Does LED light treatment work on acne scars?

Saw a brochure at my dermatologists office saying light emitting diodes can get rid of acne scars?  If true, just mild scars or deep pitted acne scars?  LED light colors work differently?

1 answer to “Does LED light treatment work on...”

A: LED will not get rid of acne scars

Nissan Pilest, MD

LED utilizes light to reduce acne bacteria (blue) and reduce redness from inflammation (red). There would be no effect on the depth of acne scars. The best improvement would be from a lessening of redness if you acne scars are still retaining color. To date, Fraxel Retore and similar fractional lasers which... more

Comments

jcaschette
81 posts
17 Jan 2008

LED treatments alone don’t do much for depressed acne scars. LED therapy does have a place in acne treatment, although most doctors don’t rely solely on LED treatments to improve acne. LED treatments have been used in acne treatment to help decrease inflammation and decrease acne bacteria counts. Blue Light decreases the amount of acne-producing bacteria on the skin surface. Blue light “poisons” the acne bacteria from the inside without affecting normal cells. Red Light treatments are used to decrease inflammation, which is a major component of acne. Red light penetrates deeper into the skin than blue light because it has a higher wavelength. To improve scars, I prefer laser skin resurfacing. I have found the Fraxel laser to be very effective in decreasing acne scars when used at appropriate settings. If you’re looking to improve acne scars, remember- It’s Your Face! Seek out a medical doctor experienced in laser skin resurfacing and treatment of acne scars.

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