Does LED Work for Acne Treatment?

Question

Acne - can't stand that nothing is working to reduce it.  I read about LED light treatments and that could work on acne, but  not  going that direction unless someone can tell me it works.  too expensive and time consuming if not.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

I have found LED blue light therapy very effective for treating acne but it does require multiple treatments.
LED light treatments in our practice are $35 per session and only $25 per session if done with another service  such as a deep cleansing facial.
Typically patients will come in for two treatments a week for 3-4 weeks or until improvement is visible.  At that point we gradually decrease the frequency of treatments.  The treatment only takes about 20 minutes and does not leave any visible signs that you have had a treatment done.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello.  LED therapy can help with acne by killing acne bacteria.  In that regard it's like Benzoyl peroxide and many antibiotics.  Because there is no cure for acne, different treatments will have different benefits for different patients.  If you have not down well with options like over the counter products, antibiotics, Retin A, Benzoyl Peroxide or even Accutane, then you may want to consider a light based treatment like LED.  At our practice, we use LED (Blu-light) combined with aminolevulanic in a procedure called Photodynamic therapy.  This process kills acne bacteria but also helps shrink sebaceous glands.  Both help in fighting acne.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

L.E.D.( Light Emitting Diode) can help to prevent and control papules, pustules, and typical acne quite effectively if done properly. The L.E.D. penetrates into the dermis and slows sebaceous glands that create oils in the skin that can cause acne. Non inflamed acne such as whiteheads and blackheads tend to respond less effectively. Multiple treatments are required. Treatments are typically done twice a week for a few weeks. We offer L.E.D. treatments in office for $50 per treatment. A home regime would also be prescribed as needed. It is always best to have a consultation before treating any skin concerns.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

LED blue light therapy is often quite effective for mild to moderate acne. Acne is often exacerbated by the presence of bacteria, particularly  P.acnes which multiply in the sebaceous glands. The skin becomes inflamed when the body tries to fight these invaders. Inflammation is something that is worth addressing/preventing since it can lead to acne scars.

	People with acne typically have more bacteria in their follicles than those without acne. Keep in mind that this is just a correlation. Bacteria is not the cause of acne breakouts.

	LED works when the light is absorbed by the polyphorins which are produced by the bacterial cell bodies. This leads to the destruction of these organisms.

	The Spectra laser, however, not only addresses bacteria, it also inhibits the activity level of oil producing sebaceous glands. And it also clears out blockages in your skin pores.

William Ting, MD · Answer

Blue LED light can be helpful for acne by reducing colonies of bacteria responsible for acne and by exerting anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. However, the clinical benefits of Blue LED light multiplies when it is preceded by application of Levulan of various duration as determined by an experienced board-certified dermatologist when it used as part of photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Does LED Work for Acne Treatment?

Answers (7)

Answer: LED Blue Light Treatment For Acne

Answer: LED Blue Light Treatment For Acne

Answer: Blue LED light can be helpful for acne, particuarly preceded by Levulan

Answer: Blue LED light can be helpful for acne, particuarly preceded by Levulan

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Everything you need to know about LED Light Therapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Does LED Work for Acne Treatment?

Answers (7)

Answer: LED Blue Light Treatment For Acne

Answer: LED Blue Light Treatment For Acne

Answer: Blue LED light can be helpful for acne, particuarly preceded by Levulan

Answer: Blue LED light can be helpful for acne, particuarly preceded by Levulan

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about LED Light Therapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.