device.

02
Prep & Protect

Skin is cleansed; protective eyewear is placed; settings are tailored.

03
Light Therapy

About 15 to 30 minutes of light treatment to active areas.

04
Calm & Repeat

Mild pinkness fades quickly; breakouts calm over a short series.

Before

During

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

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

Woman with natural facial movement in a clinical setting
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

What happens during active acne laser

An acne laser or light session takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Dr. Saami’s 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

Woman with natural facial movement in a clinical setting
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

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

Woman with natural facial movement in a clinical setting
Dermatologist-led aesthetic care at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas
THE SOM METHOD · ACNE LASER

Acne laser at a dermatologist-led aesthetic center.

At SOM's dermatologist-led aesthetic center, dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method to select the right device and pair it with the rest of your acne plan.

SAFETY · AFTERCARE

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 · FAQ

Acne laser questions patients ask

How does laser clear acne?
How many sessions will I need?
Is there any downtime?
Does it replace prescriptions?
Does it help acne scars?
Is it safe for darker skin?
COMPARE ALTERNATIVES · DECISION MATRIX

Acne laser vs. other acne care.

Scroll to view the table
Acne Laser
Prescription
BBL HERO

What it is

In-office laser/light

Topical/oral Rx

BroadBand Light

Best for

Active acne, med-free

Moderate to severe

Acne + pigment + redness

Downtime

Minimal

Varies

Minimal

Medication

None

Yes

None

Sessions

3–5 series

Ongoing

3–5 series

Skin tones

Most (device)

All

Most

Cost (SOM)

~$200–$500

In consult

~$400–$650

Best for

Med-free clearing

Core clearing

Acne + tone

SOM recommends

Light-based clearing

Core of care

Light + pigment

LOCAL · NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO

Acne Laser Therapy in Encinitas - North County San Diego.

SOM Aesthetics is on N El Camino Real in Encinitas, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.