Affecting up to 50 million Americans each year, acne is one of the most pressing skin issues today. But the impact of acne goes far beyond those little red bumps, and it can wreak havoc on self-esteem and make people feel frustrated when they look in the mirror.
During Acne Awareness Month, we want to remind you that you are not alone, and acne is not forever. With the support of trusted skin experts and a range of clinically proven acne treatments available today, clear skin is within your reach.
Whether you want to avoid the occasional breakout or soothe an inflamed acne, LED light therapy is an effective tool in your acne-fighting arsenal. Below, we take a deep dive into how blue and red light therapy can eliminate pesky zits while preventing future breakouts with insights from three respected dermatologists and scientific advisory board members: Dr. Klaus Fritz, MD; Dr. Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS; and Dr. Glynis Ablon, MD, FAAD.Affecting up to 50 million Americans each year, acne is one of the most pressing skin issues today. But acne affects so much more than just those little red bumps. It can also wreak havoc on self-esteem and make people feel depressed when they look in the mirror.
During Acne Awareness Month, we want to remind you that you are not alone and that acne will not last forever. With the support of trusted skin experts and a range of clinically proven acne treatments available today, you can achieve clear skin.
Whether you want to avoid acne or keep it at bay.
Breaking Down the Benefits of Blue Light Therapy for Acne-Prone Skin
Blue light has significant benefits for acne-prone skin. "Blue light therapy is beneficial for acne-prone skin because it helps reduce bacteria on the surface of the skin that can cause acne, clogged pores, and congestion," Dr. Jagdeo notes.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of blue light for acne treatment:
Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is the culprit behind the redness and swelling of acne lesions. "Blue light therapy helps reduce inflammation associated with acne," Dr. Fritz notes. "This can reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of the skin, making acne less severe."
Addresses current acne problems and prevents future ones: While it's important to treat existing pimples, we also want to prevent those pesky pimples from appearing in the first place. "By reducing the number of Propionibacterium acnes on the skin, blue light therapy can help prevent future acne outbreaks," Dr. Fritz notes. Therefore, blue light therapy can be a useful preventative treatment for people who often break out.
Reduces sebum production: Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that the skin produces to replenish moisture and protect against external irritants. However, excess sebum can clog pores and lead to acne. "Some studies have shown that blue light therapy can help reduce sebum production," Dr. Fritz noted. "By reducing sebum production, blue light therapy can make the skin less prone to acne."
The LuxRenew Contour Face Pro mask is an FDA-cleared device that delivers 415nm blue light to target and kill P.acnes bacteria on the skin’s surface – all from the comfort of your home. The LuxRenew Contour Face Pro mask features the same blue light wavelength (plus the acne-fighting powers of salicylic acid and green tea in our concentrated Hydrocolloid Patches) in a low-cost, pocket-sized package for ultra-targeted treatments.
But, that’s not all: LuxRenew Contour and the Blemish Eraser also feature 633nm red light to stimulate the skin’s healing process, calm inflammation, reduce redness, ramp up collagen production, and curb excess sebum.
The Supporting Act: How 633nm Red Light Complements Blue Light Therapy for Acne
Blue light therapy may be the star treatment for acne, but red light therapy also has skin-soothing properties on its own. "Blue light therapy may be the star treatment for acne, but red light therapy also has skin-soothing properties on its own," Dr. Jagdeo points out. "Red light therapy, combined with blue light therapy, has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne."
So, while blue light therapy inhibits bacteria, "red light therapy focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing," says Dr. Fritz. "Red light therapy penetrates deeper into the skin than blue light, reaching the dermis where inflammation occurs. It helps reduce inflammation associated with acne, which reduces redness and swelling. This can make active acne less noticeable and easier to control.
Red light therapy can also help the skin recover faster after an acne breakout. "Red light stimulates the skin's natural healing process, helping to repair damaged tissue and reduce the appearance of acne scars over time," notes Dr. Fritz. "It also improves blood flow, providing more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells and reducing sebum production.
As part of a regular skincare routine, red light therapy can help you get rid of acne once and for all. "Red light therapy boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Regular treatments over time can lead to smoother skin texture and more even skin tone."
So, while blue light therapy inhibits bacteria, "red light therapy focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing," says Dr. Fritz. “Red light therapy penetrates deeper into the skin than blue light, reaching the dermis where inflammation occurs. It helps reduce the inflammation associated with acne, thereby reducing redness and swelling. This can make active acne less noticeable.
