Acne.org Products
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
July 13, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
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.
August 24, 2007
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Painless! not too expensive. good for all over health
Cons:
the time to sit in front of the lamp is both a pro & a con.
This lamp has helped clear up my acne & some 'laugh lines'. At first it was kind of a pain to sit in front of the lamp for 15 minutes, but it's well worth it.
Now I meditate while I medicate- so I'm helping myself inside & out.
June 29, 2011
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
Pros:
- Works quickly without irritating the skin
- No prescription hassle
- No initial breakout
- Did I mention it works?
Cons:
- Can be cumbersome; you really have to set aside time EVERY day
- Ticking sound very annoying
- Expensive but it's definitely worth it
I credit this acne lamp with doing wonders for my skin. I have been using it for about a year, with a 4-5 month break inbetween when I went on antibiotics (bad idea - the pills didn't do anything - I should have stayed with this). Whilst not the most user-friendly, especially if you're tired, using it for just 15 minutes a day has really made a difference to my skin. I started noticing results at around a month and best of all, there was no purging process. It was literally like all my active and dormant pimples dried up and never had the chance to see the light of day (excuse the pun). For the last 4 months I have been using this in conjunction with Skinoren cream (see my review for that separately) and between these two I think I have finally found a regimen that works for me. I have struggled for years and tried so many antibiotics it's unreal. I was one step away from roaccutane when I decided to throw caution to the wind and try this, having read a few reviews online. Luckily I found a second hand one on eBay for £50, although I would have paid much more as it is definitely worth it once you count up all the prescriptions, creams etc. My doctor hadn't even heard of UV therapy when I broached the subject with him, but even he is impressed with my progress. I still get hormonal pimples but these are tiny and generally go away in a few days. Nothing like the big, painful lumps I used to have for weeks at a time. I hope this review is helpful and if you're um-ing and ah-ing over whether or not to buy one, I would say go for it. Worse case scenario it doesn't work but at least you don't have any physical side effects (like BP, Retin A et al can do) and can easily sell it on again at a fair price.
December 21, 2010
Product used: Lumie Clear (Blue and Red Light Therapy Acne Treatment)
Pros:
It works!
No chemicals or dry skin patches.
No antibiotics to take daily.
Cons:
Expensive initially but probably cheaper in the long run than all those potions.
Have to make the time.
Only treats small area at a time.
I bought this for my two teenage sons, one 19 who has suffered for 5 years with acne. The other is 14 and just starting on that long and dreaded acne journey. At the start of using it the eldest one's skin was the better but as he is very sceptical of any treatment he hasn't used it really. The younger one however has used it daily and the difference is very pronounced. I won't say that he has no spots at all but only the odd one now that appears and goes far more quickly. It's so great to see this as I was simply dreading watching him go through all the misery over the next few years. Guess what - the eldest one has now decided it's worth doing! Can't wait to see it work on him too. OK, so it's pretty expensive but when you add up the cost of all those wipes, special creams etc etc then this will be cheaper in the long run and it doesn't mean constantly putting chemicals on skin or into your body. My eldest son has had nearly four years of anti-biotics and still suffered, I only wish this had been available for him 5 years ago to save him from the scarring he has now and the downright misery that acne can cause. I really recommend this product.
October 11, 2007
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
Pros:
I am 24 and have tried everything. My friend recommended this to me. I was a bit sceptical, but the results have been amazing. My soits have cleared and my skin looks and feels great. I have recommended this to my friends.
Cons:
None really, the light was a bit bright at first, but my eyes quickly adjusted.
I have mini sessions whenever I get an acne flare. It keeps my acne under control.
April 18, 2010
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Pros:
Fades red marks (hyperpigmentation) from acne
Decreases pore size
Decreases wrinkles
Cons:
Can get expensive
Painful (depending upon the settings)
Semi-permanently removes facial hair for guys
May cause slight breakout after treatment
I had some moderate acne that I picked at (before I knew better). This left me with some pretty severe hyperpigmentation. The IPL completely fixed these red marks in a matter of months, as opposed to the years it would have probably taken otherwise. I got a treatment every three weeks, and it probably took 6 or 7 treatments to completely eliminate the red marks. It's important to say, only invest in IPL once you're SURE that your acne is under control for good. I paid upwards of $700 total ($100 per treatment...this is a pretty good price) to get perfect skin and then I had a pretty bad flair-up a few months later. I would also suggest only going to a trained dermatologist for your treatment, not to a "medical spa." But if you have stubborn red marks definitely give this a try.
August 24, 2007
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Cleared up my skin. I had pretty bad acne and my sister bought the light for me before I went to school. I used it religiously for 2-3 weeks and my skin was much clearer. I've been using it regularly for almost a year and haven't had any flare-ups
Cons:
None that I can see.
I'm glad my sister got it for me. It works and I'm happy with my skin. I still have some oil but this light isn't supposed to deal with the oil anyway.
October 6, 2007
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Less acne
Cons:
none really, unless you count having to sit there for 15 minutes every night, but doesn't bother me
I bought this product a couple weeks ago online, and I've definitely noticed improvement. I use it every night for 15 minutes, along with Retin-A Micro and an oral antibiotic, and they are really starting to work. I paid $189 for it, but it's worth it if you ask me. And it'd probably cost a lot more to get the blue/red light treatments professionally.
June 28, 2014
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Works wonders on stubborn red acne scars!
I've had red acne scars for months. They're difficult to cover up and as a result, I feel incredibly self-conscious, like everyone is staring at my skin. I've tried creams, natural remedies, even a chemical peel. Then my aesthetician suggested we try the IPL laser. It worked immediately! I had it done Monday, and by Saturday my scars have reduced by at least 60%. I wish I had before and after pictures to show everyone. I don't think I would recommend the laser for anyone who doesn't really have problem skin, but I would definitely encourage anyone with some stubborn redness in smaller areas to get this treatment! I'm also happy to answer any questions about the procedure!
August 24, 2015
Hello, I would like to know some things, such as
- It can be used for severe acne and red scars left by acne?
-I read your review and I see that the results were fast, but I've heard that it can take up months (almost a year) to see significant changes, is this true?
I've read that after these sessions, you can be left with a burned face, and it takes days to return to normal, is this true?
Thank you in advance!
April 29, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Nothing.....Waste of Money!!!
Cons:
It caused me to break out like crazy!!! I ever never had acne this bad before....it's like i'm 15 again but 2x worse.
This product may work for some people, but it did not work for me. When I bought this item, I thought that it would be an alternative to the blue light treatments I was getting at the dermatologists office, but it is nothing like it at all. With the blue light treatments from the derms office, I cleared up completely with no initial breakout. With this crappy $189.00 light, I have been broke out for 3 weeks and nothing is helping to clear it up!! Bottom line......Save your money and go today the dermatologist for a reputable treatment!!!!
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