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Experts Say These Light Therapy Devices Are Game-Changers for Acne
Say goodbye to breakouts.
Dealing with acne means committing to being a lifelong product tester, dabbling in any repairing, brightening, and calming formulas that claim to reduce or prevent blemishes—rinse, toss, repeat. It’s not that those acne-fighting cleansers, brightening vitamin C serums, or sunscreens don’t offer visible results; it’s just that they rarely do so on their own. There comes a point in your acne journey where skin care tools become a necessary part of at-home maintenance, and very few are as effective as light therapy devices.
To understand light therapy and its benefits for those with acne-prone skin, you need to choose the right type of light for your skin concerns. Most devices emit either red or blue light, but the latter is more effective for treating acneic skin. “Blue light has anti-microbial properties, which can be helpful when dealing with acne since it is associated with a particular bacterium (Cutibacterium acnes or C. acnes),” says Dr. Gloria Lin, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “This particular species produces a substance called porphyrin that will absorb the blue light and, through a chemical reaction, can destroy the bacteria. In the era of increasing antibiotic resistance, the blue light can be helpful as a non-antibiotic alternative.”
Our picks for the best light therapy devices for acne in 2025
Though blue light is a superstar for treating acne, the most common light therapy is red light, and it works like a charm for treating breakouts and signs of aging. “Although usually touted for its aging benefits, red light, like blue light, can help to treat acne,” says Dr. Luke Maxfield, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Many causes of acne include oil production, clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation—red lights help with two of these steps. It may decrease oil production and also help to decrease inflammation.” Luckily, many of the options on the market either feature blue light for acne or combine both red and blue light for a more powerful treatment.
After consulting skin experts, perusing editors’ stashes, and combing through customer reviews, we landed on the 14 best light therapy devices to treat acne at home.
Pros
- Multiple modes for different concerns
Cons
- Some modes may not be best for super sensitive skin
Best used with the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream, the viral Medicube device offers a plethora of light therapy modes to address the root causes of your skin issues. Four modes take your skin from drab to supple, including the microcurrent for lifting, derma shot for contouring, air shot for firming, and booster for absorption.
Type: Wand
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
An ELLE editor says: “Medicube’s Booster Pro is my skin care secret weapon. I typically stick to the air shot and derma shot modes, both of which help tighten and firm the skin. Acne not only causes dark spots, but can also make the skin look dull—this device helps restore brightness and smoothness to the skin.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Cooling feature inspired by cryotherapy
Cons
- Will need to recharge often
If you can commit to at least 15 mins, a few times a week, to your skin, Shark’s CryoGlow Mask has a treat in store for you. The modes include red, blue, mixed, and a cryo-inspired cooling feature to depuff, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and keep acne at bay.
Type: Mask
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought the Shark Cryo Glow Face Mask for my wife, and she absolutely loves it. The cooling sensation is her favorite part—especially around the eyes. It instantly helps with puffiness and gives her skin a refreshed, radiant glow. She says it feels like a spa treatment at home. Easy to use and super relaxing—definitely a hit!”
Pros
- Works over the whole face
Cons
- Some find the mask uncomfortable
CurrentBody’s red and blue light LED mask is designed for ten-minute use and was built for mild to moderate cases of acne. With 132 LED lights, this mask can work evenly on your entire face.
Type: Mask
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
CurrentBody rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve never been a huge fan of at-home tools because I’m a busybody who can’t sit still for longer than a few minutes. This treatment is my promise to myself (and my skin) that patience truly is a virtue and good things happen to those who wait—10 minutes. My acneic skin flares up several times throughout the month, but after consistently using this mask, I’ve managed to keep breakouts to a minimum. Plus, my skin is flatter and softer, which I credit to a combination of acne-fighting products and this mask.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Combines red and blue light
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it was bigger
Solawave’s acne wand is essentially a three-minute spot treatment for pimples. It’s a great option because it “combines both blue and red light to provide both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits to combat the acne,” says Dr. Lin.
