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
May 15, 2016
Excellent product! I recommend it to everyone that has acne!
Excellent product! I recommend it to everyone that has been struggling with acne. I've been using it for a month now and it's been the most effective treatment in years, more than antibiotics or creams etc. It does require loads of discipline of using it every day, improving your diet, especially ditching the sugary things. The thing I've mostly been impressed is how quickly it has reduced the inflammation. Overall, this is a really good investment. I have so much more confident in myself.
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October 20, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

expensive, time consuming, DIDN'T HELP!

I tried just about everything out there, then I saw this and was convinced it would be worth the money. I tried it, used it religiously, and it did nothing. Actually, it left my face a little red. Sent it back because there is a 30 Day money back guarantee. Thank goodness! I have combo skin dry/oily. Had small pimple around my mouth and cyst on my jawline and cheeks. Again, didn't do a darn thing. Please save your time and money!
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

Feel like you are actively doing something to fix your acne problem.

Cons:

No changes in my skin yet, which is aggravating since it takes a lot of patience to sit in front of it every day!

So far, my results have been very different from the results on this site. Lately I have been breaking out more (MAYBE due to the light? Maybe due to weather? I haven't figured this out yet)--but the light isn't hurting my skin so I'm going to finish the 8-12 weeks. I definitely do not notice any decreased redness, or that it is drying up zits any quicker. My skin is usually better in the summer, so I have very high hoped for this product. I just felt I should post to let people know that not EVERYONE clears up within the first few weeks. Hopefully it just takes a little time.
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April 21, 2021
Had this treatment at a salon

I had this light treatment at a salon. It was $50 and I used it 2x/week for 4 weeks. I stopped because I was noticing no benefit whatsoever. I hope it works better for someone else, because I cannot believe how much money I wasted!

April 21, 2021
Used years ago..think it's been discontinued

I used this product years ago, I think it's been discontinued by now. It didn't help me. Products like this don't treat preventatively, they only treat previously formed acne because they are so small and don't cover a large area.

July 27, 2017
Really works with repeated use!
This compact is great as it does really reduce inflammation over night, and with prolonged use it helps reduce scarring. Only thing I will say is the battery's run out often, you need to clean it regularly and you do need to use it repeatedly to see good results. Good product would highly recommend!
June 13, 2008

Pros:

visibly reduces acne about 80% if you are consistent.

Cons:

You can't miss a day or else acne will flare up a bit.

I have switched on and off antibiotics and bcp since I was 12. bcp worked for me the best but its not very healthy. Neither are antibiotics but the light has helped me reduce my tetracycline use to 1 pill instead of two. The light helps with prevention and healing of acne.I definitely saw a difference.
May 10, 2008

Pros:

Bought for two sons with moderate acne. Both continued with Duac and Differin while using lamp. The lamp markedly improved their skin, but has not totally cleared it. Greatly reduced cystic acne.

Cons:

As with any treatment, have to use everyday. Wish my kids were more consistent.

Well worth a try. Verilux offers a money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you.
January 25, 2008

Pros:

This product cleared my skin up and improved the overall appearance of my skin within a couple of weeks.

Cons:

sitting for 15 minutes a day

This is a great product- as someone else said, if you clear up in the summer months because of the sun... this most likely will work for you
October 27, 2006

Pros:

Works the first treatment after the second even better third treatment so far my skin is the best and smoothest its ever been, up to five treatments

Cons:

none its cheap effective and works, i guess the only downside is treatments are every three weeks

Quadra Q4 Intense Pulsed Light Treatments worked for me and is fairly new i recommend trying it if u have a few breakouts this will definetly get rid of them and its so effective and cheap cheap cheap and no lasers

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.