What’s Really Happening During LED Light Therapy?
Do you ever wonder what’s actually happening to your skin during your LED light therapy sessions? We asked our Scientific Advisory Board for a complete run-down on the details.
415nm Blue Light Treatment
According to Dr. Fritz, “Blue light at 415nm is absorbed by porphyrins, which are naturally occurring molecules produced by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria involved in acne. Porphyrins are particularly sensitive to blue light.”
“When porphyrins absorb blue light, they become excited and undergo a photochemical reaction that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are toxic to the bacteria, effectively killing them. The decrease in P. acnes bacteria reduces the overall bacterial load on the skin, leading to fewer and less severe acne breakouts.”
633nm Red Light Treatment
Red light therapy, on the other hand, penetrates more deeply into the skin, reaching the dermis layer. Dr. Fritz notes, “This deeper penetration allows red light to affect skin cells and tissues that blue light cannot reach. Red light is absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria of skin cells. This absorption increases the activity of the mitochondria, boosting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cells.”
“Enhanced ATP production leads to increased cellular activity and regeneration. It also improves blood circulation in the treated areas. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin cells, aiding in the healing process and overall skin health.”
Building Your Acne Treatment Plan: Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Breakouts
When chatting with our scientific advisors, we asked them if they recommend avoiding specific skincare ingredients, as well as treatments for acne-prone skin. Their advice can be incorporated into a comprehensive acne treatment approach that takes into account all aspects of your lifestyle and the impact it may have on your skin.
"Since everyone's skin and acne are unique, it's hard to give a blanket answer! Therefore, I always recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist or other skin professional to develop a plan that's right for you," says Dr. Jagdeo.
"In general, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, you may find success by choosing lighter-weight products like gel-cream moisturizers, rather than heavy creams and oils that may aggravate clogged pores." When chatting with our scientific advisors, we asked them if they recommend avoiding specific skincare ingredients, as well as treatments for acne-prone skin. Their advice can be incorporated into a comprehensive acne treatment approach that takes into account all aspects of your lifestyle and the impact it may have on your skin.
"Since everyone's skin and acne are unique, it's hard to give a blanket answer! Therefore, I always recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist or other skin professional to come up with a plan that's right for you," says Dr. Jagdeo.
"In general, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, you can opt for lighter-weight products like gel-cream moisturizers instead of heavy creams and oils that may worsen clogged pores.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid for Acne-Prone Skin
Generally, people with acne-prone skin should steer clear of these ingredients in skincare:
Comedogenic ingredients: If an ingredient is comedogenic (heavy oils like coconut oil or butters like cocoa or shea), it has the potential to clog your pores.
Irritating scrubs: "Physical exfoliants with large, harsh particles (like walnut shells) can irritate the skin and make acne worse," says Dr. Fritz. In addition, over-exfoliation can cause irritation and inflammation, exacerbating existing acne. Your dermatologist will recommend the best exfoliant (and exfoliation schedule) for your skin.
Fragrances and dyes "may irritate the skin and cause inflammation, which can lead to acne," notes Dr. Fritz. Before buying skincare products, read the labels carefully and look for aliases for fragrances, such as perfume, fragrance, scent, and cologne.
Products with alcohol: "Ingredients like SD alcohol and denatured alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce more oil, which can lead to more acne," notes Dr. Fritz. "Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can cause irritation, leading to skin allergies and dryness."
Skin Treatments to Avoid for Acne-Prone Skin
Certain treatments can cause more harm than good for acne-prone skin. Dr. Fritz suggests keeping clear from aggressive facials and extractions, which can trigger more inflammation than they’re worth. He also recommends avoiding oil-based makeup and heavy creams and ointments, which can block pores and lead to acne.
Is LED Light Therapy Right for My Acne?
All LuxRenew Contour Face Pro devices are medical grade, FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and TGA-approved. They are also backed by numerous clinical studies demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. So while Omnilux LED light therapy is proven to be safe, it may not be effective for more severe acne.