Type: Wand
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
Amazon rating: 4.1/5
Our expert says: “[This device is] hand-held, contoured so you can get on stubborn areas, [has a] quick treatment time, and the combo of red and blue light helps not only acne but also rejuvenation. It’s also relatively cheap compared to other light treatments.”—Dr. Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine
Pros
- Sticks on skin like a pimple patch
Cons
- May not be as powerful as an LED mask
If your go-to acne-fighting product is always a pimple patch, you’re in luck. This red and blue light device comes with adhesive strips that stick to your skin, mirroring the effects of a pimple patch. If you have a stubborn pimple, it’s a great spot treatment to try.
Type: Patch
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Spot treatment
Power: Rechargeable case
Riki Loves Riki rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “It contains both red and blue light to help with acne. The treatments are 6 minutes long and [it] comes with a rechargeable battery. This is also convenient for travel purposes. This may not be as powerful as some other devices like the LED masks but can be used as more of a spot treatment.”—Dr. Lin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
Pros
- Targets entire face
Cons
- Some find it bulky
Chances are, you’ve seen this LED mask on your TikTok For You page. It’s viral for a reason—this clinically-tested mask is a powerful force against acne. Since it has both red and blue light, this mask also calms inflammation and helps fight fine lines and wrinkles.
Type: Mask
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
Dermstore rating: 4.5/5
An ELLE editor says: “This device has 100 red and 62 blue LED lights, and it only takes three minutes to use. It won an ELLE Tools and Treatments award, and our tester reported that they saw an almost immediate improvement in their acne and inflammation.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Uses a combination of light therapies to treat skin concerns
Cons
- Battery life could be stronger
Qure’s light therapy mask has the type of before-and-after photos that stop you in your tracks. No two skin types are the same, which is why this mask is designed with five different lights and three treatment options—Anti-Breakout, Anti-Aging, or custom mode—to ward off aging, breakouts, and any other threats to your impending near-perfect skin.
Type: Mask
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
Qure rating: 4.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “My favorite device, hands down, is the Qure Skincare Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Light Therapy Mask. While red light helps with acne, blue light also helps and probably helps more. Because of this, having the ability to use a combination of colors, or using one or the other, helps a person get better results for acne. Also, as a person grows out of acne or it improves, they can switch to focusing therapy with red light for aging skin. Additionally, the customization that links the Qure phone app to the mask allows a person to optimize the acne wavelengths on acne-prone skin while at the same time focusing wavelengths to treat aging skin elsewhere.”—Dr. Luke Maxfield
Pros
- Affordable patch
Cons
- Some have issues changing the battery
This light therapy pimple patch combines red and blue light to target stubborn acne spots. It works in three minutes and turns off automatically once the treatment time is over. It’s also one of the most affordable LED options out there.
Type: Patch
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Spot treatment
Power: Battery-powered
Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5
Our expert says: “This is a more budget-friendly option since it’s under $20 and can last for 30 treatments. This is easily portable and similar to the popular pimple patches, so this is easy to take while traveling. Sessions are only three minutes long. This may not be as powerful as some other devices like the LED masks but can be used as more of a spot treatment.”—Dr. Lin
Pros
- Can cover larger breakout areas
Cons
- Must stay plugged in during use
Made specifically for acne, this handheld wand targets stubborn pimples with three-minute treatment times. This wand incorporates red and blue lights and is larger than some other wands, so you’re able to cover larger areas, making it a good choice for anyone who has hormonal breakouts.
Type: Wand
Types of light: Blue light, red light, infrared light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Plugs into wall
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I saw immediate results after one week. It eliminated acne and reduced oil on my face.”
Pros
- Good for targeted acne treatments
Cons
- Treatment time takes 20 minutes
Facegym’s Acne Light Shot uses only blue light to target acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It adheres to skin with adhesive strips. Unlike some faster-acting devices on this list, Facegym’s acne patch is meant to be a 20-minute treatment, so be sure to carve out the time to use it. It works well for targeting specific pimples.
Type: Patch
Types of light: Blue light
Target treatment areas: Spot treatment
Power: Rechargeable battery
Sephora rating: 4.2/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “This has been the only thing that has helped clear up my cheek acne. I also use a retinol and low percentage benzoyl peroxide, but adding this has made a huge difference.”
Pros
- Calms inflammation and acne
Cons
- Some find the mask uncomfortable
Omnilux is known for its LED masks, and this one is made specifically for acne-prone skin. A combination of red and blue lights helps keep acne at bay on your entire face, making this a game-changer for anyone who gets acne everywhere.
