Phototherapy
Reviews
3.2
253 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, 2007

Pros:

works

Cons:

pricey

I was incredibly skeptical about the acne lamp. however, was willing to give it a go considering nothing else has worked. my acne is moderate, lots of little bumps under the skin. i have used the lamp every night for 15 minutes for 5 weeks, i saw imrovement from the second week. it has improved the texture of my skin, made it softer and i have 80% less active acne. i like to think it has improved my red marks as well. i would suggest giving this a go but dont lose heart after a week,keep it up. probably wont help much for people with very bad acne.
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January 26, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin fresh light skin and healthy glow

Cons:

expensive and redness

Well i have used a combination of clearlight and microdermabrasion 3 times now at a local beauty place and can def. see results. Most docters say you cant use microdremabrasion if you have existing acne beacuse it will irritate it but i did and didnt irritate cause the clearlight kills all the bacteria. Im also very strict on what i eat drink 5 cups of CAFFENINE FREE green tea 5 times a day and at least 3 litre of water, plus i do regular breathing techniques when felling angered or stressed. My advice would be to avoid any greasy food cause its not worth your misery be strong and you will see results its hard to ignore a yummy slice of pizza but is a pimple worth is ??not to me..Also try doing some yoga or some form of exercise where you dont sweat a alful lot. back to the clearlight i think the combination is great!!The microdermabrasion will suck out impurities and remove top layer of skin cells and clearlight will kill the bacteria deep within the skin..I hope ive helped some!:)
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October 24, 2007

Pros:

I had adult onset acne. the light therapy works! produced immediate visible results, gave me moister, clearer, more supple looking skin. The treatments are relaxing and the skin repair very pronounced.

Cons:

none. find a place near by because you need to go at the very least one time a week, best to go more at the beginning.

It was the first thing I have tried that everyone noticed, commented and complimented me on. no more acne break out, improved my skin discoloration. My skin is soft and glows beause of it.
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

I have moderate cystic acne and it works great! I only need the treatment once a month and I can see results the day after.

Cons:

The light is really bright at first----but you get used to it quickly.

This is a great treatment-----highly recommended. It isn't drying and really works.
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October 18, 2007

Pros:

Painless, wonderful, no harsh chemicals, high success rate, FANTASTIC! I had tried everything else. i mean EVERYTHING. only thing that works for me.

Cons:

just the price, and the inconveninence of having to go back for touch up sessions about once a month. If i could have this at home I would!

At age 25 (?), I had tried everything. I mean everything. Accutane when I was younger, B5 pills, new diets, tons of face cream. I finally figured that famous people probably had a secret trick and I did lots of research, went to a great doc in DC (Issacson) and nervously started clearlight. He said most people required 6-8 initial sessions; I needed 12. I got 13 but it was WELL WORTH IT. not having to wake up and worry about people seeing me without makeup? Not having to constantly worry about good lighting? OMG this is it, for me.
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October 15, 2007

Pros:

Very simple to use, helped clear my skin.

Cons:

None so far.

My father bought this for me on a business trip to America. I've used it everyday for about three months and feel great with the results. My skin hasn't felt this good in a very long time. I'm going to keep using it everyday.
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September 30, 2010

Pros:

Works really quickly
One off purchase (unless it breaks I hope it won't)
No side effects like dry skin etc

Cons:

Expensive (150 quid)
Treats small areas (one cheek at a time)
Time consuming

I was desperate for anything that worked because I have mild-medium acne which fluctuates but when its bad can be quite painful. I was getting depressed and really low in confidence because I needed to wear a lot of makeup to cover them and I just looked fake. I chose lumie over the other lamps because of the price and the 90day guarantee where I could pretty much get my money back if it didn't work but it has worked and I have clear skin other than one or two spots and I have had spots for 10 years. I read tons of reviews before buying and I took a chance, I was worried the good reviews were fake but I can guarantee this one isn't. I hold it up to each cheek for 15mins at night and in the morning but sometimes just once a day now the spots have lessened. It warms your cheeks but has never burnt or dried out my skin. My only worry is, like every other treatment be it antibiotic or topical, it may stop working after a while. I'd love to hear from someone who has been using it for months to see if it still works, if not I will post a review once I have been using it for a while. I would recommend it completely to those who don't mind spending time treating their spots.
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October 1, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my skin nicely.

Cons:

None

Worked well, don't have much more to say. I'm continuing to use it for 15 minutes everyday to maintain... I also wash my face using the regimen...
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August 23, 2007

Pros:

It cleared my skin noticeably in a few weeks. There were no side effects either. I have moderate acne and try to keep my face clean (I use the regimen too). I'm pretty happy and will keep using it as necessary.

Cons:

I used it for 15 minutes a day starting out and it's hard for me to sit still that long. I just used my iPod and zoned a bit and got used to it. Once I saw the results it wasn't such a big deal because I knew it was working...

I'd recommend it to others. It's certainly less expensive than the other products I saw reviewed. The company has a 12 week guarantee return policy, so I figured I couldn't really NOT try. The company says there is no UV so I wasn't worried about burning my skin. Overall I'm happy. I guess that's the bottom line!
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July 5, 2007

Pros:

When I first started the treatment my face dramatically cleared after the first two sessions and seemed to improve the weeks after finishing however I still had acne but not as much

Cons:

NOT PERMANENT!! your acne comes right back months after the treatment even though I was told that the light is suppose to be continuously working for years to come? after the treatment yeah right!

For mild acne or moderate acne this may work but don't expect any permanent results!
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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.