Red Light Therapy for Pimples and Acne
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a skin disorder affecting up to 90% of adolescents and often can continue into adulthood.[1] The condition is not dangerous and contagious, but it can affect the patient’s social and emotional aspects of life. Acne mainly occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of acne include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. Existing studies suggest that using photobiomodulation therapy for pimples and acne may promote healing by reducing swelling and potentially exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.[2]
Red Light Therapy is a New Approach to Working with Skin Conditions Like Acne
Existing research has presented PhotoBioModulation as a potential therapy for acne vulgaris with relatively low side effects. The idea behind the therapy with red light is that absorption of light by Cutibacterium acnes may produce phototoxic agents that destroy them.
The suggestion is that red light affects the sebaceous glands by a photo-thermal mechanism and reduces acne lesions.[3] Probably, red light exerts its action by releasing several cytokines from macrophages and other cells that reduce inflammation.
PhotoBioModulation therapy (PBMt) in the red to near-infrared spectral range (630–1000 nm) and with nonthermal power (less than 200 mW) has been used safely in many clinical settings. It is showing promising results in the possible treatment of acne.
ARRC LED also believes that as research progresses, researchers will discover that the addition of green light will have a similar effect to 420nm blue, exhibiting antibacterial and antiviral properties. But, unlike 420nm blue, long-term green light use does not pose risk to adrenal damage.
Mechanism of Action of Red Light Therapy on Acne
Clinical observations and studies have shown that patients experience improvement in acne after exposure to natural sunlight, but the specific mechanism is unclear. A more recent hypothesis suggests that light-based therapies may help decrease the level of Cutibacterium acnes and reduce the size and function of the pilosebaceous unit.[4] Specifically, porphyrins produced naturally within sebaceous follicles by C. acnes absorb light wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm, with a peak absorption at 415 nm. Light absorption then leads to the photoexcitation of porphyrins, followed by the release of singlet oxygen and reactive free radicals that exert bactericidal effects on C. acnes.
Longer wavelengths, such as red light, activate porphyrins less effectively but penetrate deeper into the skin. It may directly target sebaceous glands and exert anti-inflammatory properties by influencing cytokine release from macrophages. Additionally, therapy with infrared lasers may directly cause phototoxic and photothermal damage to sebaceous glands, leading to reduced gland size and sebum production.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Acne
According to existing studies, the primary benefit of PBM or red light therapy for acne is that it can reduce inflammation and painful swelling, as well as decrease the size of spots. RLT is also thought to stimulate how cells make energy, giving them a higher metabolism. PBM can help cells function more effectively, including the production of more proteins, such as collagen.[5] Collagen keeps the skin elastic and plump, giving it an overall youthful appearance.
Red light therapy can also improve circulation, which enhances the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the cells, enabling them to function more effectively. This also includes enhanced lymphatic drainage, the method by which the body clears waste products away. By encouraging lymphatic drainage, the body can flush out impurities and toxins that can cause spots and pimples.
Research Supporting Photobiomodulation for Acne
In one study, fifteen women with moderate acne vulgaris on their faces were exposed to 20 J/cm² of broadband red (λ: 600-750 nm) light twice weekly for four weeks. As a result, a significant improvement in acne lesions and a substantial decrease in facial sebum excretion and TEWL were observed at the end of therapy and the 3-month follow-up visit.[6] The results could be related to the reduced follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes, as photoactivated endogenous porphyrins damage it.
All 28 patients (18 women and 10 men) completed another study, and none were lost to follow-up or excluded for failure to meet the laser application protocol. All patients tolerated the laser treatment without any adverse effects or reactions. The mean age of the patients was 25.9 ± 2.9 years (range, 18–32 years). Fourteen patients had skin type III, and the remaining patients had skin type IV. The total number of lesions on both sides of the patients’ faces during baseline and each follow-up session showed no significant differences between the mean lesion counts on the sides treated with R-LLLT and those treated with IR-LLLT (P = 0.8). There was a gradual decline in both treated faces during the follow-up, but this trend was more pronounced on the R-LLLT-treated side. Ten weeks after the beginning of treatment, a dramatic decrease in the number of lesions was observed on the R-LLLT-treated side.[7]
Side Effects
All the experts agree that the risk of side effects when using devices such as the Red Light Therapy bed is minimal. Lifestyle and beauty editorial, Byrdie, interviewed two leading physicians in this space, and here’s what they said:[8]
“While light therapy is safe for most skin types, a few light-sensitive conditions, such as melasma, which LED light can exacerbate,” is Dr. Birnbaum caution. Dr. Nazarian notes that “rare diseases can make your eyes sensitive to specific wavelengths” and emphasizes the importance of wearing proper eye protection during LED treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy for Pimples and Acne
How Does Red Light Therapy Help Acne?
