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 16, 2009

Pros:

Clearlight worked as it promised. My daughter had cystic acne and after the treatments her skin was beautifully clear and smooth! Changed her life and we are delighted. Thank you clearlight!

Try clearlight because it really works.
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August 27, 2008

Pros:

It worked for me.

Cons:

Cost

I am happy with the result.
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April 13, 2008

Pros:

Simple to use and seems to be very effective as preventative care, as well as helping some deep pimples heal sooner. I use the blue light to prevent and treat pimples and occasionally the purple. Because it's light-based, there are no reactions.

Cons:

Small area of tip means a long time to treat your entire face. The red light doesn't reduce inflamation for me as descirbed.

The up-front cost is high, but it's a one-time thing and so equivalnet to topical solutions over a year to two. I like combining a Zeno zap and then 5 minutes with the Lumiport's blue light-- my cystic pimples stop growing and usually are mostly healed in two days. If you can be consistent and have the time, the Lumiport seems best as a pimple preventer.
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

Hardly any risk of side effects

Cons:

Did not work for me at all and it takes a lot of time.

I have used this religiously for 4 months and... nothing. It is good for some people so I'd say: give it a try. It might work for you and at least it does not have any nasty side-effects.
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April 21, 2009

Pros:

works better than anything I have ever used before, completely cleared my skin - no new spots and has helped to clear old red marks. Skin is clean and not greasy anymore.

Cons:

Expensive but worth every cent.

The only thing other than Accutane that will work and keep acne away for good. Best results when done with two peel treatments and three monthly follow ups.
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

Has worked very quickly to clear up my acne. I use it once a day for 15 minutes and I wouldn't be without it.

Cons:

None

Considering how much I have spent on other less successful attempts to clear my acne, I think it is very reasonably priced.
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October 19, 2008

Pros:

Works GREAT!
The red/blue light kills bacteria that cause acne just as sunlight does but without the sunburn. This website has the answers. Clearview, baking soda and the Cleanser & Treatment products.

Cons:

None

I was skeptical. I knew that sunlight always made my skin look better but being in the sun for an hour leaves you sunburned and you cannot do that everyday. I bought this thru Amazon so I knew the return policy was good. I ain't sending it back. I noticed the difference the 1st day and after a week the acne is almost gone. Just a couple more to heal. The skin tone is great. Sit in front with your nose almost touching the cover for 15 to 30 minutes and you will be amazed. Also use Baking Soda & water (slurry) to keep you skin clean. The Cleanser & Treatment product sold here work real well too but for that final treatment use Verilux Clearwave
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January 7, 2009

Pros:

It works. I've suffered from moderate acne, and although after 3 months it's not completely gone, it has been greatly reduced and my skin looks much better.

Cons:

There isn't much cons really. The problem is consistency. You have to use it every single day to achieve results.

Since it doesn't affect the skin (make it flaky etc..) I believe it has been a good investment despite the steep price.
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September 30, 2009

Pros:

I had the professional treatments and my skin was definently clearer with this

Cons:

It is expensive and you need top up treatments once a month

Worth it.
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

This definitely works for me! No drying of the skin like with BP. Very safe unlike prolonged use of antibiotics.

Cons:

Acne got worse in the first week. I have to put aside 30min/day for it to work. There are 2 lights with 2 bulbs each for a total of 4 bulbs. I think this would be more effective and you'd see quicker results if there were more bulbs.

I got mine from an Amazon seller for just over $100. Is it worth the $189 msrp? Well, yes, now that I know it works (for me). Deals can be had on Ebay, so be sure to check that out. I am 2.5 weeks in to using this 2x per day - 15min in the morning after washing face, 15min at night after washing face. Dramatic improvement (see cons). I think that the protective covering on the bulbs acts too much like a filter and doesn't allow enough of the good light to get through. I now use this w/out the cover. I also wait for it to warm up for 5min before use. The lamps should be hot enough to warm your face as you use the lamp. BTW, the included eye protectors really suck. My regiment: 1. turn on lamp 2. wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash 3. Wait for face to dry 4. sit <6" from lamps, turning face to target certain areas if nec. 5. use liberal amount of Complex 15 Cream with a few drops of Jojoba oil mixed in on entire face. For 10 yrs I've been on antibiotics
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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.