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
May 15, 2009
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
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.
April 21, 2009
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
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.
January 27, 2009
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Jus have to like they said, time yourself, on a stop watch or whatever n yea.. wear these goggles that come with it..
Cons:
the light is BRIGHT! It made my whole room look like a lava lamp was inside ha..
The bottom line is that, 4 those who did the same thing I did by sitting in the sun to clear up your acne, it works, but the UV rays can damage your skin n I didnt wanna take the chance of that.. so I got this n when I use it it keeps my skin clear 4rm new pimples from popping up.. I use it at night.. best time, after a shower.. use some Pan Oxyl 2.5% cream though.. otherwise if u get the maximum trength, ur skin will feel like it's on fire.. Anyways, I like it n u should too.. u gotta be committed though.. if u really wanna see results.. The sun works actually too 4 acne, it cleared my acne up real well.. I was suprised.. my scars were'nt noticeable much either.. I stayed out there all summer in 2008 like 4 days a wk 4 bout 45-1hr each n it really helped.. totally.. but, this works good 4 winter when there is no sun.. n does the same thing.. thats what I got it 4.. but yea, best place to get it is at [link removed].. I got it 4 bout $60 cheaper than everybody here ha.. GO THERE!
October 19, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
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
September 27, 2008
Product used: ClearLight Acne Treatment
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.
September 17, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
This is a truly amazing piece of equipment. I've only used it for 5 days and already I am noticing a major reduction in redness and my acne is beginning to fade.
Cons:
Expensive if it doesn't work for you.
Obviously, mixed reviews as to its ability to work with different people (I think they claim it works on 75% of people) Thankfully, I fall into that majority. It is definitely worth a shot and if it doesn't work, these are pretty sought after items on ebay.
September 1, 2008
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
Pros:
Cleared my skin
Cons:
Cost high
Worked for me. Expensive but it worked.
August 27, 2008
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
Pros:
It worked for me.
Cons:
Cost
I am happy with the result.
July 25, 2008
Product used: ClearLight Acne Treatment
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!
February 19, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
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!
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.