Phototherapy
Reviews
3.2
251 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
29.4%
4
24.2%
3
9.9%
2
12.3%
1
24.2%

Used Light Therapy? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 5, 2017
Fantastic
Been using this now for 3 weeks and the difference is crazy - I started with skin contact 15 mins once a day I then upped this to 30 mins for the last week I've been doing it. I found using it for 30 mins it has made more of a difference and have had 1 new spot in the past 7 days. Obviously will continue to use it as it's meant to be 8-12 weeks but nothing but positive results so far. This is a big difference from 1/2 new ones a day each morning. I have been using his alongside drinking 3/4 litres of water a day and cutting out junk food. I always found the sun massively helped my skin which is why I decided to use this light, I would highly recommend it to anyone who found the sun has a positive effect on their skin.
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July 5, 2016
Strongly recommended
I had moderate to severe acne to begin with and after 3 weeks of use my forehead is almost clear, and there is a lot less acne on my cheeks (mild to moderate now and fluctuates a bit). The blue light didn't clear my face up completely but it isn't meant to do that, and I'm really happy with the improvement. The instructions booklet says you can't use it on severe acne but what it really means is that you shouldn't replace treatment with the blue light. If you have severe acne then try it, but use other medications along with it (don't use it if you're using accutane though).
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May 15, 2016
Excellent product! I recommend it to everyone that has acne!
Excellent product! I recommend it to everyone that has been struggling with acne. I've been using it for a month now and it's been the most effective treatment in years, more than antibiotics or creams etc. It does require loads of discipline of using it every day, improving your diet, especially ditching the sugary things. The thing I've mostly been impressed is how quickly it has reduced the inflammation. Overall, this is a really good investment. I have so much more confident in myself.
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August 29, 2014
Not all IPL technicians are created equal!
I rate 5 stars - if done properly I'm so sorry to hear the horror stories you guys are sharing! I own a Laser Clinic/Corrective Esthetics shop, and also have been an Acne 'victim' since I was 9 or so. To give you the insiders info, and not just coming from some quack esthetician looking for her next commission or tip...I can tell you a few things. *IPL will not help acne 'scarring' - not possible in any way. IPL works beneath the skin, not the scarring on the surface. *If you got Hyperpigmentation as a result from a medi spa visit - the technician used the wrong settings. Plugged into the IPL machine that you're skin tone was actually lighter than it was. Therefore, whatever the machine was looking for (IPL is pigment based) it was expecting you to be lighter, so if you weren't...it was trying to get you there. SUE THEM! See a dermatologist - get a bill. and take action. They have insurance, and you shouldn't have to suffer. *If you have undesirable skin texture or form - well, its hard to get a dermatologist to point out a specific condition on that and fix it. They'll probably try to recommend like a Fraxel laser or resurfacing or something crazy like that. Tell them no dice. When I got the IPL unit, I was breaking out (5 to 8 pimple count - even after acutane in my teens) Underground, painful jaw line lesions, and some forehead hair line. People said jawline are stress related, and well - I was just opening my clinic...rent was due, waiting on permits, no clients yet, etc. So after the wine was gone, I decided to take a dose of my own medicine/treatment. Did about 3 (at 2 week intervals)...and didn't break out for about 8 months after those treatments! It worked very well for me, and my clients as well. The IPL targets the sebaceous gland and blasts the bacteria out. If hormones are questionable, then don't bother with the treatment. Waste of time and money. I tried doing a clients "Bac-ne" acne on the back. Then after a few treatments, no results were apparent. Then found out he was taking steroids! So our treatments were pointless. Birth control, steroids, pregnancy, breast feeding or hormone replacements will compromise the results (just like Laser Hair Removal) What you should expect after a properly done treatment is: Bacteria purging| You will get worse before you get better. The bacteria you see coming up was always there, however the IPL chased it out of the sebaceous gland and brought it all out at the same time (I always warn my clients 100 times prior to conducting the treatment, and ask them if they have any special events coming up weddings, etc.) its up to you to use a good salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide wash/cream following. Its all you after we bring it up and out! *What to do following IPL* Try not to squeeze | I know...its like an alcoholic at a Liquor Store. However, we can't walk around with gross white heads - this, I understand. Hold a hot face cloth up against the pimple for about 5 minutes. This will open the pore (heat expands) and squeeze gently with the finger tips, no nails! this will prevent scarring. Hit the drugstore | You don't have to get the million dollar creams that the esthetician recommends to you, the drugstore will do fine. Try to find a clay mask with "Bentonite" in it, use it every second day. Salicylic acid and/or benzyl peroxide in your cream or cleanser After the Acne is gone, or even still apparent - the best and only thing for scarring is Microdermabrasion. This can be costly, depending on where you're located (my shop $45). If your texture, pigment or smoothness is compromised by previous treatments or just a life of Acne...this will work wonders. You will need about 6 to 8 treatments (realistically - unfortunate, but a good investment), and space them out a week or 10 days apart. The skin growth cycle is every 2 weeks for the face, so essentially you develop a new layer of skin in that time. You want to beat that cycle. Think of it as digging a hole, and you keep adding more soil to the edges - the hole is the scar. Makes it deeper. You can find email deals wherever you are, like Groupon or Dealfind - that kind of thing, which will make it more affordable for you to get the full amount of treatments required. If you are still suffering with stubborn acne, speak to a Dermatologist and they can prescribe you an antibiotic or acutane if it's really severe. Then get some Microdermabrasion to smooth things up. Always wear a sunscreen (specific for the face) of at least 30spf, every day. Winter, summer or even cloudy days. This is a shield for your skin, this spf protects you from all elements and carbons. And as a unspoken rule for Acne sufferers, always OIL FREE! If you're having a hard time finding moisture in the skin while going through all this, use a product that claims 'oil absorbing' cream - and apply as much as you need to, so you get your desired moisture level. I hope my information helped anyone or someone at least! I wish everyone was in Canada where I am, I would help you all! Remember that acne isn't permanent, but you all are permanently beautiful. Feel free to ask me questions anytime.
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May 18, 2017
where in Canada are you? Quebec?
June 28, 2014
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!
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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!
October 25, 2013
LOVE

