There are various lasers that are used for the treatment of acne. These may kill the bacteria that cause acne, reduce oil produced by the skin, and reduce inflammation.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used alone or as a type of light for photodynamic therapy. It may reduce oil production on the skin.
This treatment involves applying a special lotion before shining a light on the skin. It is done in a clinic. It reduces oil production and may also kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
This treatment uses a light on the skin. It can be used at home. It kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
The two most common types are:
Moderate to severe acne.
Moderate to severe acne.
Mild to moderate acne.
There are no medical restrictions on who may take these treatments.
There are no medical restrictions on who may take this treatment.
Light therapy alone is not for treatment of severe acne.
There is not enough evidence yet to show how well this works.
Compared to people taking no treatment, people using phototherapy saw 68% fewer acne spots.
(1/4 stars evidence)
Compared to people taking no treatment, people using light therapy saw between 38% and 74% fewer acne spots.
(Evidence ranged from 1 to 2 stars depending on the type of light)
Serious: None.
Other: Skin irritation and possible scarring.
Serious: None.
Other: Pain during treatment, temporary skin reactions, colour changes, and irritation.
None.
Some people may feel discomfort during and after the treatment. Lasers and IPL can only be done in a clinic and can be time consuming.
PDT can only be done at a clinic and can be time consuming. It can require 1–3 hours for the solution to absorb onto the skin before light treatment, which can take 15–20 minutes.
Light therapy may not be convenient if acne covers a lot of your body or if acne is in hard-to-reach areas. These treatments are time consuming and often need to be used every day.
Prices vary but can range from $200-$500 USD per treatment. A doctor might recommend 3 treatments, each about a month apart. It is often not covered by insurance.
Prices vary but start around $400 USD per treatment. A doctor might recommend 3-5 treatments. PDT is often not covered by insurance.
Prices vary but can range from around $150 - $250 USD for one device. Light therapy is often not covered by insurance.
Prices as of 2016 and may vary by region.