Type: Mask
Types of light: Blue light, red light
Target treatment areas: Entire face
Power: Rechargeable battery
Omnilux rating: 4.5/5
An ELLE editor says: “I tend to get hormonal breakouts every once in a while. I like to use this mask in conjunction with my skin care routine to target acne flare-ups. It helps keep my skin clear and is super easy to use.”—Berohn
Pros
- Multitasking cleansing and light therapy device
Cons
- Some say the cleansing bristles could be gentler
A cleansing device combined with an LED light is the kind of multitasking that we’re here for. One side of this device has a silicone scrubber that gets deep into pores to lift dirt and impurities, while the other side has a three-minute blue light treatment to target tricky spots.
Type: Cleansing brush
Types of light: Blue light
Target treatment areas: Spot treatment
Power: Rechargeable battery
Amazon rating: 4.2/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I think the blue LED light feature is the best part of it as it performs very well, and is my new favorite blue LED device. It works well because it keeps the light directed close to the skin, isn’t too bright to be uncomfortable on the eyes, and has a good blue-purple tone on the light. It also covers a larger area in blue light for a quick 3-minute session. Other devices take longer and cover smaller areas or are too bright on the eyes to be comfortable to use.”
Pros
- Has light therapy, massage therapy, and microcurrent
Cons
- Some find all the attachments difficult to use
If you have occasional bouts of acne but want a facial device that can truly do it all, the Theraface Pro is for you. It comes equipped with three different types of light therapy: red light, blue light, and infrared light. It also has eight different percussive attachments for facial massages and a microcurrent attachment.
Type: Wand
Types of light: Blue light, red light, infrared light
Target treatment areas: Spot treatment
Power: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 4.2/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve only been using this product for three days and I’ve already noticed a significant difference in the fine lines around my eyes. But even more remarkable is the difference in the hormonal acne from the blue light around my chin.”
Pros
- Treats any area on the body
Cons
- Results take time
These days, the more mobile a skin device is, the more likely you are to use it. MM Skincare’s device is portable and can stand on its own, making it easier to treat your skin concerns as you lounge on the couch or work at your home desk.
Type: Portable device
Types of light: Blue, red, orange, green, purple
Target treatment areas: Entire body
Power: Rechargeable battery
Amazon rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “My absolute favorite at-home LED device is the MMSphere2Go, which is a first-in-class FDA-cleared device for fine lines, wrinkles, and breakouts that offers consumers at-home and travel-friendly access to skin care and powerful regenerative light therapy benefits, traditionally offered only in doctors’ offices. I love that it offers nine energy settings and six different therapeutic wavelengths (blue, red, purple, green, and amber, plus infrared). It uses photobiomodulation therapy to activate the mitochondria in the skin cells to promote everything our skin needs: new collagen, elastin, rich antioxidants, more regenerative energy, and reduced inflammation.”—Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
When in your routine is it best to use light therapy for acne?
Don’t think of light therapy as another step in your skin care routine—it shouldn’t be mixed with any actives. “Use on a clean and dry face,” says Dr. Lin. “Do not use any oils or other occlusive products on the face as this can affect the penetration of the light-emitting therapy.”
Dr. Gohara adds that it’s best to space light therapy devices out from other products so you don’t cause irritation. “I generally tell my patients to choose a night when they are not going to use their retinoids, pop on their favorite TV show, and let the light shine,” she says. “Doing it immediately before or after topicals for acne may cause some redness and irritation.”
How often should you use a light therapy device for acne, and how long should you leave it on for?
Each device is a bit different, so it’s best to follow the instructions for the specific device you have. Dr. Marmur suggests just a few times a week to see results. “I would recommend using red light therapy for acne four to seven times a week for about 20 minutes. This is the precedent dermatologists use and is best for all home light therapy treatments,” she explains. As always, consistency is key.
“Using the device consistently is important to see results,” says Dr. Lin. “Eye protection is key with the light therapy, even with the at-home devices, as improper use can lead to issues with the eyes and skin.”
Meet the experts
Dr. Gloria Lin is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Dr. Mona Gohara is the associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Luke Maxfield is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editors Katie Berohn and Nerisha Penrose interviewed dermatologists to find the best light therapy devices for acne.
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