Pros:

Price!
So gentle
Zero side effects

Cons:

None that I see yet!

I love this device! I got in on Amazon for only $75, so considering getting treated at the derm or even lots of other light therapy devices, it was a total steal. I started out just using the blue light and I could tell bumps weren't getting as big as usual, so that was nice. Then after a week I started using red light before the blue, and within about three days everything inflamed or active WAS. GONE. I'm not saying that will happen for everyone but you should at least try. Haven't tried the green light yet so I don't know about that, but blue and red are awesome. It clears as well as BP with no side effects so I'm finally off BP
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May 15, 2013
If you have ACNE, welcome to the Holy Grail of beauty products. I was really skeptical it would work for me, because the only thing that's ever worked on my skin is dermatologist prescribed topical creams or peels. Well, hey, I thought I'd give it a shot. Background: I have very fair, combo oily/dry skin with mild to medium breakouts and scarring. I'm 25 years old. Not sure if that matters, but everyone else seemed a little more mature in their reviews. Red filter- Used it once so far. I noticed that my skin looked less red and splotchy afterwards. Plan to use it again. Green filter- Honestly... It says it's for hyperpigmentation, but I didn't notice any difference. Used it once. Maybe that's the problem. Blue filter- UN-FREAKING-REAL. I actually can't believe it. It worked the very first time and I can't stop using it. Like I said, I have mild to medium breakouts depending on how much I sweat working out, time of month, etc. and this stopped my zits after 1 use. The day this delivered, I had a huge zit forming on my nose- it really hurt to touch it and it was swollen. I used the blue filter exactly like the directions said, and it was LITERALLY GONE. I mean, gone. The spot where it was became flat, all the redness was gone and it didn't hurt at all. I thought to myself, "Wait until the morning and see if this actually worked." Still gone. I am not kidding. I've used it the most of all the lenses. I usually lay in bed and watch t.v. through my tanning-glasses-things (which I bought for $1.82 on Amazon for this, and you really need them) and use the tool. The tool itself looks and feels a little cheap. You have to leave it plugged in while using it, but the cord it long enough that you could use it anywhere and be comfortable. It is really bright and you need the tanning-goggle-things. Don't go without, the light can be really annoying and I get paranoid about burning something into my cornea. So, in closing, if acne is your main problem, save up for your cash and get this. You will not regret it. If you're looking for aging/hyperpigmentation help, you might want to stick to the dermatologist's office.
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April 21, 2013

Pros:

we are seeing improvement, no more ointments or pills! most acne gone... but still has scarring from past acne, so we are starting retin a today.

Cons:

cost... but worth it. slow, but is working! on 7th week.

we finally found something that is killing the bacteria without taking oral antibiotics or using ointments that were drying and burning to him.
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April 6, 2012

Pros:

It really works with consistancy

Cons:

The cost of replacement cartridges.

I've been on all types of acne treatments it's nice to be off a medication and seeing results
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January 6, 2012

Pros:

- Blue & Red Light in One Compact Device
- Portable & Rechargeable
- Quick 10 Minute Sessions (5 Blue & 5 Red)
- Consistent Results

Cons:

- Frequent Charging (I Use Mine A LOT)

I'm not much for writing reviews, but since I suffer with this skin condition called "Acne" I felt compelled to write a review on the Ansr light therapy device so here goes. I first stumbled across light therapy for treating acne quite some time ago, but found most devices to be fairly pricey and time consuming (not to mention requiring multiple devices for red & blue systems sold separately). It wasn't until I was doing some early Christmas shopping and came across this product. I was interested to see if this would improve or reduce the amount and number of breakouts, provided with the benefits of reducing pore size and anti-aging properties. I've been about 6 weeks into treatment and all I can say is that this device has drastically improved my complexion. Now the manufacturer suggests anywhere from 1-3 months of daily use twice per day to start seeing results, but the first week alone my skin just started getting better and better ever since. I like the fact this has both blue & red light combined in one device that is portable, compact, and easy to take along when travelling. My pore size has shrunk, and I've noticed the fine lines and wrinkles around my lips, forehead, and eye area especially have been diminished. I plan on to keep using this device for the next couple of months to see how much more improvement can be obtained. So far I'm very thrilled with this product and would recommend it to anyone to compliment their skin care routine. I have noticed that healing is A LOT faster and breakouts don't seem to come to quite to a head (some don't even surface at all). Treatment is quick, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night, although sometimes I end up doing both sessions in the evening depending on my schedule. All in all for the price and benefits I've seen it's already paying for itself. I think this is the Ansr I've been looking for. :) Good Luck!
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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.