How to treat acne using LED light therapy

by Izzy Thurston

• 21 September 2022

It’s thought that about 95% of people in the UK aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent. And if you’re part of that percentage, you’ll know just how much the skin condition can seriously knock your confidence.

It’s often an ongoing battle to not only treat the acne lesions but the blemishes and scarring that it causes too. But what if we told you that LED light therapy has been proven to treat all three? Well, it can – and we’re about to explain how.

What is light therapy?

LED light therapy – or light-emitting diode therapy – is a non-invasive skincare treatment that uses coloured wavelengths of light. It travels deep beneath your skin to create a change on a cellular level – triggering the body’s natural repair process to deliver long-lasting results. Popular in salons, there’s now an array of home devices available so you can experience the same results from the comfort of your sofa.

What’s the difference between blue & red light therapy?

Red light stimulates the body’s natural repair and rejuvenation process – kick-starting collagen production, increasing elasticity and brightening your complexion. Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria to banish breakouts and prevent future flare-ups. 

 

Benefits of blue light therapy for acne

Anti-bacterial properties – Blue light devices destroy the P.acnes – the acne-causing bacteria. It works because the bacteria produces a protein called porphyrins, and when these are exposed to blue light, they break up and kill the acne bacteria. 

Regulates oil production – Excess oil can clog your pores, so oily skin types will benefit from using a blue light device, as they slow down the oil glands to control sebum production. 

Reduces inflammation – If you’re battling acne pimples, you’ll also be no stranger to the swelling, redness and inflammation that often comes with them too. Blue light can help to tone this down and ease the soreness. 


Benefits of red light therapy for acne 

Skin healing – Acne scars are a common side effect of breakouts. And they can be stubborn too. But red light devices help to kick-start the body’s natural repair process, and in turn, help to reduce the appearance of scarring.

Brightens your skin – Because red light therapy devices boost circulation and help deliver key nutrients to your skin’s cells, it creates a more even and visibly glowing complexion.


Acne Routine Using Light Therapy

Always start with a good cleansing routine. Not only will it help to remove any pore-clogging dirt and impurities, but it’ll boost the efficacy of LED light by removing the barrier to penetration. Oily and combination skin types will love the FOREO LUNA 3 for Combination Skin. Then choose your LED device.

If you’re looking for a light treatment with blue and red wavelengths, there’s none better than the Dermalux Flex MD. As the world’s most powerful at-home LED device, it combines blue, red and near-infrared light to tackle acne bacteria, inflammation, acne scarring and uneven skin tone in one. 

Are there any side effects?

Light therapy is a popular treatment for acne because it’s non-invasive, painless, and no downtime is required. Just make sure that if you’re taking any topical treatments, you speak with your dermatologist first. 

Shop The Article

 

share
Prev Post How LED light can improve scarring
Next Post Banish sleepless nights with the Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask