Light Therapy For Acne: Is It Worth The Hype?

If you have acne-prone skin, you know how annoying it is to find sudden pimples and breakouts on your skin at the most inconvenient times! But, don’t worry – you can use light therapy for acne treatment and keep those pesky breakouts at bay. Dermatologists use these light-based therapies to treat mild and moderate acne. It is effective and has no side effects (1). Moreover, there are devices for at-home treatment readily available in the market. In this article, we have talked about everything you need to know about the much-hyped light therapy for acne and its efficacy. Keep reading!

Light Therapy For Acne: How Does It Work?

Light therapy or phototherapy uses blue and red lights to treat mild to moderate acne. These therapies focus on two aspects (2):

• Decrease the levels of P. acnes bacteria

• Reduce the size and function of the pilosebaceous unit (structure consisting of the hair follicle, sebaceous glands, hair, and arrector pili muscles), thus reducing sebum production.

Blue light has shorter wavelengths (between 400, 415, and 700 nm) and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Blue light also reduces free radical damage. On the other hand, red or infrared light has longer wavelengths (between 1320, 1450, and 1540 nm) that reduce the function and size of sebaceous glands to minimize sebum production (2).

Dermatologists can use lights of any wavelength to treat your acne. Clinical trials show that biweekly treatment can reduce 50% of the acne lesions, and some may even experience 90% clearance(3).

Did You Know?

Photodynamic therapy is an advanced form of light therapy for acne. It involves the application of a photosensitizing agent, often a topical solution containing aminolevulinic acid (ALA), followed by exposure to light. This combination enhances the treatment’s effectiveness in targeting acne lesions, providing long-lasting results.

The at-home red or blue light therapy devices for acne also work on the same principle. However, they are not as effective and fast as medical-grade light devices used by doctors. Check out some fast facts about light therapy for acne.

Fast Facts About Light Therapy For Acne

Light therapy effectively controls the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and is effective for cases where oral and topical medications don’t help much. Depending on the types of light used for the therapy, it may have the following benefits.

Benefits Of Light Therapy

Blue light therapy

has several benefits (4):

• It is a clinically proven approach to minimize P. acnes bacteria.

• It can inactivate S. aureus bacteria in wounds. This particular strain of staphylococcus bacteria also causes acne and is resistant to most antibiotics.

• It promotes wound healing.

• It is safe for the skin (only short-term usage).

On the other hand, there are many red light therapy benefits for skin. Red light therapy include (2):

• Penetrates deeper into the skin to target the sebaceous glands and minimize sebum production.

• Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

There are several other benefits of light therapy:

• It is a gentle and painless method.
• It is drug-free and safe.
• It is ideal for all body parts.
• It is compatible with other acne treatments (oral and topical).
• May reduce the risk of developing acne scarring.

Dermatologists often go for a combined approach using blue-red lights for better results and faster healing. Here is what you can expect during a session.

Learn how light therapy effectively treats acne from the video below. Know its working mechanism and learn how this innovative approach can help achieve clearer, healthier skin. Check out the video!

What To Expect During Light Therapy Treatment

Before going for light therapy for acne, you have to consult a dermatologist or a trained and licensed medical esthetician to determine if the therapy is suitable for your skin. They will assess your skin and acne severity and then determine the approach. They will perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions to the treatment.

Before the treatment, they might ask you to:

• Avoid topical products containing AHAs, BHA, and retinoids for several days.
• Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure.
• Take or use photosensitizers or avoid certain medications (depending on your medical history)

On the day of your session, you may have to:

• Gently cleanse your face before the session to remove makeup, lotions, or any other substances that may interfere with the effectiveness of the light therapy.
• Wear protective eyewear provided during the session to shield your eyes from the light.
• Adhere to any specific pre-session guidelines provided by your dermatologist, such as avoiding certain topical treatments or skincare products days before the procedure.
• Keep your skin well-hydrated leading up to the treatment to enhance its responsiveness and minimize potential side effects.

During a session, you can expect the following things:

1. You have to lie down on a surface under a special light-emitting device.
2. The expert may also use a handheld device to expose the target areas to the light.
3. You have to wear safety goggles, and the other body parts might be covered.
4. The session may last for 15-30 minutes.

Although red or blue light therapy is painless, you may experience temporary side effects.

Side Effects And Risks Involved

Immediately after the treatment, you may notice:

• Skin peeling or bruising
• Inflammation or redness
• Mild irritation
• Dryness
• Swelling

These usually go away with proper aftercare. However, the doctor may ask you to:

• Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen to prevent UV damage.

• Keep the skin moisturized.

• Avoid harsh exfoliants, scrubs, retinoids, and AHAs and BHAs.

Poor aftercare may further damage your skin and may cause:

• Pigmentation issues
• Blistering
• Burns
• Infection

Also, there are certain risks associated with light therapy. Avoid the treatment if:

• Your skin is photosensitive, or you are taking medications that might increase skin photosensitivity.
• You have active rashes, lesions, or other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• You have porphyria, a blood disorder.
• You have allergies or autoimmune conditions.
• You are pregnant or planning to conceive.
• You are on antibiotics or other medications (like steroids).

Pro Tip

Light therapy may not be suitable for those with a history of skin cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus.

In such cases, consult a doctor and follow the pre-treatment precautions (if you decide to undergo the therapy). Many of us may feel tempted to use LED devices or at-home light therapy devices for acne. But, do they work? Let’s find out.

Can At-Home Light Devices Clear Acne?

Yes. A small study indicates that at-home light therapy devices may help reduce mild to moderate acne with daily use and prevent early signs of acne and new breakouts (5). They are convenient and cost-effective as the devices are one-time investments and much cheaper than multiple sessions at the clinic.

Trivia

Some light therapy devices may help address additional skin concerns, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, in addition aiding acne management.

However, there is no proof that at-home devices give better, faster, and more effective results than professional medical-grade treatments. At-home devices might be convenient, but light therapy performed in medical settings and trained estheticians and dermatologists ensure proper safety.

If you want to try the at-home devices, seek a dermatologist’s approval and follow safety considerations to prevent skin and eye damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color light helps cystic acne?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that blue light therapy may help reduce moderate cystic acne. Get advice from your dermatologist about other cystic acne treatment options.

How fast does light therapy work for acne?

It depends on the frequency of sessions conducted. On average, light therapy clears acne within 2 – 5 months.