Although the specific mechanisms of action for photobiomodulation are still being confirmed, considerable insights can be drawn from the outcomes. Red light therapy benefits acne via increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) availability, reducing oxidative stress, and improving cell repair, and function. This process offers a wide range of benefits for various dermatological concerns, including inflammation, collagen production, skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and acne.
Can Red Light Therapy Cause Breakouts?
Photobiomodulation for acne is considered a non-invasive intervention with little to no adverse effects. Occasionally, we have seen the breakouts get worse before they get better as the cells clean and repair. One study demonstrated a few short-term and self-resolving adverse effects that didn’t last long, but included mild redness, dryness, itchiness, or stinging.
How Often Should I Do Red Light Therapy For Acne?
Generally, most Red Light Therapy consists of 3-5 sessions per week, each lasting 10-20 minutes. Depending on the skin condition, this can persist for 1-4 months. ARRC LED’s whole-body chambers can provide a full-body session in just 12 minutes. The beauty of the ARRC LED light bed is that the side effects are positive. While one may target acne, they find that their pain is reduced, energy is increased, and they sleep better.
Is Any Special Treatment Needed Before the Treatment?
For two weeks before a light therapy session, it is recommended to avoid retinol and other skin care products that may thin the skin.
What Color Light Gets Rid of Pimples?
Several forms of photobiomodulation are beneficial in treating acne. At ARRC LED, we’ve seen promising results with green and red light therapy, especially.
How to Determine if Red Light Therapy Is Working?
This will vary depending on what is being targeted. When applying red light therapy for pimples and acne, take photos of the face, back, or body wherever acne is present before beginning a program. After a few weeks of consistent sessions, retake pictures and measure the difference. Look for overall coloring and hyperpigmentation, visibility of acne scars, dryness, density of blemishes, and the presence of rosacea. Mark the differences in inflammatory acne or severe acne and determine if additional sessions are needed to continue progress.
Can Red Light Therapy for Acne Be Done at Home?
Yes, it is possible to perform red light therapy for acne at home. Not all devices are created equal, however. Many home devices are ineffective and may not yield the desired results, whereas a more sophisticated, science-backed, and innovative device can target acne with positive outcomes.
How Does Red Light Therapy Compare to Other Acne Treatments Like Chemical Peels or Benzoyl Peroxide?
All forms of photobiomodulation and red light therapy for pimples and acne are non-invasive, saving already irritated skin from harsh chemical peels and cleansers. Red light acne programs stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, rather than circumventing them with toxic skincare routines.
Sources
- Sutaria, A. H. (2023, August 17). Acne vulgaris. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- Pei, S., Inamadar, A. C., Adya, K. A., & Tsoukas, M. M. (2015). Light-based therapies in acne treatment. Indian dermatology online journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439741/
- Pei, S., Inamadar, A. C., Adya, K. A., & Tsoukas, M. M. (2015). Light-based therapies in acne treatment. Indian dermatology online journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439741/
- Bhargava, S., Listopadzki, T., Diletti, S., Crane, J. K., Duquin, T. R., & Boyle, K. K. (2020, June 20). Effect of blue light and photosensitizers on cutibacterium acnes on shoulder periprosthetic joint infection isolates. Journal of bone and joint infection. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7358969/
- Tafur, J., & Mills, P. J. (2008, August). Low-intensity light therapy: Exploring the role of Redox Mechanisms. Photomedicine and laser surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2996814/
- Zane C; Capezzera R; Pedretti A; Facchinetti E; Calzavara-Pinton P (n.d.). Non-invasive diagnostic evaluation of phototherapeutic effects of red light phototherapy of Acne Vulgaris. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18811865/
- Aziz-Jalali, M. H., Tabaie, S. M., & Djavid, G. E. (2012, March). Comparison of red and infrared low-level laser therapy in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Indian journal of dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352636/
- Chadwick, M. R. (2021, October 18). How to treat your acne using light therapy (no creams, no gels). Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/light-therapy-for-acne-4800921
- Pei, S., Inamadar, A. C., Adya, K. A., & Tsoukas, M. M. (2015). Light-based therapies in acne treatment. Indian dermatology online journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439741/
