Phototherapy
Reviews
3.2
253 Reviews
Phototherapy
Efficacy
51%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Phototherapy
Side Effects
Low
Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Light therapy is a temporary and time-consuming treatment option that produces only modest results. However, it is the least invasive of any acne treatment, and its only downside is that it reduces folic acid levels.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Light therapy can be performed with stronger, professional light devices at a doctor’s office. 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. Weaker light therapy devices are also available over-the-counter. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Light Therapy
Compare To Other Treatments
5
29.2%
4
24.1%
3
9.9%
2
12.6%
1
24.1%

Used Light Therapy? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 21, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

This product is a scam. It doesn't have any effect on your acne. The manufacturer was recently cited by the government for inaccurate product labeling and promotion - and has had to recall the product.

Steer clear of this train wreck.

Making false claims may sell products, but it doesn't help your skin.
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July 30, 2007

Pros:

helps keep acne dormant, helps with scars amazingly, makes skin even and bright

Cons:

you have to keep going, i do 4 treatments per month

love it!
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July 2, 2007

Pros:

Boost in skin's firmness and plumpness. Scars filled in a bit from underneight

Cons:

none really

I had 7 treatments of IPL photofacial done within a month. Usually these treatments are spread out more...but we wanted to really plump the scars. It helped. It only hurt a little like a little rubberband snap. No down time at all.
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November 20, 2006

Pros:

1)I had no down time or side effects other than dry skin that a face cream fixed. 2)In 4 weeks (8 treatments) I went from 72 pimples to 4, changed nothing in my regiment and have pictures to prove my success. 3)My face has been clear for 1.5 years.

Cons:

1)Each treatment costs 80-100 dollars and you need 8 to 10 treatments for full benefits (which is expensive compared to other acne treatments). 2)Some drying may occur (but some face cream will fix that almost overnight).

I've been struggling with acne for over eight years. I feel your pain. I have tried EVERYTHING (Proactiv, Murad, Clearasil, M.D. Forte, Tetracycline, Benzamycin, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyle Peroxide, Differin, Facials, Peels, Micro-Derm. and MANY more)! I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on my acne condition and have traveled hours to find countless dermatologists, spas, skin centers, laser centers, etc. I am telling you...for me...ClearLight Acne Clearance System was 10 times better than any other product I have ever come across. It is expensive and I feel sorry for those who are less fortunate because it is considered cosmetic and the insurance will usually not pay for it (which is terrible). Everyone has different skin types and different things work for different people. All I am telling you is that this worked amazingly for me and I have recommended it to several family and friends and they have all had GREAT success as well! Try it if you can afford it!
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August 5, 2017
Fantastic
Been using this now for 3 weeks and the difference is crazy - I started with skin contact 15 mins once a day I then upped this to 30 mins for the last week I've been doing it. I found using it for 30 mins it has made more of a difference and have had 1 new spot in the past 7 days. Obviously will continue to use it as it's meant to be 8-12 weeks but nothing but positive results so far. This is a big difference from 1/2 new ones a day each morning. I have been using his alongside drinking 3/4 litres of water a day and cutting out junk food. I always found the sun massively helped my skin which is why I decided to use this light, I would highly recommend it to anyone who found the sun has a positive effect on their skin.
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October 27, 2012
Waste of money. Didn't help my acne or scars at all. I got only two treatments of this and the doctor decided to try something else because he wasn't seeing the results he wanted.
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November 18, 2010

Pros:

Minimizes pores. Possibly minmizes fine lines.

Cons:

Didn't help acne. Very time consuming. Expensive.

I was using this up to 30 min a day, for approx 2.5 months. I didn't notice any improvement in my acne.
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April 12, 2008

Pros:

money back guaratee

Cons:

didn't work for me

I was excited to try it after reading all the positive reviews. I used it faithfully for 7 weeks,most times longer than 15 min. It just didn't make a difference at all. If it works for you it is definitely affordable. I'm 42 and have tried everything short of acutane so this was worth a shot.
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November 16, 2007

Pros:

Basically, you cannot reduce scaring without going deep.

I had PSR3 done with a double pass at the highest energy setting 4 Joules.
My face peeled at day 4. Positive Burning sensations lasted 12 hours.

It works on only small scars (

Cons:

People with darker skin tones are at risk of permanent hypopigmentation. (lighter skin)
ie. loss of pigment.

I used zinc oxide cream to accelerate the improvement. ( Diaper rash cream )
This cream can cause some irritation, acne and temp

In summary, there is only Rhytec for Light scars and the riskier CO2 for deeper scars (more risk, more results, redness lasts a lot longer ). Risks of CO2 laser - scaring, hypopigmentation and Demarcation. Even more Riskier methods include Phenol Peels and Dermabrasion
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July 5, 2016
Strongly recommended
I had moderate to severe acne to begin with and after 3 weeks of use my forehead is almost clear, and there is a lot less acne on my cheeks (mild to moderate now and fluctuates a bit). The blue light didn't clear my face up completely but it isn't meant to do that, and I'm really happy with the improvement. The instructions booklet says you can't use it on severe acne but what it really means is that you shouldn't replace treatment with the blue light. If you have severe acne then try it, but use other medications along with it (don't use it if you're using accutane though).
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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.