How Red Light Therapy Helps with Acne

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Updated September 2, 2026

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions at any age, and most people who deal with it have already tried the usual routes. Light therapy has become a gentle option worth understanding, so here is what it is, what the research actually shows, and how a session works at sēk.

What acne is

Acne vulgaris starts when a hair follicle clogs with oil and dead skin cells. Hormonal changes, extra sebum, the bacteria that live in blocked follicles, and the inflammation that follows all play a part. Topical products, prescription medicines, and hormonal treatments remain the mainstays, and they work for many people. Some come with dryness or irritation, which is why light therapy gets so much attention as an addition to a routine rather than a replacement for medical care.

What red and blue light therapy is

LED light therapy, also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light. There is no UV. Red wavelengths are studied for their effect on inflammation and on the cells that repair skin. Blue wavelengths are studied for their effect on the bacteria associated with acne. Devices used in clinics and studios pair the two.

What the research shows

The honest summary is that the evidence is encouraging for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, and modest in size. A meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology pooled studies of at-home blue and red LED devices and found reductions in acne lesion counts over a course of treatment. A controlled comparison of red and near-infrared low-level light in acne, available through the National Library of Medicine, reported fewer lesions and less redness after a series of sessions, with the treatment well tolerated. Studies generally run several sessions a week for several weeks, which is why consistency matters more than any single visit.

Light therapy is not a cure, and it does not replace a dermatologist's plan for severe or cystic acne. Where it fits is as a low-side-effect option that is studied to support clearer skin when used regularly.

The Celluma panels we use

Every Celluma panel at sēk is FDA cleared and drug free. Celluma's cleared indications include the treatment of acne, which is the basis for the acne setting we offer. The panels deliver red, blue, and near-infrared light and flex to sit close to the skin, so the light reaches the area you want to focus on. We use the PRO PLUS for targeted sessions and the full-body DELUX when you want light over more than one area.

What a session is like at sēk in Franklin

Every session is in your own private room. Your sēk Specialist gets the treatment area ready, positions the panel, and starts the acne setting. Skin should be clean and bare where the light will sit, and we provide wipes for makeup and lotions. You lie back for thirty minutes, most guests feel gentle warmth and many doze off, and the panel turns itself off. There is no downtime.

Most guests who use light for skin book two to three sessions a week for about four weeks, then taper to maintenance. The research follows a similar rhythm, and it is the reason the Intro Week Pass exists: four sessions in seven days for $99, new clients only, with the same Full Studio Access a member has. If red light becomes part of your routine, the Red Light 10 pack and every membership include it.

Who should talk to a professional first

Red light therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. It should not be used on children under 12, or over the breast or stomach of someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a health condition that may be affected by light, or you take medication that increases light sensitivity, speak with a healthcare professional before booking. Stop the session and press the call button if you feel unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Is red light therapy the same as an infrared sauna?

No. The sauna warms the body with infrared heat. Light therapy uses LED panels at specific wavelengths, with no heat and no UV. Many guests pair them in one visit.

How many sessions will I need?

The studies that show benefit use a course of sessions over several weeks. Plan on consistency rather than a single visit.

Will it help with acne marks?

The acne setting is cleared for acne. Marks and scarring are a different question, and we do not claim results there.

Can I combine it with my current skincare?

Light therapy is generally used alongside a routine. Bring your dermatologist into the conversation if you use prescription treatments.

What does it cost?

A single red light session is $60 for one panel or $85 for full body. Packs and memberships are on the pricing page.

Ready to try it?

Book a private red light session, or start with the Intro Week Pass.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including red light therapy, to determine whether it is appropriate for you.‍

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