Disclosed is a system and method for treating and preventing skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the prevention of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The method of the present invention may be further augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.