Phototherapy
Reviews
2.9
233 Reviews
Phototherapy
Efficacy
65%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Phototherapy
Side Effects
Medium-High
Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Laser therapy works by harming skin oil glands. That can lead to some improvement in acne, and perhaps even long-term relief of some acne symptoms. However, evolution gave us skin oil glands for a reason and what happens long term when you permanently disable them is still unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
15%
4
22.3%
3
19.3%
2
21.5%
1
21.9%

Used Lasers? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 6, 2008

Pros:

Gives you hope that it will work

Cons:

Expensive, time consuming, kind of painful. gives false hope.

I had one treatment and acc. to THE PRIVATE CLINIC and other reasearch by tony chu online, the first one should've helped. It did nothing for me. The nurse tries to brainwash u by telling you how others have benefited and the theory behind it and by being extra nice. NO IT DOESNT WORK if you have super-spare money try 3-6 and see if it works.
November 10, 2007

Pros:

cleared up acne, skin is softer and smoother.
much better than antibiotics and dianette.

Cons:

expensive! products they gave me has caused dry skin around mouth area - minor!!!

I went to the private clinic in manchester. The staff were very helpful and sympathetic. I have had 3 n-lite treatments - 2 weeks apart. After the 1st treatment I had an outbreak. I've just had my 3rd treatment today and I am very pleased with the results. My skin is soft, - a bit dry around my mouth due to the products they gave me - thinking of going back in a few months for a chemical peel to get rid of scarring.I am very happy with the results so far! definately worth the price
February 15, 2007

Pros:

It is worth every single penny

Cons:

No cons

N-Lite has incredibily improved my skin texture and completely got rid of my acne and my spots. It has given me a huge confidence boost. I had my treatments at The Private Clinic in Harley St. I've found them very friendly and very professional. Highly recommended.
November 25, 2006

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It takes a few treatments to get results

I can honestly say the N-Lite treatment worked for me. I had 5 treatments at the Private Clinic. After the first treatment I got worse and after the second was not better and it wasn't until after the forth treatment when I saw an improvement. About after 4 weeks of the fifth treatment my skin was clear and 5 months later is still clear. I'm going back for a top up treatment in the new year.
May 28, 2008

Pros:

Made my skin less oily & spots cleared at first

Cons:

After 6 treatments, skin became worse than before having ANY treatment!

Ive had 'spots' for over 11 years and have tried many different treatements, creams, tablets and lotions, but very little has made a difference. So I saw NLite advertised on a TV program and the results looked great! The patient's skin was worse than mine, but after 3 months was smooth and clear. I had a consultation and was advised to have 3 treatments (1 a month) and 'see the results' after. Each treatement costing 180 pounds was pretty steep but i believed it would really help! My skin just got worse (which i was warned about) but after the 5th session, my skin was pretty good! I was told I should have more, but ofcousre!! I left it for 2 months to see if it was healing, but they came back, big time! I've had one more since and my skin is the worst its been in about 2 - 3 years! I've spent almost 1000 pounds and I feel like ive wasted very penny.
January 11, 2007
I wasn't sure about N-Lite but I became convinced once I've read many articles about it. I went to the Private Clinic in Harley Street and the treatments have been very successful. My acne was really persisitent but now my skin has improved so much, almost beyond recognition. I can only say that N-Lite has changed my life completely.
January 30, 2009

Pros:

hyperpigmenation less by 5-10% after the 1st tx

Cons:

small white rashes and itchy

i had my 1st tx last jan.15 on my neck and upper arms and everything well but after 2 weeks, i had small white cysts probably milia. this is probabaly the response of my skin which is hypersensitive after the laser tx. and im not gonna continue my other 3 treatments since im afraid it will even get worse. my advice for those who have filipino-asian skin, better go to a derm doctor that specializes on your skin type/race.i will just continue with my derma sweep microdermabrasion eventhough it has minimal results, at least it will not cause more harm to my skin. fraxel is the trend right now but wait till everyone is happy with it.
July 28, 2008

Pros:

It did get rid of a few red bits on my face

Cons:

Acne didn't REALLY leave my face THAT much a few but no big deal

What a lie!!!!! its all aload of cack!!! lol it cost me a £1000 and a few spots left my race not to mention the fact that it can hurt but my skin is sensitive. i guess it did take sum redness away but for a thousand pounds i would of liked a spot free face!!! if u have about 3spots yeh i say go 4 it but if u really do have acne i don't waste your time or your cash!!
January 4, 2007

Pros:

Great results

Cons:

I could not find any

I've done some research for N-Lite treatment and found the Private Clinic on top of Google. I was convinced to go with them when I saw their feature on 'This Morning', the newspaper articles, and all the clients testimonials. I've had 4 N-Lite treatments and it has been a remarkable success. I could not recommend a better treatment and a better Clinic, their staff are very knowledgeable, polite and very relaxed. I am sorry to hear some people have had negative results from N-Lite but their personal experience should not stop anyone from trying the treatment. There is a great section on what the papers say on the Private Clinic website that anyone having the treatment should read.
April 10, 2009

Pros:

Made my skin clear

Cons:

Nothing bad

It is worth it

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.