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 27, 2017
Product used: Love My Skin (Light Therapy Acne Treatment Compact)
Really works with repeated use!
This compact is great as it does really reduce inflammation over night, and with prolonged use it helps reduce scarring. Only thing I will say is the battery's run out often, you need to clean it regularly and you do need to use it repeatedly to see good results. Good product would highly recommend!
March 14, 2017
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Painful but DOES work!! 8/10.
IPL acne treatment (went once every 2 weeks). I hate my freckles, acne and has some new (never had before) red flat acne scars. I had 2 sessions of IPL laser facial (AKA Skin Rejuvination). She set it on a setting that would be anti bacterial and also reduce sun damage (freckles). It certainly got rid of ALL of my flat red acne scars. It also really really improved the loads of under the skin pimples (I'd say about 80% helped them). I didn't see any difference in the freckles but that was the least of my skin problems tbh. Maybe if I had more sessions it would have started to target them. It is quite painful to have done, and I've had IPL hair removal, tattoos, piercings etc. I'd say pain level is about 8/10 (maybe just because i'm freckily). It did definitely reduce the large, painful acne cysts around my jawline, however it didn't really prevent them from coming again,it just treated the ones that were currently there. But the clusters of under skin pimples it got rid of them and prevented new ones. I had to stop after the 2nd session as I am now pregnant. I am now having Red Light Therapy which is not painful, much cheaper, but obviously less effective. Nice effect after 1st treatment and going for another one today (once a week). Will 100% go back to the IPL treatment after I've had the baby. Think it really does work and worth the money (varies from £75- £150 depending on where you go).
March 15, 2016
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
My freckles just flaked off
I found this treatment to be great for hyper-pigmentation -performed in a Dermatologist Clinic NOT A SALON!! TAKE CARE HERE PEOPLE 2 days after the treatment, whilst gently washing my face I noticed that the sun damaged and darker spots literally flaked off.
It also helped with some hyper-pigmentation from some old acne scars, looking forward to round 2. If you are going to invest in IPL then do your research as to the qualifications of the person and the machine used. Not all are the same.
In the wrong hands these devices can literally ruin your skin.
February 5, 2016
Product used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
I've had both IPL and BBL
I've suffered from different degrees of acne starting around 12 - now 37 :$ I have had both IPL and BBL. Treatments I first got them to help get rid of the melasma and discolouration from sun damage over the years ... I found that it lifted the discoloured spots after about a week and they came to the surface looking like coffee grounds lol and flaked off! It helped the tone and evenness as well as tightened my skin a bit ! But what the nice thing was even though it was not typically used for acne treatment , It helped clear and keep my skin clearer than prior to the treatments! It's been a couple years since I've had a bbl and I'm starting to get hormonal changes possibly peri menopause starting but getting different acne now! Deeper and in WIERD places like behind my ears and jaw line! I be moved to another province now and tried to go in for a bbl but the girls there wouldn't treat me with bbl and said it's not for active acne ! I tried to explain I had it done before at a dermatologists but they are making me wait until it heals up! It's frustrating because I am allergic to the antibiotics and had to go for a MRI because I got swelling in my brain from acutane ( it's dangerous stuff) I had good results from IPL and BBL's and look forward to being able have another treatment! For me It helps with both acne and anti aging! Just wish the clinic where I am going to now realized this! I've seen the results on my skin but do acknowledge other people may have different results!! ? I've heard it can make skin conditions worse but I haven't experienced that so far and have probably had at least 10 treatments over the past 6 years ...
January 1, 2015
Product used: Lumie Clear (Blue and Red Light Therapy Acne Treatment)
Best treatment I've ever used - but the plug is dodgy!
This is the best treatment I've ever used! 100% cleared my skin, and without any side effects like dryness or redness. Ok yes it's a bit time consuming, 15 minutes per area, which in my case means 1hour, and you have to do it twice a day, but for the results you get its worth it.
I would have given it 5 stars, but for the fact that the plug/ wire attachment has burnt up twice, meaning I can't use it in the mean time while I post it off to the uk to have it fixed which is a hassle.
But other than that, I fully recommend and wish I had found it years ago.
January 1, 2010
Product used: Lumiport (Dermastyle Light Treatment)
Cons:
expensive
Overall I find this device works for my acne. I'm 40 yrs old so my acne isn't as bad as it was when I was young, but if I am getting a bad one I use the Dermastyle and I really think it shrinks it more quickly than if I left it alone. I also use it with 5% benzoyl peroxide.
November 5, 2009
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
Pros:
Does work. Stopped breakouts after two weeks. My skin is a lot better after using this lamp.
Cons:
Noisy timer/clock. Doesn't cover the whole face, made me break out behind my ears and 'round my neck.
This lamp actually works to treat acne. Takes some time, and you have to do the treatment EVERY day. I'm travelling a lot in the weekends, so sometimes I had to start over new.. If you tend to clear up during the summer, this might help you get rid of most of your acne.
October 2, 2009
Product used: Gentlewaves (Amber Light)
Pros:
Weekly G-waves treatments made an amazing difference in my skin. Cystic acne and Rosacea virtually disappeared, and scars and roughness were much improved.
Cons:
Cost—about $100 per treatment.
If you have Rosacea and adult acne, G-Waves is definitely worth a try. It may kill acne bacteria and promotes changes that lead to healthier skin.
September 30, 2009
Product used: Omnilux (Light Treatment)
Pros:
I had the professional treatments and my skin was definently clearer with this
Cons:
It is expensive and you need top up treatments once a month
Worth it.
June 4, 2009
Product used: BeautySkin (Acne Lamp)
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!!!!
Pros:
Easy to use, small, no chemicals involved