INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the growing pains of adolescence is acne, but those unsightly bumps sometimes afflict people who are long past puberty.

There is a new way to treat acne, the most commonly diagnosed skin disease that leaves physical marks and emotional scars, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

Despite a bright smile, striking a pose never came easy to Bonnie Mackey because of acne.

"It was really embarrassing. I was self-conscious about it. I wouldn't go out without makeup," Mackey said. "I felt everyone was looking at me."

Mackey said she tried the common remedies, such as antibiotics, chemical peels and Accutane, but nothing worked the way she hoped.

Mackey's skin stayed red and the blemishes left scars because of the collapse of collagen under her skin.

Laser Genesis, which uses infrared energy to fool the body into healing itself, is helping Mackey see a difference.

Each light pulse shrinks the oil glands, stimulates collagen growth and diminishes unsightly scars.

Laser Genesis treats all skin types and doesn't interfere with other drugs a patient might be taking.

"A lot of people will come in for a laser procedure and they don't tell you every kind of medicine they're on," said Davina Arbour, an esthetician. "They forget they just took an antibiotic, cold medicine. Those can get in the way, so this is very safe."

"She's had two treatments and she has seen a 60 to 80 percent reduction in her acne symptoms," said Dr. Juanita Albright of St. Vincent Hospital. "That's pretty rewarding for the patient and for us as well."

Mackey will get four more treatments for the maximum results and must follow a good skin-cleansing therapy.

"I'm so much happier than I used to be. It's amazing, really, what it does for you," Mackey said.

The laser also zaps away keloids, tiny veins, age spots and unwanted hair.