Are LED Acne Spot Treatments Worth the Hype? (2024)

In addition to a well-curated acne routine, the best LED light for acne can give blemish-prone skin a serious boost. These high-tech, gamechanging devices can complement your favorite topical products by targeting breakouts at their source—namely, they help zap bacteria. Plus, they offer benefits in their own right: “LED treatments are easy to use and don’t cause skin irritation or dryness,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. Blue and red light are the most common LED light treatments, and each has different benefits.

Most skin types are a good match for LED treatments, especially if you have sensitive skin. “Mild to moderate inflammatory acne responds best to LED, and I also recommend it for patients with sensitive skin that can’t tolerate many topical acne medications,” says Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cedar Park, Texas. With LED light therapy, clear, healthy skin is within reach—without harsh side effects.

A quick heads-up: “Before starting any LED treatment, it’s always wise to consult your dermatologist. Skin types that should avoid LED acne treatments include those with deeper skin tones, certain conditions like melasma, sensitive skin, or those taking Accutane for acne,” says Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. But, if you have the green light (pun intended), explore our top picks below to find the perfect LED solution for your skin.

Top Picks

• Best LED Light for Acne Overall: Solawave Bye Acne: 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment, $69
• Best for Beginners: Skin Gym Revilit LED Light Wand, $80
• Best for Cluster Acne: LightStim for Acne, $169
• Best for Speedy Results: Foreo Espada 2 Blue Red Light Spot Treatment, $99
• Best Hands-Free: Lab Light Therapy Acne Patch, $34
• Best For Travel: Solaris Super Blue Acne Blemish Stick, $35
• Best For Larger Surface Areas: ReVive Light Therapy Acne Treatment Device, $99

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which LED light therapy is best for acne?
• How long does blue light take to clear acne?
• Meet the Experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best LED Light for Acne Overall: Solawave Bye Acne: 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment

Why we love it: We're happy to report that the wand called “Bye Acne” lives up to its name. This powerful, palm-sized tool hits the town on stubborn breakouts with a potent blend of blue (415 nm) and red (630 nm) light therapies. The blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, while the red light steps in to soothe inflammation. What that means for your breakouts: “LED blue light targets molecules known as porphyrins within P. acnes bacteria, generating free radicals that disrupt the bacterial cell wall and eradicate the bacteria causing acne breakouts," says Dr. Mamelak. “Meanwhile, the red light in LEDs reduces redness and swelling from active acne.” We love that Bye Acne is portable, quick, and easy to use, even for a beginner—it automatically shuts off after each three-minute session.

Editor's tip: When devices like By Acne list their nanometers, they refer to the precise wavelengths chosen for their proven effects on skin health and acne treatment, which is helpful in personalizing red light therapy to your skin’s unique needs.

Use time: 3 minutes daily | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: yes | Product highlights: FDA cleared, two light modes (red, blue)

Best for Beginners: Skin Gym Revilit LED Light Wand

Why we love it: If your skin seems to have a personality of its own—breaking out one day, feeling dry or showing lines the next—Skin Gym Revilit LED Light Wand has you covered. It features three targeted settings: Red light for reducing redness and fine lines, blue light for keeping blemishes in check, and green light to soothe and even out skin tone. Plus, the cordless, portable design is perfect for multitaskers, and the quick, three-minute sessions make it ideal for anyone who wants max results without much fuss.

Editor's tip: LED therapy could be your perfect match if your skin leans sensitive. “LED spot treatments are ideal for sensitive skin or as a supplement to traditional treatments, offering a gentle yet effective option. In general, LED therapy is far less irritating than topical medications and avoids the dryness and peeling often associated with those approaches,” says Dr. Gratch. It’s a soothing, skin-friendly way to tackle acne without compromising comfort.

Use time: 3 minutes, 2-4 times a week | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: no | Product highlights: three light modes (red, blue, and green) and cordless design

Best for Cluster Acne: LightStim for Acne

Why we love it: Dr. Mamelak highly recommends LightStim for Acne, highlighting its potent combination of 36 blue and red LED lights working simultaneously. “Using red and blue light at once enhances efficiency in acne treatment. Plus, the larger treatment head covers more skin, making it ideal for treating wider areas,” he says. The blue light targets acne-causing bacteria on the surface, while the red light calms inflammation and accelerates healing—perfect for tackling new blemishes while still healing old ones. FDA-cleared and user-friendly, three minutes per area is all it takes for clearer, calmer skin.

Editor's tip: Since it needs to be plugged in, it's ideal for use while unwinding on the couch or relaxing in bed (because they don’t call it self-care for nothing).

Use time: 3 minutes daily | Power source: cord | Auto-shut off: yes | Product highlights: FDA cleared, two light modes (utilizing both blue and red simultaneously)

Best for Speedy Results: Foreo Espada 2 Blue Red Light Spot Treatment

Why we love it: Got 30 seconds? That’s all it takes for the FDA-cleared Foreo Espada 2 to step in and handle breakouts like a pro. This handy device uses blue light (415nm) to tackle existing blemishes and keep new ones from forming without drying out your skin. It even helps balance oil production for smoother skin and happier pores. The antibacterial silicone design helps maintain hygiene, preventing germs from your hands from reaching your pores. At the same time, T-Sonic pulsations give your skin a gentle massage, boosting circulation and speeding up the skin renewal process.

Editor's tip: To clean your waterproof device, wash it with soap, rinse it under warm water, and gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Steer clear of alcohol-based cleaners, as they may harm the silicone casing.

