Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery
Why it’s become a cornerstone of modern skin treatments
Your skin works hard to protect you. Because it functions as a barrier, most topical skincare penetrates only the very top layers. In practice, only a small percentage of active ingredients move beyond the surface. Many studies estimate this at just a few per cent without delivery enhancement. As a result, most actives never reach the depth where meaningful change occurs.
Laser-assisted drug delivery changes that dynamic.
By combining controlled laser energy with targeted topicals, this approach allows your skin to absorb ingredients far more effectively. Therefore, results become more consistent, more predictable, and more clinically relevant.
Why topical skincare has limits
Under normal conditions, your skin blocks external substances. That protection keeps you safe. However, it also limits treatment outcomes.
Creams, serums and even medical-grade topicals struggle to reach the dermis, where collagen production, pigment activity and hair follicles sit. As a result, texture may improve slightly, but deeper concerns often remain unchanged.
How laser-assisted drug delivery works
Laser-assisted drug delivery uses fractional laser energy to create microscopic thermal channels in the skin. These channels serve two key purposes.
First, controlled heat exfoliates the skin and improves tone and texture.
Second, and more importantly, the channels act as direct pathways for active ingredients.
As a result, topical uptake increases significantly. Studies consistently show far greater penetration than intact skin allows, depending on the formulation and delivery method. Because nano-sized molecules can pass through these pathways, active ingredients reach deeper skin layers instead of sitting on the surface.
This is why outcomes appear stronger and last longer.
Why lasers outperform other delivery methods
Many clinics use microneedling for drug delivery. However, needle depth and coverage often vary, which leads to inconsistent absorption.
Laser delivery works differently.
Because laser energy distributes evenly across the treatment area, coverage remains uniform and predictable. Therefore, absorption improves while unnecessary trauma reduces. You receive better uptake with less disruption to the skin barrier.
The laser technology we use
We use a thulium-based fractional laser from Lutronic, specifically LaseMD Ultra, which was designed for laser-assisted drug delivery.
This technology suits all skin types and allows safe use on both the face and body. Because the laser creates controlled, superficial channels, it exfoliates the skin while forming precise thermal zones that enhance topical penetration.
As a result, topical uptake increases significantly, with studies showing markedly higher penetration compared to intact skin, depending on the formulation used. Because nano-sized molecules can pass through these pathways, active ingredients reach the dermis rather than remaining on the surface.
Importantly, downtime stays low while absorption remains high. This balance matters, especially for skin of colour and sensitive areas, where predictability and safety remain essential.
What can be delivered through laser-assisted channels
Once channels form, practitioners apply targeted actives immediately. Depending on your skin concern, treatment may include:
- Vitamin A for skin renewal
- Vitamin C for brightness and antioxidant support
- Tranexamic acid for vascular and pigmentation concerns
- Resveratrol for inflammation and repair
For hair loss and regenerative treatments, exosomes can penetrate directly into the follicular environment. This approach delivers far deeper penetration than topical application or microneedling.
Because of this precision, we now deliver exosomes exclusively through laser-assisted methods rather than microneedling.
Where laser-assisted drug delivery can be used
This treatment adapts well across multiple areas, including:
- Face and neck
- Eye area
- Body
- Scalp
- Intimate areas
Because the technology remains controlled and low-risk, it suits even delicate skin.
How it fits into a wider treatment plan
Laser-assisted drug delivery integrates seamlessly with other procedures. It pairs well with radiofrequency treatments, facials and additional laser therapies.
To support healing and reduce post-treatment redness, LED light therapy is often applied immediately afterwards. This approach calms inflammation and supports recovery, so skin settles faster.
Why safety and inclusivity matter
Device choice matters. Treatments must perform consistently across all skin tones, not just a narrow range. That’s why we prioritise technologies with strong clinical research on diverse skin types.
Low risk, minimal downtime and predictable outcomes guide every protocol. Because of that approach, laser-assisted drug delivery has become a staple rather than an add-on.
What to expect next
If you want deeper results from active ingredients, laser-assisted drug delivery may be the missing step. A consultation allows your skin to be assessed, goals clarified, and actives selected appropriately.
From there, treatment can be integrated into a wider plan designed to support long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes.
