The technique delivers gold-coated silica nanoparticles subdermally (literally shoving them into the sebaceous gland using low-frequency ultrasound), then "activating" them using laser beams. "The unique thing about these particles is that when you shine a laser on them, they efficiently convert light into heat via a process called surface plasmon resonance," Samir Mitragotri, UCSB professor of chemical engineering said in a statement. The particles heat up and effectively burn out the overproductive sebaceous gland. Then they, and any excess sebum, are eventually excreted from the pore.

Unlike traditional acne washes, this method doesn't irritate the skin (which itself can lead to more and worse breakouts) and, unlike medication, there's no worry about developing resistance. The treatment, which is really aimed only for severe acne cases, has already entered clinical trials though regulators still need more data on potential long-term side effects so there's no word yet on when this technology will become commercially available.

[Image Credit: Peter Allen Illustration]