Does Red Light Therapy Help with Acne?
By Jake Admire
March 12, 2025
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You’ve tried the spot treatments. You’ve nailed your skincare lineup. Maybe you’ve even cut back on dairy. And now your FYP is full of futuristic red light therapy devices promising clearer skin. But can this non-invasive acne treatment really help with one of the most common skin conditions out there?
The short answer: Yes, it can. But like most treatments, it’s not a miracle fix—it’s a tool. Here’s what to know about red light therapy (RLT) and how to integrate it into your acne-care routine.
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What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared visible light—via light-emitting diode (LED) technology—to stimulate skin cells and promote healing. Originally studied for wound repair and pain relief, it’s now being explored for its impact on:
- Acne and inflammation
- Redness and rosacea
- Acne scars and uneven skin texture
- Fine lines and collagen loss
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Hair thinning and scalp health
Your skin—the body’s largest and most light-responsive organ—absorbs red light, triggering cellular activity that may speed healing, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Red light therapy is compatible with a variety of skin types and has minimal side effects, but if you have sensitive skin, you should start slowly to see how it reacts.
How Does Red Light Therapy Help Acne?
Let’s get into the science:
- Reduces inflammation: Red light penetrates the skin to calm inflammation at the cellular level, helping reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne vulgaris.
- Targets oil production: Red light treatment may help reduce sebum production from the sebaceous glands, which are often overactive in acne-prone skin.
- Boosts circulation: Increased blood flow helps carry oxygen and nutrients to skin tissue—supporting your skin’s natural repair process.
- Supports skin detox: Red light encourages skin clarity without irritation by accelerating dead skin cell turnover.
- Promotes collagen production: Collagen is essential for maintaining skin structure and healing post-acne marks.
- Can be combined with other light-based therapies: Some red light devices are combined with blue light therapy to target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammatory lesions, offering a more complete approach to the treatment of acne.
Tip:Think of it as creating the ideal conditions for your skin to do what it’s already trying to do: heal.
What to Expect from Red Light Therapy
It’s not a one-and-done solution. For visible results, consistency is key.
- Most people need to follow a treatment plan, such as 2-3 red light therapy treatments per week for several weeks or even months, to see the best results.
- While those with mild-to-moderate acne may see significant improvement, results usually appear toward the end of the treatment cycle—not overnight.
- Maintenance sessions (every few months) help preserve results long term.
Tip: A red-light device for at-home use typically has lower light wavelengths and may take longer than doctor’s office treatments—but it’s great for regular use.
5 Tips for Using Red Light Therapy with Acne-Safe Skincare
Thinking about adding red light therapy treatment to your routine? Make sure the rest of your routine supports your skin goals, too.
1. Start with Consistency
Stick to a daily acne-safe routine using products free from pore-clogging ingredients. Red light will be a more effective treatment as part of a holistic acne-fighting plan.
2. Pair with Gentle Exfoliants
If you're also using salicylic acid or retinoids, alternate them with red light therapy rather than stacking everything all at once.
3. Track Your Ingredients
Use an ingredient checker to ensure your products are non-comedogenic and free of breakout triggers.
4. Don’t Skip SPF
If you're using red light therapy, sun protection is crucial. Always finish your routine with a non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect your skin and support healing.
5. Support Your Skin from Within
- Eat a balanced, whole-food-focused diet.
- Limit sugar and dairy (if you notice flare-ups).
- Stay hydrated and manage stress.
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Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
These factors can help regulate hormones and inflammation that affect acne-prone skin.
The Takeaway: Red Light Therapy Can Help With Acne
When it comes to treatment options, red light therapy for acne isn’t hype—it’s science-backed and promising. For best results, red light therapy should be part of a comprehensive approach that also considers your overall skincare routine.
If you're curious, try an at-home LED mask or consult a derm for professional-grade sessions. But don’t forget the basics: consistent cleansing, acne-safe skincare, sun protection, and a lifestyle that supports healthy skin.
When your skin has the right tools and the right support, it knows what to do.