Affecting up to 50 million Americans every single year, it’s safe to say acne is one of today’s most pressing skin concerns. But, acne has far-reaching effects beyond those little red bumps – it can seriously impact self-esteem and cause frustration when you catch a glimpse in the mirror.

This Acne Awareness Month, we’re here to say you’re not alone, and acne isn’t forever. With support from trusted skin experts and today’s range of clinically proven acne treatments, clear skin is well within your reach.

Whether you’re looking to avoid that occasional pimple or soothe inflammatory breakouts, LED light therapy is an effective tool for your acne arsenal. Below, we’ll dive into exactly how blue and red light therapy can zap pesky zits while preventing future breakouts with insights from three esteemed dermatologists and members of our Scientific Advisory Board: Dr. Klaus Fritz, MD; Dr. Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS; Dr. Glynis Ablon, MD, FAAD.

Breaking Down the Benefits of Blue Light Therapy for Acne-Prone Skin

Blue light offers compelling benefits for acne-prone skin. Dr. Jagdeo notes, “Blue light therapy is beneficial for acne-prone skin because it helps decrease bacteria on the surface of the skin that causes acne, clogged pores, and congestion.”

Let’s dive into the benefits of blue light for acne in greater detail:

• Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is the primary culprit behind red, swollen acne lesions. “Blue light therapy helps reduce the inflammation associated with acne,” notes Dr. Fritz. “This can lead to less redness and swelling, improving the overall appearance of the skin and making breakouts less severe.”
  
  
• Tackles current breakouts and prevents future ones: While treating existing acne breakouts is important, we’d also like to prevent those pesky pimples from appearing in the first place. Dr. Fritz states, “By reducing the population of P. acnes bacteria on the skin, blue light therapy can help prevent future acne breakouts. This makes it a useful preventative treatment for individuals who frequently suffer from acne.”
  
  
• Minimizes sebum production: Your skin produces sebum, an oily, waxy substance, for hydration and protection against external irritants. But, excess sebum can clog your pores, leading to breakouts. “Some studies suggest that blue light therapy can help decrease the production of sebum,” Dr. Fritz notes. “By reducing sebum production, blue light therapy can make the skin less prone to developing pimples.”
  
  
• Non-invasive and painless: When acne treatments are uncomfortable or painful, they can be difficult to stick to. Dr. Fritz notes that “blue light therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning it does not involve needles, incisions, or other invasive procedures. It is generally painless, with most people experiencing only mild warmth or tingling during the treatment.”
  
  
• Low risk of side effects: According to Dr. Fritz: “Blue light therapy typically has few side effects. The most common side effect is temporary redness or dryness of the treated area, which usually resolves quickly. This makes it a suitable option for people who cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional acne treatments like topical retinoids or oral antibiotics.” 
  
  
• Convenient: Convenience in acne treatments is key, as it can help you stick to a steady regimen. “Blue light therapy can be administered in a dermatologist's office or at home using FDA-approved devices”, Dr. Fritz notes. “Home devices allow for convenient and consistent treatment, making it easier for people to incorporate it into their skincare routine.”

The Omnilux Clear 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 Omnilux Mini Blemish Eraser 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: Omnilux Clear 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.