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
April 30, 2008

Pros:

I ad this done when I was about 15 and my skin became perfect! Smooth clear and even. The ONLY thing to ever work! It's magic! lol I highly recommend it I finally had confidence in myself and a much higher self esteem

Cons:

Its been about 5 yrs later and my skin is acting up again but only a quater as bad as it was originally so ive booked myself in next week to have a few more treatments. It makes ur skin a little sensitive just after BUT ITS WORTH IT!!!

Its worth it. I feel so much better about myself and dont have to clog up my pores with thick makeup.It is expensive but definitely worth it
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin

Cons:

Skin can get flaky and a little dry/red. Treatment is expensive and inconvenient (I needed eight treatments twice a week and often had to wait while my dermatologist ran behind schedule with other patients each session

I have had mild to moderate hormonal acne for the past 15 years. I have tried various treatments recommended by different dermatologists over the past 7 years including minocycline, yasmin, retin-A, clindamicyn, duac gel, and differen and never really found anything to work specatucarly. I decided to get off the minocycline (though I was pleased with the results) as I am thinking about starting a family. I just finished my eighth clearlight session over a month long period and my skin looks great with out make-up. This is the first time in a very long while that I am able to go completely foundationa and concealer free. I hope the results last
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February 6, 2009

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.
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July 4, 2009

Pros:

No pain involved, no downtime.

Cons:

Need to do it frequently for long term results. See even better results for mild cases of acne.

I loved it and found it a good in-between before I could save up for my laser procedures. You need to go twice a week for about 4 weeks for a full cycle of treatment so that can be pretty time consuming. Overall I highly recommend the procedure. I wasnt as oily and my skin looked had a better look on the surface.
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July 2, 2009

Pros:

Works very well at clearing acne, of all variations. Mine is moderate inflammatory acne. Even accutane failed to clear my acne. Light therapy using the beautyskin box has cleared me up 100% and i only need to use it every other day now aswell.

Cons:

Needs a bit of dedication to begin with, persistency is the key. Initial cost is relatively high but when compared to how much can be spent on constant use of other products, it is pretty good actually.

Would recommend this over anything else i have tried.
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November 15, 2009

Pros:

Did nothing for me. Looks like from the "reviews" someone is trying to sell these - maybe the vendor masquerading as acne sufferers?

Cons:

Waste of money, time, esteem.

Don't bother
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June 4, 2009

Pros:

This product does work, I have used it for 2weeks now and have noticed my skin a lot smoother and les spots. I would say I don't have acne but large pores and greasy skin and a few spots that come up but it has improved the texture so far. A***

Cons:

The only cons are the price, but if you look at going to a health clinic you can pay the same for just one treatment, this way it is a great investment and you can use it at home when you like. Yo have to have patience to use this 15 mins a day.

This is defo a must if you have used everything from pills to creams for your acne/spots/greasy skin as it does make a difference. Also if your acne is better when you are in the sun then this is good for you but without the UV rays to worry about. It may take a few weeks to notice a slight change but if you have the patience and time then this is for you. Very very recommend!!!!
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May 15, 2009

Pros:

It worked for me, no harsh chemicals, no pain, privacy of your own home, no side effects. You just sit in front of the light in a dark room.

Cons:

Cheaper than stated by the other reviewers at £179, it was still pricey for me. It is also a large lightbox so not discreet or mobile if you have to go away for a few days. I wouldn't like someone to see it in my house and ask me what it's for!

I had moderate acne, about 6-7 large painful lumps on each cheek and around the chin area. They would start to flatten and just then I'd break out all over again! This continued for a few years after I had my children. I use the light everyday for 15 mins and occasionally miss the odd day due to being too busy. I saw improvements within days. My skin has become and remains smooth. I get the odd 'spot' around the time of my period but nothing like the kind of painful acne I was getting before. Where I had dark pigmentation from old spots, the light has helped to fade them away slowly and I am confident that I will have an even skin tone again. People have already commented that I look better and my confidence means I no longer try to hide my face in my hair or look down when people are talking to me. If you have had n-lite therapy and it worked for you but can't afford those sessions in a salon/clinic then this is a good investment and better value for money.
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April 12, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my skin better than anything else I've ever used-- and I've tried everything! (Accutane, Retin-A, Duac, Cleocin, antibiotics, Proactiv). Very effective for me-- it works!

Cons:

The ticking timer is kind of noisy, but I just listen to my iPod while I have the light on. Need to be consistent about using it-- in the beginning, every day; later, several times a week. However-- it's worth sitting for 15 min. a day!

I don't know if this works for all types of acne, but it worked really well for me and I have had acne for at least 17 years (I'm now 30). I've gone to many dermatologists and tried EVERY imaginable product or method to treat it. After noticing that my acne always improved immediately (to the point of totally clear skin) after vacationing in the sun, I thought that a skin lamp might be most effective. Fortunately, I was right! I was lucky to find the lamp on Ebay for only $70.00 (including shipping), I still would've paid $250.00 for it (which is the original price). If it doesn't work for you, you could probably re-sell it online, as well. Anyway, as you can see, I can't say enough good things about this product! IT WORKS! :)
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October 29, 2009

Pros:

no side effects

Cons:

didn't really work for me
expensive

I tried it for about a month but didn't notice much of a change in oily skin and acne. It may have helped a little, but not so much that I would notice it, and so was not worth it to me. Maybe I was too hasty but I returned it.
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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.