The claim
Builds collagen, clears acne, and rivals in-office treatment.
What the evidence says
The randomized-trial base for LEDs shows small, inconsistent benefits for acne and photoaging with professional-strength devices; home masks are weaker and mostly cleared for modest claims or sold as wellness products with no effectiveness review. The AAD notes some FDA-cleared devices exist, that they are less powerful than clinic devices, and that no one can predict who will respond.
Who should skip it
Photosensitive conditions such as lupus, photosensitizing medication, and anyone treating skin cancer or precancer in the area; eye protection is required.
What to do instead, or as well
If buying, choose a device with a stated wavelength and irradiance and an FDA clearance for the claim you care about, and set a 12-week check-in.
Sources on file
These links support the claims above. Reviewed September 1, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology — is red light therapy right for your skin? (opens in a new tab)
- Jagdeo et al., Lasers Surg Med 2018 — LEDs in dermatology: systematic review of RCTs (PubMed) (opens in a new tab)
- Arch Dermatol Res 2022 — home-based devices in dermatology: systematic review (PubMed) (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. FDA — general wellness policy for low-risk devices (opens in a new tab)