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.
What exactly is 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.
How does LED light help acne?
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.
Is LED light for skin safe?
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.
The best at-home LED light devices for acne:
Think of this as an LED spot treatment. Red and blue light work in tandem with each other to ward off both inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. Plus, it's only $35.
Riki Loves Riki's newest produce combines both red and blue light therapy for a tailored approach that reaches both the surface and inner layers of the skin. It's like an LED pimple patch, and it couldn't be easier to use—or more innovative.
In this light therapy wand, blue light and red light work in tandem with each other to both fight acne and reduce inflammation. All you have to do is hold it to the area you want to treat for three minutes.
This little device might be as close to an at-home facial as you'll ever get. Not only does it have three different LED light attachments, but it also has massage attachments to ease tension and promote circulation.
This blue light device comes with adhesive strips to attach to your face for the best results. In a clinical study conducted by the brand, participants showed a 75% reduction in inflammatory acne after 30 days of use.
This innovative red and blue light wand is specifically tailored to help acne. The Lightstim for Acne emits light and warmth to kill bacteria and clear your face.
Consider this bionic mask the gold standard for LED therapy. It has five types of light therapy to penetrate different layers of the skin and target a myriad of issues like acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and firmness.
Dr. Dennis Gross also has a device specifically for acne. This portable device has both red and blue lights for killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
This LED mask doesn't just look chic—it's highly effective against acne. The blue light feature will kill bacteria, but there are also three other light colors: red for anti-aging and inflammation, orange for lymphatic drainage, and green for hyperpigmentation.
At just $36, this acne treatment is a steal. Red and blue light settings help both calm inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria.
