Acne light treatments involve the use of either LED, florescent lamps, or dichroic filament bulbs (a bulb with a certain coating to produce different wave lengths). These are lights we are exposed to on an everyday basis, just in a more "up close and personal" way during treatments. All research has found such light treatments to be both safe and effective.

The wavelength of light needed to kill acne bacteria is in the range of 405-420 nm and has little or no adverse affect on the skin. Dermatologist or clinical visits for light treatments may result in some redness, swelling or stinging for a short period afterward, due to the higher powered lights. Home acne light treatments use a lower wattage bulb that can be used more often with less occurrences of irritation. Because light treatment for acne is a relatively new procedure there are no long-term studies to evaluate results and side effects after a prolonged period. However, light treatment has been approved by the FDA and current data point to this method of acne treatment as being safe.