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Red Light Therapy for Acne

Written by Our Editorial Team
6 MIN

Red light therapy for acne is a natural, non-invasive way to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and support skin healing, and we’re excited to share what it can do for your skincare routine.

In this article, we’ll explore how red light therapy works, why it can be effective for clearing breakouts and treating acne, and what you can expect when using it at home.

Whether you’re looking to calm active breakouts, reduce scarring, or enhance your skin's overall health, red light therapy might be the perfect addition to your skincare toolkit.

What this article covers:

What Is Red Light Therapy?
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Acne
How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home for Acne
Red Light Therapy for Acne (FAQs)

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to promote healing. In skincare, this therapy is applied using LED devices that emit specific wavelengths of red light.

RLT works by penetrating the skin and stimulating cellular activity, leading to faster healing and regeneration. This makes it an ideal option for addressing skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and even acne scars.

According to our research, red light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. It’s been around for years and has a growing reputation for being a versatile tool in skincare.

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Can Red Light Therapy Help With Acne?

Yes, it can! Here’s how red light therapy may help with acne:

Reduces Inflammation: Red light penetrates the skin and helps reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in acne development. When tested on acne-prone skin, studies found that it helped reduce redness and inflammation significantly.
Promotes Healing: It stimulates the production of collagen, which helps the skin heal faster and reduces the likelihood of acne scarring.
Regulates Sebum Production: RLT may help regulate oil (sebum) production, which can prevent clogged pores that lead to acne.
Improves Skin Health: By increasing blood circulation and cellular energy (ATP production), RLT enhances overall skin health and can improve the texture and appearance of skin affected by acne.

Red light therapy is often used in combination with blue light therapy, which targets acne-causing bacteria. It is a non-invasive and safe treatment, but results may vary depending on the severity of the acne and the consistency of the treatment.

How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy For Acne?

When using an LED face mask for red light therapy at home to treat acne, a general guideline is to start with short, consistent sessions and gradually adjust based on your skin's response.

In general, you can start with 3 to 5 sessions per week. However, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific LED face mask, as different devices may have varying intensity levels.

With our Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Mask, you can use it daily and it only takes three minutes!

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

The results from red light therapy for acne are gradual. According to our findings, you’ll likely start seeing improvements in skin tone and texture within four to six weeks of consistent use.

Results can vary depending on the severity of the acne and individual skin type. The best part? The improvements can continue as you keep up with the treatment.

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Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Acne

Let’s dive into some of the biggest benefits we’ve seen with red light therapy for acne:

Reduced Inflammation

Red light therapy is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a fantastic option for calming angry, red, and swollen breakouts. By penetrating the skin at the cellular level, it stimulates the biological processes that reduce inflammation.

Accelerated Healing

If you’re looking to speed up your skin’s natural healing process, red light therapy has you covered. Red light therapy works by energizing the mitochondria in skin cells, which are responsible for powering up cellular activities.

With this energy boost, your skin cells can repair themselves faster, which can be especially helpful for healing acne lesions.

This means that blemishes may clear up more quickly, allowing you to enjoy smoother skin sooner. It’s a gentle yet effective way to support your skin's natural repair process.

Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria

An at-home red light therapy mask can help kill the bacteria that cause acne by using a combination of red and blue light wavelengths.

While red light reduces inflammation and promotes healing, blue light therapy, often included in RTL masks, directly targets Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) – the bacteria responsible for triggering acne.

Blue light wavelengths, usually in the range of 400-490 nanometers, penetrate the skin's surface and destroy the bacteria without damaging surrounding skin cells. As a result, it helps to prevent new breakouts and clears existing acne by addressing one of the root causes of inflammation and infection.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Unlike some other acne treatments that involve needles or harsh chemicals, red light therapy is completely non-invasive. There’s no pain, no needles, and no downtime required.

You can easily incorporate it into your daily routine without worrying about any side effects or long recovery periods. This makes it an ideal option for anyone looking for a gentle, safe, and natural way to treat acne without the hassle.

