Soft laser treatment for acne – What do the studies show?
Acne is the most common skin condition and it does not affect only teenagers — it can persist or recur in adulthood for many people. Conventional treatments (creams, antibiotics, isotretinoin) do not work for everyone and can have side effects. Light therapy, including soft lasers, can offer an alternative approach. In this article I honestly review what we know and what we don’t about soft laser treatment for acne.
Important in advance: The evidence for treating acne with soft laser is more limited than for other indications (e.g. wound healing, pain relief). Most research has focused on medical lasers and blue/red light therapy, not specifically on home softlaser devices. Read on with realistic expectations.
What causes acne?
Four main factors contribute to acne development:
- Increased sebum production: Hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum
- Follicular hyperkeratosis: Pores become clogged with dead skin cells
- Propionibacterium acnes: This bacterium multiplies in clogged pores
- Inflammation: Bacteria trigger an inflammatory response
How can light therapy affect acne?
Light therapy can influence acne through several mechanisms:
Blue light (400–470 nm)
P. acnes produces porphyrins that absorb blue light. Light exposure releases reactive oxygen species that damage the bacteria. This is the best-documented phototherapeutic effect in acne.
Red light (630–808 nm) – soft laser range
Red and near-infrared light can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Softlaser devices typically operate in this range (660 and 808 nm).
Combined blue + red light
Research suggests the combination of blue and red light can be more effective than either alone — blue reduces bacteria while red reduces inflammation.
What do the studies show?
The effect of light therapy on acne has been analyzed in numerous studies, but it is important to distinguish between different light sources.
Blue light and combined phototherapy: A 2018 systematic review found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the strongest evidence among light-based methods for treating acne. Blue and red LED combinations also showed favorable results.
Red soft laser (LLLT): There are fewer data specifically on 630–660 nm soft laser treatment for acne. In one study the area treated with a 630 nm red laser improved significantly (acne lesion count decreased from 27.7 to 6.3 over 10 weeks), while an 890 nm infrared laser showed no meaningful effect.
Conclusion: Red-range softlaser may support acne treatment through its anti-inflammatory effect, but alone it is unlikely to be sufficient for more severe acne. Best results are expected from combined approaches (light + conventional treatments).
What can you realistically use softlaser for in acne?
Home red softlaser devices (660 nm) may be useful for the following purposes:
| Application | Expected effect | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Inflamed pimple | Reduce inflammation, faster healing | Moderate |
| Post-acne redness | Support skin regeneration | Moderate |
| Acne scar | Improvement of scar tissue (see scar treatment article) | Moderate |
| Acne prevention | Reduction of bacteria | Low (blue light is more effective) |
How to apply it?
If you want to try softlaser for acne, I suggest the following protocol:
Treatment protocol
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 660 nm (red) or 808 nm (infrared) |
| Target area | Individual inflamed pimples |
| Energy | 4–6 J/cm² per point |
| Frequency | Daily or every other day |
| Course | 4–8 weeks, then evaluate the results |
Practical tips
- Clean your face before treatment
- Treat inflamed pimples individually — do not treat the entire face
- Do not squeeze your pimples!
- Use it alongside your conventional treatments, not instead of them
- Wear protective goggles (even when treating your face — light can reflect)
Recommended device
If you want to try softlaser for acne:
- Personal Laser L400 – 808 nm infrared laser. Its point-like beam is suitable for targeted treatment of individual pimples. Best price/performance ratio.
Note: Blue light therapy devices are theoretically more effective for primary acne treatment. If you are specifically searching for a light therapy solution for acne, consider a combined blue–red light therapy device as well.
Before you begin treatment
When NOT to use it?
- Directly into the eye or around the eye without protective goggles
- On infected, purulent areas (e.g. furuncle)
- If you take photosensitizing medication (e.g. doxycycline — a common acne drug!)
- While on isotretinoin (Roaccutan)
Important: If you have severe, scarring acne, do not wait — see a dermatologist! Early, effective treatment can prevent permanent scarring. Softlaser is an adjunct therapy and does not replace medical treatment.
Detailed information about contraindications: Softlaser therapy contraindications
Other softlaser applications
Softlaser therapy can support the treatment of many other conditions and complaints. For an overview of all home applications read the Softlaser therapy at home – Treatable conditions article.
If you are not familiar with the basics of softlaser therapy, start with the Comprehensive guide to softlaser therapy article.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? An honest review of softlaser treatment options for acne.
Who is it for? Those seeking alternative or adjunctive treatments for acne.
Main message: Red softlaser can help with acne due to its anti-inflammatory effect, especially for inflamed pimples and post-acne redness. However, the evidence is more limited than for other indications. Best results are expected when combined with conventional treatments.
Frequently asked questions:
Is softlaser effective for acne?
Evidence is limited. It may help speed healing of inflamed pimples and reduce post-acne redness.
Which is better: blue or red light?
Blue light is more effective against bacteria, red light is better for inflammation. Their combination is the most promising.
Can it replace medications?
No — use it as a complementary therapy alongside treatments recommended by your dermatologist.
Sources
- Avci P, et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. PubMed: 24049929
- Aziz-Jalali MH, et al. (2012). Comparison of Red and Infrared Low-level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol. PubMed: 22615511
- Wat H, et al. (2021). The Use of Lasers and Light Devices in Acne Management: An Update. Am J Clin Dermatol. PubMed: 34287769
- de Vries A, et al. (2013). The efficacy of pulsed dye laser treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. PubMed: 23711766
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. For severe or scarring acne consult a dermatologist.
