Blue light therapy devices have gained immense popularity due to their remarkable ability to treat various skin concerns, especially acne.
So, whether you’re aiming to address acne or merely help prevent future breakouts and enhance your overall skin health, incorporating blue light therapy devices into your skincare routine can be a great investment.
But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming.
So, let’s cover how to choose the best blue light therapy for acne at home – plus the list of the best options on the market as of right now. Let’s get started.
What Is Blue Light Therapy? + What Is It For?
Blue light therapy is a type of phototherapy that is usually referred to as LED skin treatments.
These skin treatments use a specific wavelength of light to target and fix skin (or even health) issues. Each LED color – or more accurately its wavelength – corresponds to a different issue.
Blue light therapy is the best LED light therapy when it comes to treating acne. You can learn more about the other benefits of blue light therapy here.
So, How Can Blue Light Remove Acne?
The short answer is that it kills the bacteria that cause acne.
The blue light penetrates deep into the skin, into the skin’s hair follicles and pores, which harbor bacteria. And since this bacteria is very sensitive to the blue light spectrum, once the light is applied it shuts down bacteria’s metabolism and kills them.
So, unlike topical treatments that target the problem on the skin’s surface, light treatment eliminates it from within the skin – before the bacteria can even feed on oil glands and trigger redness and inflammation.
Image source: Freepik
Can Using Blue Light Therapy at Home Actually Clear Acne?
Yes! At-home blue light therapy devices work pretty much the same as the ones from a salon.
They emit a specific light wavelength that targets acne-causing bacteria, and simultaneously reduces inflammation. This also helps reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
However, the effects also depend on the type of acne. This treatment works best for mild to moderate acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
How to Use At-Home Blue Light Therapy Devices
Using at-home blue light therapy devices is easy and straightforward.
First, make sure your skin is clean and makeup free. Then just place (or hold) the device over the area you’re looking to treat for the recommended amount of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
This is generally how the at-home LED light therapy devices work but it’s important to follow the instructions that come with your device to ensure that you are using it correctly and safely.
Also – don’t forget to clean your device after each use!
Cleaning your LED device after each session is a must. This prevents the accumulation of oil and bacteria – which can, ironically, cause acne over time.
To do this, you can use an alcohol pad or soapy water (whichever the manufacturer recommends) to wipe it clean and ensure it dries completely before your next use.
@snatchedbypaulyblanch AMAZING BEFORE AND AFTER!!!! Im just Wow’d with Shea’s results She used @snatchedbypaulyblanch for 6 WEEKS And her acne is completely gone!! 🥹 this makes me so happy. The device has medical grade LED light therapy with the blue light setting killing bacteria that caused acne. The ultra sound stimulated the skin and fluids in the face activating the skin and helping the body’s lymphatic drainage. It has taken all the inflammation away and helped close up the pours. These results just speak for it self! @shea_mclo ❤️🥰❤️🙏🏼 #acnetreatment #ancegone #athomeacnetreatments #athomeacnetreatment #skincareathome #skincarejunkie #facialtreatment #facialathome #clearskinathome #skincaretips #snatchedbypaulyblanch ♬ original sound - prettylittlething
How Often to Use Blue Light Therapy for Acne at Home?
Clinical results have shown that at-home devices can be just as effective at treating mild acne as in-office treatments, albeit with lower intensity.
However, this also allows for more frequent sessions, which has been shown to be effective since optimal treatment is provided through daily use.
Plus, there are other benefits of using an at-home device:
- It’s gentler than topical treatments and completely non-invasive and painless.
- Even though it requires an initial investment, getting an at-home device ends up being more cost-effective as scheduling this treatment regularly at a salon adds up.
- You can use them at any time in the comfort of your own home, without having to schedule appointments or visit a dermatologist so it’s really convenient.
How to Choose the Best At Home Blue Light Therapy for Acne Device?
When choosing the best blue light acne treatment device for at-home use, there are a few things you should consider.
First and foremost, make sure the device is FDA-cleared. If a device is labeled as FDA cleared, that means it’s been independently tested for safety and efficacy and its product claims are verified.
Next, consider the area you’re looking to treat. Some devices are designed for specific areas of the face, while others can be used on larger areas of the whole body.
Another important factor is the price. The devices can range from as little as $50 up to a few hundred dollars. So, consider how often you will be using the device before making a purchase.
Don’t forget to take into account the maintenance costs and additional features as some devices may include timers, rechargeable batteries, or multiple light settings. Consider which features are important to you and your skincare routine.
And before you order your device, be sure to consult with a dermatologist – especially if you have a serious skin condition or are taking any medications that may affect your skin.
Best At-Home Blue Light Therapy for Acne Devices
There are several at-home blue light therapy devices available in the market. Here are some of the best blue light therapy for acne at home recommendations:
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro is a wearable LED face mask that uses a combination of red and blue LED lights to penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that can cause acne.
This mask is quite an investment but the convenience makes it worth it – it can be used for as little as three minutes a day! So it’s very easy to introduce it as a part of your daily routine.
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Mask
The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Mask is a popular and affordable option for at-home blue light therapy. This handheld device uses both blue and red light therapy so it simultaneously kills the bacteria and speeds up skin regeneration.
It’s small and battery-operated, so it can be used anywhere without the need for a power outlet.
The only downside is that it does require 2 minutes per area so it can be a bit time-consuming if you’re treating a bigger area.
LightStim for Acne
LightStim MultiWave Technology simultaneously emits multiple wavelengths of light that work together to give your skin the nourishment it needs for a more radiant and youthful appearance.
It penetrates deep and helps calm down inflammation. Plus the effects are noticeable pretty much right away. It has been clinically proven to be effective since the device is FDA-approved.
Pure Daily Care Luma Mask
One of the standout features of the Luma Mask is its versatility. It comes with seven different color LED lights – each with a specific skincare benefits, allowing you to customize your treatment.
It also includes a high-frequency mode for reducing inflammation and a galvanic mode for better product absorption. Since it also features four different modes of treatment, this makes it a worthy investment.
Tria Beauty Positively Clear Wand
Tria Acne Clearing Blue Light is a non-UV, non-irritating, high energy light based device used in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
What makes this one stand out is that it also comes with a skin-clearing treatment cartridge that uses a combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to help clear up existing breakouts and prevent future ones.
In Conclusion
For those seeking to treat acne safely, conveniently, and effectively at-home, blue light therapy devices for DIY use are a great option.
There are several options on the market, each with distinct features and benefits. So, when selecting the best blue light for acne at home, you should consider factors such as pricing, features, effectiveness and how easy it is for DIY use.
Remember to follow the instructions that come with your device to ensure that you are using it correctly and safely. Using blue LED light therapy regularly can lead to clearer, healthier-looking skin, making it a worthwhile investment in your skincare routine.