Minimizes Scarring

One of the most impressive benefits of red light therapy for acne is its ability to help reduce scarring over time. Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which is essential for skin regeneration and for filling in those areas left behind by acne scars.

Increased collagen not only smooths the skin’s texture but also strengthens it, helping to improve the overall appearance of any leftover scars. It’s a gradual process, but consistent red light therapy can lead to significant improvements in skin tone and texture.

Anti-Aging Benefits

While red light therapy is fantastic for acne, it offers more than just clear skin—it’s also a great anti-aging tool. Red light therapy can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and increasing skin elasticity.

This means you’re getting double the benefits: clearer skin and a more youthful appearance. It’s an all-around solution for improving skin health, making it a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home for Acne

Here’s how you can incorporate red light therapy into your skincare routine at home:

Choose A Quality Device

The first step is to pick a reliable at-home red light therapy device. Look for one that emits light in the 630-850 nm wavelength range, like our red light mask and red light neck mask, as this is ideal for treating acne and other skin concerns.

Devices that meet this range allow the red light to penetrate the skin effectively, targeting deeper layers where the healing magic happens. Quality devices also tend to have better safety features and durability, making them a worthwhile investment in your skincare routine.

Our devices are all dermatologist and FDA-approved. With our red light therapy face and neck masks, you can be sure that you’ll be getting safe and effective results.

Cleanse Your Skin

Before you begin your session, always start with a clean face. Wash your skin gently, removing any makeup, oil, or dirt.

This step is essential because clean skin allows the red light to penetrate more effectively, reaching the skin’s deeper layers without any barriers. Plus, cleansing beforehand helps ensure you’re getting the full benefit of your session.

Set Up Your Session

Now it’s time to get comfortable! Position yourself in front of your red light device, ensuring it’s at the recommended distance from your face. Most devices come with specific guidelines on how long you should use them per session. For example, a session with our Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Mask only takes 3 minutes!

Set up a cozy spot where you can sit or lie down, relax, and let the red light work its wonders on your skin. You can even use this time to unwind, listen to music, or meditate.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results with red light therapy for acne. For the best outcome, aim for three to five sessions each week. Regular treatments give your skin the boost it needs to heal and renew itself while killing bacteria at the same time.

Over time, you’ll start noticing improvements in the texture, tone, and clarity of your skin. Building a consistent routine around your red light therapy sessions helps you maximize these benefits, so try to fit them into your schedule regularly.

Follow Up With Gentle Skincare

After each session, your skin will be in repair mode, so it’s important to treat it with care. Follow up with a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to lock in hydration and support the healing process.

Avoid using harsh products like exfoliants or anything with strong acids, as your skin may be more sensitive right after the treatment. Instead, stick with soothing and nourishing products to complement the therapy and keep your skin calm and comfortable.

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Conclusion

Red light therapy masks offer a simple, non-invasive way to manage acne by reducing inflammation, accelerating healing, and killing acne-causing—all while providing added anti-aging benefits.

By incorporating a quality at-home red light therapy device into your skincare routine, you can enjoy clearer skin and improved skin health from the comfort of your own home. Plus, with no pain or recovery time, it’s an accessible treatment for nearly anyone looking to improve their complexion naturally.

If you’re ready to take control of your acne journey, check out our at-home red light therapy devices at Qure Skincare and discover a whole new approach to glowing, healthier skin.

Red Light Therapy for Acne (FAQs)

Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?

Yes, red light therapy is generally safe for all skin types. It’s a gentle treatment that doesn’t use UV rays, so it won’t damage your skin or increase sensitivity to sunlight. However, if you have a specific skin condition, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before starting any new treatment.

Can red light therapy be used with other acne treatments?

Absolutely! Red light therapy can complement other acne treatments, such as topical creams or cleansers. Just be mindful not to overdo it; if you’re using strong acne medications, avoid treatments that may cause irritation.

How long should I continue red light therapy to maintain results?

To maintain the benefits, consider ongoing weekly sessions even after your initial acne concerns have improved. Consistent use helps to keep inflammation down, kill bacteria, support collagen production, and promote an overall healthy skin tone. Many people find that one or two sessions per week work well for maintenance.

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