“I recommend blue and red LED light therapy for patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red, pus-filled comedones). Patients with more severe acne may require more intensive treatments to clear their skin,” Dr. Jagdeo notes. “For patients with mild to moderate acne, gentler treatments such as LED light therapy and topical products often work well while avoiding the side effects of oral treatments.” Dr. Fritz adds, “Light therapy can be used as a first step toward self-treatment with an at-home device. If that’s not enough, topical creams with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide can be helpful for most patients.” Only in very severe cases is it necessary to take systemic medications in the form of oral tablets".
"Regardless of severity, light therapy helps reduce inflammation, allows for a reduced dose or shorter duration of medication, and helps maintain and prevent new acne relapses".
Busting Common Acne Myths
Fact or fiction? These days, social media is flooded with acne tips, making it hard to tell the difference. Our consultants will provide you with clear answers in this sea of online information.
“Don’t believe the myths, false ideologies and other garbage that are floating around on social media countless times,” says Dr. Fritz. “Always be aware that case reports of improvement after [using] a treatment do not automatically mean that your condition will improve. A medication is only safe if it has been tested on hundreds of patients and proven to not cause side effects.”
Dr. Jagdeo adds: “I think we often see people try too many harsh active ingredients at once if they don’t consult a specialist, which ends up irritating their skin and causing more breakouts. I know it’s tempting to try as many products as possible to clear up your acne, but a simple skincare routine is often best! ”
With these important insights, let’s debunk a few common acne myths in honor of Acne Awareness Month:
Myth #1: Washing your face repeatedly throughout the day can help treat acne.
Truth: Washing your face more than twice a day strips your skin of its natural oils, which play a vital role in the skin’s protective barrier. If this barrier is compromised, it can actually lead to further irritation and inflammation, which can worsen acne.
Over-washing your face dries out your skin and also causes your skin to produce more oil in an attempt to defend against environmental stressors. These oils combine with bacteria and dead skin cells to clog your pores.
Myth 2: Acne is always a sign of poor hygiene.
Truth: There are many factors that can trigger acne, especially inflammatory acne, including genetics, hormones, age, and the environment. The causes of acne are more complex than just hygiene, and many people continue to have recurring acne even after following a strict cleansing routine.
Myth 3: Only teenagers get acne.
Truth: If only this were true! Alas, adult acne is extremely common. Hormonal fluctuations and age-related skin changes can trigger acne in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, even if you were acne-free throughout your adolescence.
Myth 4: More products are better.
Truth: You heard Dr. Jagdeo: Oftentimes, simple is best. Using too many skin care products, especially those with acne actives, can dry out and irritate your skin. Additionally, some ingredients, like retinol and benzoyl peroxide, can deactivate each other, undermining the effectiveness of your acne treatment.
The Future is Bright for Acne Treatment
Acne has a long and complex history. In ancient Rome, a court physician prescribed “watching shooting stars while rubbing a cloth over the pimples” as a treatment. While we’ve come a long way since the 4th century AD, it wasn’t that long ago that treatment options, especially at-home remedies, were very limited.
As medical research continues to grow and advance, we’re learning more about what causes acne and how to effectively treat it. Our consultants agree that while acne remains a prevalent skin problem, the future of acne treatment is changing for the better.
“There are many new developments in acne treatment,” says Dr. Jagdeo. “One thing I’ve noticed is that getting clinic-grade treatments at home is becoming more popular and accessible. At LuxRenew, we’re proud to contribute to this wave of popularity by offering clinical-grade at-home LED light therapy devices for acne treatment and skin rejuvenation.
“With social media awash with information, people of all ages are looking for affordable acne treatments that they can do at home,” adds Dr. Glynis Ablon. The pathophysiology is becoming clearer and reducing inflammation and reducing aspergillus on the skin is exactly what low-intensity laser devices do.
"The medical community now recognizes that you don't have to endure pain to get therapeutic results! LuxRenew offers both at-home devices and in-office treatment procedures that greatly improve this common skin condition that affects all age groups and skin types."
Parting Words For Clearer Skin
We’ll sign off with our experts’ top tips for people struggling with acne: “Get [a] medical consultation from [a] dermatologist early to classify your type of acne and [learn] about your therapeutic options,” says Dr. Fritz.
Dr. Jagdeo agrees: “My #1 tip is to see a board-certified dermatologist or other skin expert to develop a plan that’s specific to your skin’s needs.”
We’d love to be a part of your journey to clearer skin. Start with the Clear Assessment to see if LuxRenew is right for you!