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
August 24, 2015
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
PLEASE READ THIS AND RESPOND
Does it work? I'm thinking about treating with this laser, and I'm not entirely sure its positive effects. I read mixed reviews here and elsewhere, and I am very scared !. I would say that practically suffer from severe acne, I went to 3 dermatologists and have tomadod different pills and creams, including doxycycline, monoxiclina, Tetralysal, benzoyl peroxide, Differin, among others. Including some natural remedies, some helped me but didn ´t saw significant changes. I suffered from acne for several years and I'm 19, and I definitely want to solve this problem!
August 24, 2015
I apologize for the bad writing, my native language is not English
August 24, 2015
I apologize for the bad writing, my native language is not English
July 26, 2010
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Cons:
-can be hard to find time to sit in front of it for 15-30 minutes a day
- finding a way to sit in front of it comfortably can be difficult
-your family/friends/significant other(s) may laugh at you if they see you sittng in front of it :P
-you have to be patient with it, as results don't typicaly come immediately after first or second use
-expensive for those on a tight budget
I am on spironolactone for my acne, so I am clear in that regard. I still have red marks left from the acne and rosacea inflammation, and this is why I am using Red/Blue light therapy. I am pretty pleased with the results - no, my skin isn't flawless, but I can't expect it to be after the horrors it's been through. My red marks have been reduced as well as the small papules I sometimes get when my face gets too hot. My overall facial pinkness has been reduced as well. Overall, I think that Clearwave is as effective as other Red/Blue light therapy products, but if you can find something cheaper or more to your liking (for instance, a product that it more convenient to use), you should go for that instead. Also, making your own LED light board might be less expensive than buying one. Directions can probably be found through a quick google search. Good luck!
February 6, 2009
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
Pros:
Took a golfball size cyst away in one day
Cons:
lots money
I have cystic acne. this worked well. i had one that suddenly grew giant! huge huge. this worked. went back a few times to work on some spots. looking for a home laser.
September 19, 2008
Product used: Lumiport (Dermastyle Light Treatment)
Pros:
It works for some of my acne. The acne actually shrink. It's small that you can bring it with you whenever you go.
Cons:
Doesn't seem work for all of my acne.
It's an affordable price. At least it works for me on few of my big bumps. I've tried almost everything on both prescriptive and over-the counter products, even including the antibiotics. None of them work for me so far.
June 13, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
No side effects. Totally safe treatment.
Cons:
No effect at all in acne. It's known to work well on some people, but that was not my case
Even though it was of no use for me, due to the success cases in some people and the lack of negative side effects, I think that it is worth to give a try; so I would recommend it.
April 24, 2008
Product used: Lumiport (Dermastyle Light Treatment)
Pros:
no chemicals
Cons:
didn't work at all, took forever to get to all my treatment areas
don't bother. i noticed no improvement in my blemishes, big or small. the company was very nice about the return.
April 12, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
money back guaratee
Cons:
didn't work for me
I was excited to try it after reading all the positive reviews. I used it faithfully for 7 weeks,most times longer than 15 min. It just didn't make a difference at all. If it works for you it is definitely affordable. I'm 42 and have tried everything short of acutane so this was worth a shot.
March 26, 2008
Product used: ClearLight Acne Treatment
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
February 13, 2008
Product used: ClearLight Acne Treatment
Pros:
Smoothed out small scars + created a healthy "glow".
Cons:
Brings impurities, both cysts and whiteheads, to the surface constantly throughout treatment (for me). Redness and slight burning sensation.
I just finished my 8th session and was told a may need a few more ($$$cha-ching!). I was not able to consistantly use the topical mild retinoid my Dr. prescribed due to the peeling and irritation of the topical. Avoid using too many acne products (even if prescribed by your Dr.) while on Clearlight therapy, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, if you don't consistently use a topical treatment along with the clearlight it doesn't work as well, supposedly. In Texas, it only cost me $200 for a month of treatments, but it did make my acne worse in some areas. This is not unusual, as your impurities are all coming to the surface to be purged. Reconsider using clearlight if you are a compulsive zit-picker! It was often difficult to resist squeezing the little goodies that came to the surface and this created scars. Don't give up! Find something that works for you...I'm 38 with hormonal acne and am determined to find a cure.
February 1, 2008
Product used: Verilux (ClearWave Light Therapy Acne Treatment System)
Pros:
Feel like you are actively doing something to fix your acne problem.
Cons:
No changes in my skin yet, which is aggravating since it takes a lot of patience to sit in front of it every day!
So far, my results have been very different from the results on this site. Lately I have been breaking out more (MAYBE due to the light? Maybe due to weather? I haven't figured this out yet)--but the light isn't hurting my skin so I'm going to finish the 8-12 weeks. I definitely do not notice any decreased redness, or that it is drying up zits any quicker. My skin is usually better in the summer, so I have very high hoped for this product. I just felt I should post to let people know that not EVERYONE clears up within the first few weeks. Hopefully it just takes a little time.
Pros:
-fairly easy to transport
-works (slowly) to reduce inflammation and bacteria