Acne and Acne Scar Treatment in Truro, Falmouth & Penryn: IPL vs Fractional Laser
Quick answer: For active acne, start with your pharmacist or GP, because proven medical treatments come first. Where a skin clinic can help is with what acne leaves behind. IPL (intense pulsed light) can help fade lingering red and brown marks, and fractional laser can improve the texture of acne scars by stimulating new collagen. The evidence for light treatments on active spots is limited, so we will always tell you honestly what we think will and will not help. MOR Clinic is a nurse-led skin clinic in Penryn, welcoming clients from Falmouth, Truro and across Cornwall.
Where should I start if I have acne?
According to the NHS, acne happens when hormonal changes make the skin produce more oil, hair follicles become blocked and bacteria on the skin trigger inflammation. It also runs in families. Mild acne can often be managed with treatments from a pharmacist, while moderate or severe acne, or acne that is affecting your mood or confidence, is a reason to see your GP. Treatments can take several months to work, so patience matters.
The NHS also advises seeing a GP if you have painful lumps or cysts, because these carry the greatest risk of permanent scarring, and it warns that picking or squeezing spots can leave scars too. The sooner acne is under control, the fewer scars there are to treat later.
Can IPL treat acne?
This is where we think honesty matters. A Cochrane review of light therapies for acne concluded that high-quality evidence for light treatments is lacking, and IPL has not been shown to be a standard treatment for active acne. So we do not sell IPL as an acne cure.
Where IPL earns its place is with the marks acne leaves behind. IPL targets the blood vessels behind persistent red marks (post-inflammatory redness) and the pigment behind brown marks, which is the same technology we use for redness and rosacea. For blemish-prone skin, we may also use IPL as one part of a wider plan alongside peels and medical-grade skincare, never as a stand-alone fix.
What is fractional laser, and does it help acne scars?
A fractional laser treats the skin in thousands of microscopic columns, leaving the skin between them untouched. The treated columns trigger the skin’s natural healing response and stimulate new collagen, while the untreated skin around them helps it heal more quickly than treating the whole surface. At MOR Clinic we use ResurFACE, a fractional Erbium laser on the Lynton Dynamix.
Fractional laser works best on shallow, rolling or boxcar-type acne scars, where the skin surface has lost some of its smoothness. It may not help very deep ice-pick scars significantly, and it is not suitable for thick, raised keloid scars. Studies of fractional CO2 lasers, quoted by an NHS laser centre, report improvements of around 30 to 50 per cent in the appearance of acne scarring after a single treatment, with further improvement over the following months as collagen renews. Erbium lasers work in a similar way but generally heal faster than CO2, and results vary from person to person. Scars are improved rather than erased.
Which acne treatment is right for my concern?
Acne and acne scarring are not one problem, so there is no single answer. Here is how we usually think about it:
| Your concern | Options we may discuss | Typical downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Active, blemish-prone skin | Medical-grade skincare and chemical peels, alongside any treatment from your GP | Minimal |
| Red marks left after spots | IPL | Minimal, with mild redness for a few hours |
| Brown marks left after spots | IPL and pigment-focused skincare | Minimal |
| Deeper or pitted scars, open pores | Radiofrequency microneedling (Focus Dual) | Very little, skin settles within hours |
| Scar texture and surface irregularity | Fractional laser (ResurFACE) | A few days of healing, see below |
For deeper scarring, you may also want to read our guide to deep acne scarring and Focus Dual radiofrequency microneedling.
What is the downtime after fractional laser?
Fractional laser involves more healing time than IPL. Your skin may feel sunburnt for a few hours and can stay red for one to two days. Swelling is usually minimal and settles in two to three days. As the skin heals it can look slightly bronzed for three to ten days depending on the treatment level, and it will naturally exfoliate and may flake. This is a normal sign that the skin is renewing itself. You will need to protect your skin from the sun throughout, and we give you full aftercare advice.
How many sessions will I need, and what does it cost?
Most people need a course. For ResurFACE we usually plan around five sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, and we review your skin at each visit. For IPL on post-acne marks, a course of three is typical. Prices depend on the area: at MOR Clinic, IPL on the cheeks starts from £150 per session, and ResurFACE on the full face is £395 per session or £1,580 for a course of five. The full price list is on our Dynamix IPL and laser treatments page.
Who is fractional laser or IPL not suitable for?
Safety always comes first. We will not treat, or will delay treatment, if you:
- have an active acne flare, infection or cold sore in the area
- have a recent tan, use sunbeds or fake tan, or have had a lot of sun exposure recently
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are taking, or have recently taken, isotretinoin, or take other medication that affects healing or how your skin reacts to light
- have a history of keloid scarring
- have skin that is prone to pigment changes. We use IPL on skin types 1 to 4, and we assess pigment risk carefully before any laser treatment
If you have a history of cold sores, tell us at your consultation, because laser can trigger them and we may need to take extra precautions.
Why choose MOR Clinic for acne and acne scar treatment?
MOR Clinic is run by Clare, a registered nurse and nurse prescriber. Every new client starts with a consultation where we review your medical history, look closely at your skin and build a plan that suits you, including telling you when your GP or a dermatologist is the right next step. We are at The Old Forge, Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8AF, just minutes from Falmouth and a short drive from Truro, with free parking nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can IPL clear active acne?
Not on its own. Current evidence does not support IPL as a standard treatment for active acne. It can help fade the red and brown marks that spots leave behind, and may be used as part of a wider plan.
Will fractional laser get rid of my acne scars completely?
Usually not completely. Fractional laser can noticeably improve the texture and appearance of many acne scars, but results vary and some scars, especially very deep ones, respond less well.
How long until I see results?
The skin begins to heal within days, but collagen renewal is gradual. Improvement builds over several months, which is why we plan a course and review your progress along the way.
Is fractional laser painful?
You will feel a warm, heating sensation with some mild stinging, and the skin is cooled afterwards. Protective eyewear is worn during treatment.
Can I have treatment if I am on acne medication?
It depends on the medication. Some, including isotretinoin, mean we need to wait before laser treatment. Tell us about everything you take at your consultation.
What is the best time of year to start?
Autumn and winter are popular, because skin is less tanned and it is easier to avoid strong sun while your skin heals. September onwards is a good time to plan a course.
What is the difference between fractional laser and microneedling?
Both stimulate collagen. Microneedling uses tiny needles, while fractional laser uses light energy. The right choice depends on your scar type, your skin and how much downtime suits you, and we will talk you through it at your consultation.
Book an acne and acne scar consultation
Whether you are dealing with acne now or the marks it left behind, the first step is a skin consultation with Clare. You can book online, call us on 01326 567532 or get in touch.
Last reviewed: September 2026. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your skin, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.