Key Takeaways
· Red light therapy for acne targets inflammation, repairs skin, and supports new collagen and elastin production for smoother, clearer skin.
· Using a sauna red light therapy kit at home is convenient, cost-effective, and FDA-approved for pimples; ideal for busy or budget-conscious individuals.
· Therapy reduces scarring, helps manage chronic skin issues, and is backed by research linking stress and hormone changes to acne outbreaks.
· The right wavelength, treatment length, and session frequency boost results; start slow and increase duration as comfort allows.
Acne is a common skin condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. It's characterized by hair follicles in the skin that become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. While teenagers are the most common group to experience acne, it can happen to people of all ages. There are several causes of acne detailed below.
A certain kind of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (or P. acnes) is found on the human skin and contributes to the infection of pimples. The frequency and intensity of acne are believed to depend on what kind of bacteria is present. Not all acne bacteria will cause pimples; at least one strain helps keep the skin smooth and clean.
Dirt on the skin can irritate it but isn't the actual cause of acne. Acne is located below the skin and the pimples occur on the outer layer of the skin. While dirt doesn't cause acne, it can irritate any blemishes that are already present. Keeping your skin clean is an excellent way to avoid increasing the severity of acne.
Several studies have been done to determine if there is a link between acne and stress. One study shows that students in university who experienced stress were more likely to have a breakout. Those with greater levels of stress would have more intense acne breakouts. Stress may not be the only cause of acne, but it works with other factors to trigger pimples and exacerbate existing acne problems.
The final trigger for acne is hormones. This acne is most associated with puberty but can occur at other times. It's most common among women and can be tied to factors like menopause and menstruation. When hormone levels change in the body, it can make acne much more likely to occur.
How Red Light Therapy Helps with Acne
Red light therapy for acne is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that exposes skin to low levels of red or near-infrared light, thus stimulating cell mitochondria to produce more energy. This supports self-repair, reduces chronic and acute inflammation, and has been used for wound healing and scar reduction as well.
Beyond collagen boost, red light helps grow new tissue, fibroblasts, and blood vessels, directly promoting skin healing and scar reduction. These benefits extend deep below the skin’s surface, making red light therapy paired with an indoor or outdoor infrared sauna detox routine a proven option for persistent skin conditions.
Red light therapy also offers anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used instead of over-the-counter medication for some inflammation. Clinical research shows that it can provide concentrated wavelengths of natural light that stimulate the cells and reduce oxidative stress to lower pain and inflammation.
Learn how skin responds to therapy in Top 8 Benefits of an Infrared Sauna and more acne wellness tips in The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Acne Treatment.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy for Acne
If you’re seeing a dermatologist for red light therapy, expect two or three sessions per week over four to six weeks. However, at-home red light therapy kit sessions (30–60 minutes, 3–5x per week) can deliver excellent results at lower ongoing costs. You can combine it with home sauna wellness routines for enhanced results.
Start conservatively (even 10–15 minutes) until your skin acclimates; adjust as needed. The FDA has approved infrared light therapy for pimples, though it should not be expected to treat cysts or nodules.
However, keep in mind that it is not capable of treating whiteheads, blackheads, modules, or cysts. Nevertheless, it is an excellent option for those who are experiencing mild acne.
Clinical guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology Association confirms that red light therapy delivers visible results, though improvement levels vary—and consistent use plus good skincare boost progress.
As mentioned, dermatologist appointments can be expensive. Even if a single appointment is a reasonable price, keep in mind that the treatment can require up to 18 appointments over the course of two months.
There is no cost beyond purchasing the tool when you have your own red light therapy device at home. It's also convenient and available around the clock.
If you are just starting to use a sauna red light therapy kit at home, it's best to start with a short duration of treatment. Rather than going with a 30-minute treatment, for instance, you might do 15 minutes and see how you feel and what results your experience.
You can then increase the time of treatment depending on how comfortable you feel. Everyone's skin is different so your treatment might be a different length than someone else you know.
Final Thoughts on Red Light Therapy for Acne
Sun Home Saunas offers a variety of red light therapy options for use in the privacy of your home. You can choose red light therapy that works with your infrared sauna, individual devices that offer the therapy on-demand, and sauna accessories to make the treatment process straightforward and easy.
Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.
FAQs
Does red light therapy help acne?
Yes, Red light therapy for acnered light therapy for acne targets inflammation and stimulates collagen production. This helps pimples heal faster and leads to smoother, clearer skin over time.
Does red light therapy improve facial skin?
Absolutely. It enhances collagen creation, smooths wrinkles, and improves tone and texture for healthier facial skin.
Does red light therapy hide acne?
Red light doesn’t “hide” acne but reduces redness and supports healing, making breakouts less visible as skin recovers.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
Overuse can cause irritation; follow recommended durations and adjust frequency based on your skin’s response. Moderation helps maximize benefits and safety.
Are there extra benefits to using red and blue LED therapy together?
Yes. Combining red (for healing and inflammation) with blue (for bacteria control) may provide even stronger acne-fighting results. This synergy supports clear, healthy skin.
