Can Light Therapy Really Heal Acne Scars

Acne affects millions of people globally. These scars may impact your confidence and make you self-conscious. Visible light devices can kill bacteria on the skin and they have been used by dermatologists as an alternative acne treatment. Light therapy, especially LED light therapy is safe for most people and relatively free of side effects [1]. But in the world of endless skincare trends and miracle promises, it’s natural to wonder: can light therapy actually help heal acne scars?

What are acne scars and how do they form

Acne scars are the result of inflammation of the dermis brought on by acne blemishes. When the acne pore swells, it causes a break in the follicle wall. If this break is deep, the infected material can spill out into the surrounding tissue, causing deeper lesions.

When acne develops, your skin becomes inflamed due to bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells clogging the pores. Your immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection, creating redness and swelling.

During severe breakouts, the inflammation can reach deep into the skin, damaging the collagen fibers and other structural elements. As your body tries to repair this damage quickly, it sometimes produces either too much or too little collagen. Too little collagen results in depressed (atrophic) scars, while too much collagen creates raised (hypertrophic) scars.

How does LED light therapy work for acne scars

LED light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate various processes in the skin. For acne scars, LED therapy devices emit red, near-infrared, or blue light that penetrates the skin at different depths. Each wavelength triggers distinct biological reactions in the skin cells. LED light therapy can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, enhance skin texture, and improve blood circulation.

Blue light (405-470nm)

Blue light focuses on eliminating the bacteria that contribute to acne formation. These bacteria produce porphyrins, which are sensitive to blue light. When exposed to blue light, the porphyrins generate reactive oxygen species, effectively killing the bacteria. By reducing the bacterial load, blue light helps prevent new acne breakouts and diminishes inflammation, paving the way for a cleaner complexion and reducing the potential for new scar formation.

Red light (630-700nm)

Red light penetrates deeper into the skin compared to blue light. It works by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. By enhancing collagen production, red light therapy helps to repair damaged skin and improve the appearance of acne scars. The red light also promotes cellular turnover and reduces inflammation, contributing to a smoother and more even skin texture. Therefore, red light is particularly effective for atrophic scars.

Near-infrared light (800-940nm)

Near-infrared light has a longer wavelength that allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the deeper layers where collagen and elastin fibers are located. Similar to red light, near-infrared light can enhance cellular repair and regeneration and promote better healing response. It can work synergistically with red light. As near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin, the is most effective for deeper, more severe scarring.

What color LED light is best for acne scars

Each light wavelength has a different effect on acne scars, making it difficult to determine the single best color for treatment. The most effective option depends on the type of acne scars being treated. Blue light can help prevent new breakouts and subsequent scarring. Red light is effective for atrophic scars while near-infrared light helps heal deeper, more severe scarring.

Most LED light therapy devices use red and near-infrared light. For example, our RLB02 beauty light therapy mask combines 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light to help heal acne scars.

Some devices also include blue light to eliminate bacteria and reduce acne breakouts. Our RLB01 light therapy mask, for instance, features blue light on its remote controller for this purpose.

For a more comprehensive approach to acne scar treatment, some masks incorporate multiple wavelengths. Our RLB04 beauty light therapy mask, for example, offers four wavelengths - 450nm (blue), 590nm (yellow), 660nm (red), and 850nm (near-infrared) - along with three treatment modes to enhance effectiveness.

What to expect during light therapy treatment

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, visible light therapy isn’t effective for treating whiteheads, blackheads, or nodular acne.

If you’re considering light therapy for acne scars, keep in mind that results take time. This treatment works by stimulating your skin’s natural healing process, so don’t expect significant changes after just one session. Consistency is key.

Before a light therapy session, cleanse your skin thoroughly and remove any skincare products or makeup. A clean, bare face allows the light to penetrate more effectively. If you're using a device that emits light directly into your eyes, such as a panel, be sure to wear eye protection.

Each session typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the device’s guidelines. During treatment, you may notice bright light exposure and a slight warming sensation, but there shouldn’t be any pain or discomfort. Mild redness or warmth in the treated area is common, but these effects usually fade within a few hours.

For the best results, avoid using retinoids for 24 to 48 hours before your session. After treatment, limit sun exposure to protect your skin.

Source:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756640

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, illness, or health problem.