Phototherapy
Reviews
3.2
252 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
December 7, 2010

Pros:

seemed to help overall skin texture

Cons:

didn't help acne, time consuming

made pores look smaller, but not worth the money...
November 11, 2007

Pros:

works well. I have been using it for over a week now. Dried up all existing acne. Improved overall look of the skin.

Cons:

Still a couple of spots. But nothing major. Sitting for 15 minutes. aghh

I recommend it. Its 200 dollars but if it doesn't work for you, you can return it within 12 weeks. Worth a try.
June 13, 2008

Pros:

No side effects. Totally safe treatment.

Cons:

No effect at all in acne. It's known to work well on some people, but that was not my case

Even though it was of no use for me, due to the success cases in some people and the lack of negative side effects, I think that it is worth to give a try; so I would recommend it.
March 24, 2008

Pros:

clearer skin, less acne.

Cons:

kind of straining on my back to sit there and lean forwards towards the light. i got impatient a lot too. sometimes i forgot, and if i missed 2 days in a week i'd break out. and at first i got headaches from the bright light.

i've been using this along with minocycline and my skin has gotten MUCH better. it is not perfect but no more cystic acne!
October 23, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

I've had 2 IPL treatments. It looks like the machine has left imprints on my skin, scars/lines along my face. My cosmetic surgeon is now sending me to a dermatoligist! It better not have left permanent scars on my face or I will sue!!

I am so scared how this will turn out & would never have done it if I knew this could happen. They said they've never seen this reaction before in their lives & possibly with treatment for the rosacea from the dermatoligist it will all heal!! I don't believe it!!
February 19, 2008

Pros:

Works wonders! This product truly prevents acne from forming and dries up existing acne. I now have soft smooth skin!

Cons:

Experienced a little breaking out the first few days, but after day 3 my skin had no new acne and was clearing up very nicely. Its too big to travel with and it can get boring sitting in front of a light for 15 minutes.

This product is amazing. About 6 months ago I got off the pill and I was breaking out like never before. I tried every over the counter product and home remedy I could find. Raw honey really calmed my acne, but this product cleared it and got rid of the acne. I love this light!
July 13, 2011

Pros:

compact, light weight, pores appeared smaller, slowed down potential eruption, reduced redness of active pimples.

Cons:

super short battery charge (only lasted 4 full sessions per charge), kind of expensive for only 4 led bulbs! I don't like how it drags/pulls my skin during use.

I don't think this is worth the money. If I had known that it only had 4 led lights, I would not have even considered it. I still get 1-2 monthly breakouts and clogged pores. However, it does slow down that occasional potentially disasterous eruption, though... I guess it's better than nothing.
September 27, 2008

Pros:

This is a wonderful treatment that cleared up my daughter's cystic acne in a very short amount of time and her skin remained clear after the basic course of treatments. A wonderful, painless, remarkable breakthrough.

Cons:

Doctor's are gauging their patients by charging astronomical prices for these treatments. Sure, they have to make back their investment, but I believe they would do it better by offering it at a price more people can afford to more patients.

It works quickly, beautifully without any negative side effects. A wonderful answer to the emotional and physical misery of acne.
February 6, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made my acne worse

Initially it looked to me that my acne had started to heal but after using Clearlight Acne Treatment for 3 weeks, I noticed that I started to get deep holes in the affected area. I stopped and switched over to zenmed's derma cleanse acne treatment system and it really helped in healing my acne as well as the deep holes which had formed on my cheeks.
July 25, 2008

Pros:

the pimples disappear!

Cons:

very expensive, redness, sensitivity to sun, purging of the skin for the first few weeks, but totally worth it!

I've had acne since I was 12 & I've always been able to keep it under control with proactiv and murad, but after I got my tattoo and stopped going tanning, my face just flaired up! If you go tanning, please STOP and buy urself some Jergens lotion with the bronzers in it. I thought tanning helped keep my acne under control because as soon as i stopped going, i would break out, so i always made it a priority to go. As soon as i stopped, my face was just filled with acne, especially on my cheeks and it literally hurt. i went to a derm and she put this liquid treatment called Dusa on me and used the clear light and my skin is clearing up! the acne will all come out because theres no other way but the dusa will keep the acne from coming back! Our bodies produce something that prevent us from breaking out and Dusa is just that but its manmade. My derm put it on my face and left it on for 30 minutes to sink into my skin and then did the clearlight, its absolutely amazing and a miracle!

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.