These Light Therapy Devices Are Like At-Home Cortisone Shots for Acne

Sometimes, no matter how diligently you wash your face or apply topicals like retinol, acne crops up. Blame it on stress, lack of sleep, hormones, you name it—sometimes, pimples are just inescapable. If you need to zap a zit fast, you have limited options. There are pimple patches, which draw out oil and protect the skin barrier but require keeping a patch on your face, or cortisone shots, which work instantly to reduce inflammation but can be pricey. One other remedy for acne? LED light therapy. 

"LED light therapy, also known as light emitting diode, refers to treatments that use lights that emit different wavelengths to target different skincare concerns," says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "These concerns include acne reduction, collagen boosting, and overall improvement in skin tone and texture." Different types of LED light have different benefits to the skin—for example, blue light might be better for acne since it kills bacteria on the skin's surface, while red light is able to penetrate the skin more deeply, which means it might be better for collagen production. 

When you're targeting acne specifically, you'll likely want to opt for a blue LED since it kills bacteria on the skin. "Skin bacteria are one of the contributing factors of acne, along with oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation," says board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. "Bacteria may be susceptible to effects of blue light on skin, which includes the production of reactive oxygen species. A reduction in bacteria may lead to improvements in acne."

Other forms of LED light are also beneficial to the skin (and may even help acne in the process, too). "Red light can stimulate collagen production, [which] may help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time as well as improve the overall texture of the skin," says Garshick. Yellow light may also help with sun damage and skin aging. 

The short answer is yes, LED light therapy is considered safe for all skin types. You do, however, need to ensure you're using LED light properly to avoid side effect like redness, swelling, or other forms of irritation. Don't use LED light more than three to five times a week, and always cleanse your skin before using LED therapy. "It is also important to use be sure to protect your eyes when using LED light devices, so be sure to look for a product that ensures proper eye covering is in place," says Garshick.