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    Acne light cosmetic treatment: what you need to know

    21 Mar 2019 3:06 PM | Posted by
    bh's Jordyn Christensen's picture
    bh's Jordyn Christensen
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    For those that struggle with acne, particularly the cystic kind, you will know just how hard it is to tackle. While there are new products and technology being released constantly, finding something that works for your particular skin type can be frustratingly difficult. This is why people often turn to professional treatments in the hope of seeing real results. We caught up with Cosmetic Physician, Dr. Phoebe Jones from Concept Cosmetic Medicine to get the downlow on light cosmetic treatments for acne, what the process is and how it can actually help with acne.

    RELATED: How long does it take for acne scars to fade?

    RELATED: Do at-home light therapy masks actually work?

    What is a cosmetic light treatment?

    “Light therapy usually refers to LED light therapy,” says Dr. Phoebe. As a non-invasive treatment, the procedure delivers “near infra-red light energy to the skin and underlying tissues. Differing wavelengths of light have different benefits, she explains. From acne treatment, and wound healing to phototherapy for ageing skin and rejuvenation. Depth of penetration depends on the wavelength of light used,” says Dr. Phoebe.

    What are the different types of light therapy treatment used in treating acne?

    “There are three commonly used wavelengths in cosmetic medicine and all three can be used for those who suffer from acne,” she says. The colours are generally indicative of the depth of the wavelength. Yellow is great at reducing inflammation, wound healing and photorejuvenation. Red is ideal for reducing scarring and blue is the go-to for killing bacteria that forms acne in the first place. Blue light, Dr. Phoebe explains, does what oral antibiotics, such as doxycyline do, but without the side effects.

    So, what does a light therapy treatment for acne involve?

    Depending on the time and money you’re willing to invest in the treatment, there are a few different options. Dr. Phoebe explains that the most basic version is a 20-minute session under the blue light. She recommends doing this three times a week for best results. This can then be combined with red light for fibroblast and collagen stimulation, and then if the skin is very inflamed, adding yellow light can be beneficial, she explains.

    How long until I should be seeing results?

    Dr. Phoebe recommends a full 10-week course, but mentions that visible results should be noticeable within days.

    A few tips: Dr. Phoebe notes that maintaining an at-home skincare routine is crucial to the success of the light treatment. She also explains that in the event of not seeing changes from light treatments alone, combining them with laser facials and/or extractions can help in achieving results. Alternatively, talk to your GP about prescriptive oral retinoid acids.

    Have you tried any of these treatments? If not, did you learn something you didn’t already know?

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    37 Member Comments

    Sweelin88 20 May 2019 1:32 PM

    I’ve heard of LED treatments but it’s not cheap. I want to give it a try but to get the procedure done in a proper and professional manner is expensive. Sometimes you have to go several times to see results and each time is pricey.

    Jacko 14 Dec 2019 2:54 AM

    Yes, going to a Salon or SPA for LED photon therapy treatment, the cost is not cheap indeed. but now some at-home LED light mask or lamp is very popular and portable and easy to use, I think you should try to search for them. They also bring good effects to you and your skin.

    ozstarlett 19 May 2019 7:23 PM

    I have always suffered from acne - but I'm still skepticle about these treatments. Is there side-effects to be concerned about?

    Sootyhere 19 May 2019 10:25 AM

    Acne is such a scourge. One benefit of being older I don't have to worry anymore but my heart goes out to those fighting acne. Glad they have some solutions. Hopefully the price isn't way too high. Good luck all.

    missm7393 15 May 2019 3:17 PM

    Interesting article... whats the science behind it?

    Meedee 13 May 2019 8:02 AM

    Thankfully i dont have to worry about Acne but I am going to investigate what can be done with lasers to treat my broken capillaries :)

    Shop A Everyday 11 May 2019 12:25 AM

    Not fair that it is so dear

    neha.gamine 7 May 2019 8:35 AM

    I’m interested in trying the LED light treatment out of curiosity to know how and whether it works on dry skin adult acne, I think I will start with neutrogena light mask and go from there

    Hayley644 29 Apr 2019 11:14 AM

    Sounds like an expensive treatment .

    GeeJ 5 Apr 2019 5:24 PM

    This article does not really explain the science behind the treatment.

    Beautifulnightmarex 1 Apr 2019 11:02 PM

    I've never used light treatment before so I am skeptical about its effectiveness. I guess you never really know until you give it a try.

    Elunia 31 Mar 2019 1:41 PM

    I wouldn't be consistent enough with the treatments to get the benefits.

    Angage 30 Mar 2019 6:30 PM

    Never heard of LED light treatment.

    renee.t 30 Mar 2019 11:22 AM

    I’ve had a bit of professional LED and never noticed a huge difference but I enjoyed a Skin Physics LED at home device and the Neutrogena at home light mask - I figure they can’t hurt!

    SoMuchPretty 28 Mar 2019 11:12 AM

    I have to wonder what happens after 10 weeks. No doubt, LED can kill acne bacteria but I'd like to know how long the effects last. With the at home LED treatments, you need to do it every day - for as long as you have acne. I'm 44 and still have acne! Doesn't seem like a feasible approach on its own for serious acne. Prescription products are needed as well. I would only pay for light treatments if my skin was very inflamed.

    misfortune8 28 Mar 2019 12:20 AM

    Maybe this would have been useful when I was younger. I still get zits, but usually only one or two at a time. I've always got Clearasil on hand.

    Shop A Everyday 27 Mar 2019 8:24 PM

    Those pesky pimples just keep raising their ugly heads!!!

    Snailor 27 Mar 2019 7:33 PM

    On my too-afford list - one day, haha!

    sootyblack_14 27 Mar 2019 11:26 AM

    Sounds interesting and like something that would be a last resort treatment... Also, sounds super expensive... Hopefully it works!!!

    Chrystalage 26 Mar 2019 10:47 PM

    Yikes that would put quite a dent in the credit card

    Susmat 26 Mar 2019 6:17 PM

    Sounds expensive over such a long time, luckily I don't need it.

    Sally10 26 Mar 2019 6:14 PM

    Acne not a problem for me.

    ThisIsMe 25 Mar 2019 3:22 PM

    I don't have acne either but I bet would cost so much for the 10 week cycle!

    Kassalee 24 Mar 2019 10:56 AM

    If you are rich, I’d say go for it!

    I’ve had an endota facial with LED treatment (gift voucher for last mother’s day) and as much as I’d love to have continued the treatment, too expensive.

    Article needs to include How Much Does It Cost which I know would vary but a guide would be helpful.

    Bellefleur 23 Mar 2019 10:47 AM

    I don't get full on acne anymore (have battled with it on and off for years in the past), but I do get the occasional pimple and my nose is prime blackhead breeding zone, so something like this sounds like it would be beneficial, but a bit pricey I reckon. Exfoliating and using a spot treatment does wonders as well and is much cheaper.

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