Objective To explore the effect of intense pulsed light photorejuvenation system on skin physiological parameters and symptom improvement in acne patients. Methods A total of 100 acne patients admitted to Hohhot First Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected and divided into the control group and the observation group according to the random number table method, with 50 patients in each group. The control group was treated with salicylic acid peeling, and the observation group was treated with intense pulsed light photorejuvenation system. The skin physiological parameters, symptom improvement, treatment effect and aesthetic satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results The stratum corneum hydration of the two groups after intervention was higher than that before intervention, and that of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). The TEWL and skin pH value of the two groups after intervention were lower than those before intervention, and those of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P <0.05). The symptom scores of erythema, papules, pustules, pigmentation and skin roughness of the two groups groups after intervention were lower than those before intervention, and those of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P <0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group (90.00%) was higher than that in the control group (70.00%) (P <0.05). The aesthetic satisfaction rate of the observation group (90.00%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%) (P <0.05). Conclusion The intense pulsed light photorejuvenation system can effectively improve skin physiological parameters and related symptoms in acne patients, which is beneficial to optimizing skin condition and improving aesthetic satisfaction, with definite therapeutic effect. It is worthy of clinical application.