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.
Used Light Therapy? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 16, 2009
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
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
February 16, 2009
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
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.
February 6, 2009
Product used: ClearLight Acne Treatment
Pros:
I started my battle with acne since 12 ,tried EVERYTHING and up to 2 rounds of Acutane and laser . Before my senior prom I had clearlight therapy . Incredibly my acne and marks were gone in 9 weeks.
Cons:
You need to keep up with maintenance. I didn't ...so 4 months later my bad acne came back. It's expensive. I'm 19 now and sick of it ,I might try it again, maybe the price has gone down a bit ,I hope.
For those of you with no results , maybe the machine was not a good one. Do some background reseach on these clinics before you chose one.
January 7, 2009
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
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.
December 29, 2008
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
Pros:
Works. Doesn't make the skin itchy/red/flaky. Good for people who tend to clear up during the summer months because of exposure to the sun.
Cons:
Works slowly. Pricey. You have to be very consistent using it every day.
I've been on this treatment for around 2 ½ month now, and it's working very well. I'm using it once a day, and since I got acne all over my face i use it 3 times 15 minutes in one session for each part of my head (since it doesn't cover your whole head, sadly). I've skipped a day once in a while without any breakouts, and sometimes when I'm lazy I make the session last for 3 times 10 minutes. At first it might seem boring to sit there in front of the light for 30-45 minutes (might only be 15 for you of course but really, it's not. Just get some good music and it'll be over shortly. Compared to other products, this one doesn't make your skin itchy, red or flaky unless you sit too close to the light, in fact it makes your skin soft instead. I recently started on the regiment as well (1 week ago) and I've found out it's a very good combination. The regimen has already almost cleared the last bit of my acne in only 1 week without any breakouts.
September 13, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Cheaper then dermatologist sessions.
You sit in front of it for 15 minutes and can have "me" time. No effort if you're lazy!
Cons:
It says it'll take 3 months to see results.
With all the products I use I can't determine if it really works but it obviously does something because I sat too close to it and it burned my face for a couple days!
In the end it's still using blue and red light therapy which is known to help acne.
It was 200 dollars and you HAVE to be consistent.
It's only 15 minutes a day and I think the people who rated it so low expected clear skin in a day.
September 8, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
clears acne, doesn't dry skin, well worth the expensive price tag!
Cons:
the price is pretty hefty (£180!!), and the thing is pretty bulky, so can't really be moved around easily
i didnt actually get the Verilux one, but i got the one from beautyskin (which uses the same technology). at the start i didnt use it that consistently, but after about 2/3 weeks i started using it once a day for the recommended 15 mins, and now, 2 months on, my skin is 95% clear (and my acne was pretty bad), and hopefully in a couple of weeks i will be spot free. however, if your planning on buying the lamp, make sure that u give it 2 months - at beauty skin there is a 2 month guarentee (the only reason i parted with the cash in the first place!). if you are intersted, definately give it a go - it might be wat your looking for.
August 12, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Easy to use, no side effects.
Cons:
Not a miracle cure, I still break out. Not easy to travel with, so I have to skip days when I'm out of town. I also skip days here and there when I'm busy, as it takes 15 minutes at least, which is an inconvenience. Takes a long time to see results!
May be worth trying if you are sick of dermatologists, antibiotics, and harsh products. There is a money back guarantee. I like the theory behind this product, it just didn't provide the results I had hoped for.
July 13, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Easy to use. Works. Cleared 80%. 45 year old female who has battled acne (cystic) since my teens. MUST use 10-12 weeks to see substantial results. Less expensive than other similar systems, ie: Beautyskin
Cons:
cannot miss more than a day here or there.
other reviewers that gave bad reviews typically only used this for a month before giving up. I have been on every otc and prescription med, including 5 or 6 antibiotics. this is the most effective thing that I have done. I will NEVER stop. This really works. Wow!!! I almost sent it back, (it has a 12 week warranty), but used it consistently and could not be more thrilled at the results. I have used about 20 weeks, and my skin continues to improve.
July 2, 2008
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
took about 6 weeks to see a difference and after using for about 3 months acnes not completely gone but theres about 80% improvement which is more than ive had with anything else. my skin feels softer but as for red marks im not sure about any improvement- not to say that there hasnt been any, just that i was more concerned with improvement in active acne so ive taken little notice of any change in red marks or scars.
Pros:
This definitely works for me! No drying of the skin like with BP. Very safe unlike prolonged use of antibiotics.