GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Acne / Scar / Texture · Active inflammatory acne

IPL bbl photorejuvenation evidence for Active inflammatory acne

B 59.0 / 100 Supported 39 RCT/meta · 20 clinical/observational · 5 case · 147 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2016 Last 5 years 33% Positive results 63% Negative results 9 Korea/Asia 21

Known in Korea as

IPLLPL튠라이트바디 BBL

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Comparison of the Efficacy of Low-Energy Delicate Pulsed Light and Q-Switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Post-Acne Erythema: A Prospective Randomized Split-Face Study. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2025 · PMID 40926297

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: Post-acne erythema (PAE), a common consequence of acne, is characterized by capillary dilation and erythema, which significantly impact facial aesthetics and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (DPL) and 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treating PAE. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, self-controlled, evaluator-blinded clinical...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 A comprehensive systematic review on the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and relapse rates of modern procedural therapies for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40993442

Abstract summary (English) Procedural therapies are increasingly recognized as effective adjunctive treatments for acne vulgaris alongside topical and systemic options. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the efficacy, safety and relapse rate of various procedural therapies in managing acne vulgaris. Data from 160 studies involving 8121 patients were analyzed across four major databases up to 2024.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Effect of Intense Pulsed Light Combined With 3% Tranexamic Acid for Facial Erythema Associated With Acne Vulgaris and Rosacea. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2025 · PMID 40518702

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Current treatment options for facial erythema associated with acne and rosacea include oral and topical treatments. Physical modalities are also commonly used recently. Combination therapy usually works better than a single therapy.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Systematic review of vascular lasers for the treatment of inflammatory active acne vulgaris. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40167813

Abstract summary (English) Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder with significant emotional and psychological impacts. Conventional treatments often have limitations, prompting exploration into alternative therapies like vascular lasers and light treatments. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of vascular lasers (IPL, PDL, Nd:YAG) on inflammatory acne lesions associated with acne vulgaris.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Efficacy of intradermal tranexamic acid injection following IPL for the treatment of persistent post acne erythema: a split-face, controlled trial. Archives of dermatological research · 2025 · PMID 40167766

Abstract summary (English) Post-acne erythema (PAE) is a common consequence of acne vulgaris, often leading to significant psychological distress and social impairment. While Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has been proven as a non-invasive option for reducing erythema, the addition of adjunctive therapies may enhance treatment outcomes. To evaluate the effects of intradermal tranexamic acid (TXA) injections on the reduction of persistent PAE...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Combinations of Energy-based Devices plus isotretinoin for management of acne and acne scars: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38845186

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A 6-month interval between systemic isotretinoin (ISO) and the initiation of energy-based interventions has been recommended, due to concerns about keloid formation and delayed wound healing. While this postponement goes against the current trend of early intervention for acne scarring. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of combinations of ISO...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 A prospective, split-face, randomized controlled trial of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy for seborrhea. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy · 2024 · PMID 38316341

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Seborrhea poses a common cosmetic concern in adolescents and young adults, often accompanied by enlarged pores, and contributing to various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. At present, there is a lack of effective treatment for this problem, and the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing sebum remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory, prospective,...

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article

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tier1 Comparison of clinical outcomes between intense pulsed light therapy using two different filters in meibomian gland dysfunction: prospective randomized study. Scientific reports · 2023 · PMID 37095152

Abstract summary (English) Our study compared treatment efficacy between cut-off and notch filters in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) through a prospective, randomized paired-eye trial. Additionally, the efficacy of IPL treatment alone was investigated by restricting other conventional treatments. One eye was randomly selected for an acne filter and the other for a 590-nm filter.

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 Efficacy of alpha hydroxy acid combined with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A meta-analysis. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35763391

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acne patients frequently receive combination therapy. However, there has been no rigorous review of the efficacy of combining alpha hydroxy acid with IPL for acne vulgaris treatment. OBJECTIVE: Assessing the effectiveness and safeness of alpha hydroxy acids in combination with IPL in the treatment of people with acne vulgaris.

Meta-Analysis, Journal Article

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tier1 A randomized, controlled trial of intense pulsed light in combination with minocycline hydrochloride for the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35510753

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: It has been a long-term debate over the concomitant treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris using intense pulsed light (IPL) and minocycline due to the photosensitivity of minocycline. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of IPL combined with minocycline in treating acne vulgaris in a randomized trial. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned into two...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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