Use time: 30 seconds per spot up to four times a day | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off?: no, but a built-in timer pulses when it is time to move on | Product highlights: FDA cleared, two light modes (utilizing both blue and red simultaneously)

Best Hands-Free: Lab Light Therapy Acne Patch

Why we love it: This genius device combines blue light (415 nm) and red light (630 nm) therapy into comfy, hands-free patches that work anywhere on your face—or even your body (hello, hard-to-reach bacne). The reusable HydroGrips make it effortless to target specific spots, tackling acne-causing bacteria and calming inflammation in just three minutes. Just stick the Light Pod to the patch, place it over your breakout, and carry on with your day—it auto-shuts off after three minutes, so no need to watch the clock. Each patch is built to last for 30 treatments. Once it’s out of 90 minutes of glow time, grab a new one.

Editor's tip: Each HydroGrip sticker is good for up to eight treatments—just swap it out for a fresh one if it loses its stickiness.

Use time: 3 minutes | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: yes | Product highlights: FDA cleared, two light modes (red and blue)

Best For Travel: Solaris Super Blue Acne Blemish Stick

Why we love it: This sleek, pen-like device is a go-to favorite of Dr. Gratch’s for effortless breakout management anytime, anywhere. “I like this one for its ease and portability,” says Dr. Gratch. Although the Solaris Super Blue Acne Blemish Stick is slim enough to slip into your back pocket, it’s still packed with powerful acne-fighting tech: 415 nm blue light to zap acne-causing bacteria and 630 nm red light to soothe inflammation. Unlike bulky gadgets, this handy tool is perfect for targeted spot treatments—so if a blemish starts to brew midday, you can address it the moment your skin feels tender.

Editor's tip: The earlier you target a blemish with light therapy, the more effective it’ll be at stopping a breakout in its tracks.

Use time: 2-3 minutes | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: no, but has a built-in timer | Product highlights: two light modes (utilizing both blue and red simultaneously)

Best For Larger Surface Areas: ReVive Light Therapy Acne Treatment Device

Why we love it: The larger treatment head of the ReVive Light Therapy Acne Treatment Device makes treating a cluster of blemishes at once easier. Switch between red, blue, or purple light (a blend of both) to not only calm acne but also tackle fine lines and boost skin’s firmness for added wrinkle-fighting benefits. “The auto shut-off function is a great feature to prevent overuse, especially since the device can get warm during treatment,” says Dr. Mamelak. Whether your skin concerns are blemishes, fine lines, or both, this handy tool is a one-stop shop.

Editor's tip: Avoid pressing the device against your skin; simply hover over it, making sure not to move the device around so the treatment remains targeted.

Use time: 3 minutes | Power source: cord | Auto-shut off: yes | Product highlights: three light modes (red, blue, purple)

Best Dual-Purpose: PMD Clean Acne

Why we love it: PMD Clean Acne does double duty. One side features a facial cleansing brush and massaging device with over 7,000(!) vibrations per minute to give your skin a deep, gentle clean while boosting circulation. Flip it over, and you will have easy access to blue light therapy to tackle acne-causing bacteria in just three minutes per treatment. Made from ultra-hygienic silicone, the tool is antibacterial, waterproof, and easy to rinse clean. Bonus: It comes with goggles to keep your eyes safe while treating those tricky spots near them.

Editor's tip: Give your skin a break from active ingredients like retinol or acids before starting LED therapy to ensure an irritation-free experience. “Hyaluronic acid, nicotinamide, and antioxidants like vitamin C are all safe with LEDs. However, some ingredients, like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating AHA acids, and even salicylic products should be used with caution and often not on the same day as the LED,” says Dr. Mamelak.

Use time: 3 minutes | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: no | Product highlights: one light mode (blue)

Best Customizable: TheraFace Pro Microcurrent Facial Device

Why we love it: When it comes to high-tech beauty, nothing beats the TheraFace Pro. This all-in-one marvel comes fully loaded with a microcurrent attachment, percussive therapy tools, a cleansing ring, and an LED light therapy attachment featuring red, blue, and infrared light. Red light helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while blue light targets mild to moderate acne. It also features a red and infrared light setting that offers a soothing warmth to temporarily ease inflammation-related pain while treating skin. “After using the blue light version of this attachment—which is meant to get rid of acne—I did see that the breakouts I got from the cleansing brush began to fade, so that was exciting," our tester said. "It took about two days to see these results.”

Editor's tip: Make sure your skin is clean and fresh before starting your LED therapy session. Remove all makeup, dirt, and excess oil to ensure the light can make optimal contact.

Use time: 45 seconds | Power source: wireless | Auto-shut off: no | Product highlights: three light modes (blue, red, red + infrared)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which LED light therapy is best for acne?

When it comes to LED light therapy for acne, understanding how different light and wavelengths work can help you determine the best option for your skin. “Blue light at 415 nm is commonly used to treat acne by triggering a chemical reaction in the pores that eliminates C. acnes bacteria and reduces inflammation, often paired with red light in treatment masks. Red light, in the 630–650 nm range, penetrates deeper than blue light to reduce inflammation and support acne treatment," says Dr. Kobets. “It also stimulates collagen and elastin production, with potential benefits like decreasing oil production and soothing inflammatory acne.”

How long does blue light take to clear acne?

How soon you’ll see results really depends on your skin type and the device you’re using.. “Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, but generally, LED masks can be used around three times a week, while some products are safe for daily use,” says Dr. Kobets. And be prepared to put in some time. “To see results, it may take at least a month to notice the difference,” adds Dr. Gratch.

Meet the experts

• Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Georgetown and Cedar Park, Texas
• Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in NYC
• Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

Each LED light therapy device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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Interested in learning more about at-home devices? We've got you:

• The Best Microcurrent Devices Are Like a Rewind Button for Skin
• 13 Best Face Massagers to Upgrade Your At-Home Facials
• 9 Skin-Care Devices Dermatologists Actually Use at Home

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