The benefits of light therapy for acne

There’s a certain buzz-term on the lips of both skin care experts and consumers at the moment: light therapy. And, in particular, how light therapy can be used to help reduce the appearance of acne. To find out more, we spoke to skin expert Anna Field about the benefits of light therapy for acne, how red and blue light treatment works to fight pimples, and the high-tech light therapy product you need to add to your anti-acne arsenal – like, now.

What is light therapy for acne?

If you’re a little confused as to how coloured lights can help treat skin issues, Anna Field, founder of The Beauty Room in Sydney, explains: “LED (Light Emitting Diode) light therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free, skin-rejuvenating treatment. Depending on the light used, acne, scarring, lines and wrinkles, rosacea and sun damage can be treated.”

But don’t go getting light therapy for acne confused with laser treatments for acne – this is very different. It’s not laser and it’s not ultraviolet (UV) radiation. “The light source is usually an LED which energises cells to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity and increase blood flow, which in turn increases oxygen and also releases toxins. In Australia, we have red light (633nm) and blue light (633nm),” Anna says.  

Traditionally, light therapy is used in salons by trained skin care professionals, however, it’s now possible to experience light therapy for acne at home with the new Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask. And because light therapy doesn’t use a laser or ultraviolet radiation, and instead uses a form of LED, this DIY mask is safe to use at home.

So, how does the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask help reduce acne?

This mask helps to treat mild to moderate acne by sending therapeutic red-light and blue-light wavelengths into the skin at the speed of light, targeting both inflammation and bacteria. The blue light targets the acne-causing bacteria, while the red light targets inflammation of acne. According to a clinical study conducted by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., 98 per cent of trial participants had fewer breakouts and 94 per cent had smoother skin after 12 weeks*.

How do you use the mask?

Using the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask couldn’t be easier…

Step 1: Plug the silver tip on the cord into the activator, so no silver is showing.

Step 2: Cleanse with a gentle Neutrogena cleanser, like Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, and dry your face.

Step 3: Slip the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask on like a pair of glasses and turn it on by pushing the power button on the activator.

Step 4: Relax for 10 minutes while the light penetrates your skin, until the mask turns itself off. The mask has arms that slip over the ears like glasses, so you can sit and watch TV, or move around if you’d prefer.

Step 5: Remove the mask and apply your Neutrogena moisturiser. We like Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF15.

Simply use the mask for 10 minutes every day, and you could see results as quickly as one week after treatment has commenced.

Are there any dos and don’ts when using the masklight therapy?

When light therapy is included in your skin care routine, it’s important to cleanse with a gentle cleanser prior to using the mask, and ensure that all your makeup has been removed. Also, don’t skimp on your SPF. And if you’re using a prescription cream, apply it after using the LED therapy mask.

*Clinical study on 52 subjects with mild to moderate acne for 12 weeks with 10 minutes daily use.

*Always read the label. Use only as directed.

Do you suffer from mild to moderate acne? Would you like to try the light therapy mask?