Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders of the pilosebaceous unit in dermatology. It frequently affects adolescents and can impair appearance while causing psychological stress and social difficulties. Conventional topical and systemic therapies may have limitations such as slow onset, poor adherence, and adverse effects. With rapid, multi-target action, energy-based treatment has become an important option for moderate to severe inflammatory acne.

Through selective photothermolysis, intense pulsed light (IPL) can inhibit bacteria and inflammation, reduce sebum production, and improve erythema and pigmentation. Foremed Legend Identical Flash is equipped with nine filters and fully adjustable pulse parameters. Its multi-wavelength combination protocols provide a new option for precise, individualized acne treatment.

 

 

 

Key Patient Information

 

Sex: Female

 

Age: 17

 

Chief complaint: Facial papules for more than four years, worsening over the past two months

 

Specialist examination: Scattered red inflammatory papules approximately the size of mung beans were visible on the face, mainly on the cheeks. Some papules had marked surrounding erythema, consistent with moderate inflammatory acne.

 

 

Treatment Strategy and Rationale

Acne pathogenesis involves four main processes: excessive sebaceous secretion, abnormal follicular keratinization, proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Because inflammatory papules were the predominant manifestation in this case, treatment focused on:

1. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action: Specific IPL wavelengths are absorbed by porphyrins produced by C. acnes, generating singlet oxygen that destroys bacteria while suppressing inflammatory mediator release.

 

2. Improving the follicular environment: Photothermal action regulates sebaceous activity and reduces follicular blockage.

 

3. Repair and recovery: Collagen remodeling accelerates resolution of inflammatory lesions and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring.

Identical Flash features a dedicated acne filter and multi-wavelength combinations that precisely target tissues at different depths. Combined with chemical peeling and comedone extraction, it enables multi-pathway intervention and improves treatment efficiency.

 

 

Customized Treatment Plan

 

Combination strategy: Comedone extraction + Gemeifu 50 acid treatment + Identical Flash IPL. Two treatment sessions were performed approximately four weeks apart.

 

 

IPL parameter settings (Identical Flash)

 

 

Protocol rationale: 640 nm penetrates deeply to target sebaceous glands and deeper inflammation; 590 nm addresses mid-depth vessels and inflammatory erythema; 560 nm treats superficial pigmentation and microcomedones. This stepped three-wavelength coverage works from deep to superficial layers to address acne through multiple pathological pathways.

 

Before-and-After Comparison

 

Before treatment (January 15, 2026): Dense red inflammatory papules on both cheeks, with some confluent lesions, active inflammation, and diffuse facial redness.

 

 

After the second treatment (March 13, 2026): Most inflammatory papules had resolved. Only a small number of scattered papules and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation remained, with a significant improvement in skin smoothness.

 

 

After two sessions, the number of inflammatory lesions was significantly reduced and inflammatory erythema visibly improved, with no adverse reactions.

Practical Treatment Notes

 

1. Pre-treatment assessment: Carefully review photosensitivity and recent medication history. During active inflammation, comedone extraction and Gemeifu 50 acid pretreatment may be used first to reduce the risk of acne flares during treatment.

 

2. Parameter selection: Prioritize the 560–640 nm range for acne. A triple-pulse mode extends thermal action. Increase energy gradually from low to high, using mild erythema at the lesion as the clinical endpoint.

 

3. Post-treatment care: Apply an immediate cold compress for 15–20 minutes, use strict sun protection and medical-grade moisturizing repair products, and avoid irritating products.

 

4. Treatment course: A course of 3–5 treatments at 3–4 week intervals is recommended for inflammatory acne. Intervals may be extended later for maintenance.

 

Treating Physician

 

 

Physician: Professor Pi Chao

 

Qualifications: Founder of Chongqing Pi Chao Dermatology and Aesthetic Clinic; associate chief physician and associate professor; former director of dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics at a Grade III hospital. In 2014, he established a national-level model base for medical aesthetics and served as chief editor of the Color Atlas of Clinical Dermatology and Venereology. He chairs the Acne Integrated Treatment Committee of the Chinese Society of Integrated Medical Aesthetics and serves on multiple national and regional dermatology, laser, medical-aesthetic, micro-aesthetic, and anti-aging professional committees.

 

Expertise: Diagnosis and treatment of facial dermatoses affecting appearance, sensitive-skin repair, laser aesthetic procedures, and clinical dermatology. His specialties include acne, rosacea, steroid-dependent dermatitis, pigmentation, and scars. Drawing on extensive clinical and academic experience, he provides precise, safe, effective, and individualized treatment plans.

The core founding team of Suzhou Foremed Legend Medical Technology Co., Ltd. comes from well-known domestic and foreign universities such Peking University. Foremed Legend is based on compliance and takes product power as the core, focusing on the design, research and development, and application of high-end medical and photoelectric equipment, committed to becoming the leading enterprise in the global high-end medical beauty and photoelectric equipment field, the provider of integrated intelligent solutions for diagnosis and treatment, the pioneer of medical beauty data integration platform.
By tackling a series of key underlying technologies, Foremed Legend has now independently developed a number of high-end medical devices, as picosecond laser treatment equipment, long-pulse laser treatment equipment, intense pulsed light treatment equipment, photoacoustic imaging skin detection equipment and cold air treatment equipment, and to focus on the research and development of core technologies of products, using better technical solutions to benefit the vast number of beauty seekers.

Adhering to the goodness of technology,umaili will work with industry and ecological partners to bring more safe and effective medical beauty and photoelectric equipment and integrated diagnosis and treatment solutions to the global medical beauty market