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Pimple patches are like the superheroes of skin care—they swoop in, stick on, and save the day by hiding those unwanted breakouts. But here’s the plot twist: they’re only masking the problem, not solving it.
While patches do a great job at keeping pimples under wraps, they don’t get to the root of what’s really causing your skin drama. If you’re looking for a happy ending to your acne story, it’s time to go beyond the patch and find a solution that tackles the real villains behind the breakouts!
We Must Fully Understand Acne First
By definition, Johns Hopkins defines acne as a quite common skin condition that's a "disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (sebaceous glands). The sebaceous glands secrete oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist. When the glands get clogged, it can lead to pimples and cysts."
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it's the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, and approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 to 24 experience at least minor acne.
Thankfully, there are options to care for and treat even the most stubborn, severe acne. The AAD says, "Thanks to advances in treatment, virtually all acne can clear with a dermatologist’s help."
So What Exactly Causes Acne?
More than one thing, explains Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "Clogged pores, excessive oil production, bacteria that trigger an inflammatory response, hormonal changes, and even diet can contribute to acne formation," he says.
Because of this, he says that it is a "good idea" to develop an acne routine customized to your skin's needs. And "while there may be no one-size-fits-all regimen, building a foundational skincare routine that can be modified to suit a person’s needs is a good place to start," Camp says.
Arash Akhavan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, FAAD, also points out that it's important to keep in mind that "not all acne treatment requires prescription products. A solid home skincare routine may be all you need to control milder acne."
How To Outshine Acne
There is a light wavelength which targets bacteria that causes acne in the first place. Blue light therapy is a safe non invasive treatment that requires no ingredients, prescriptions, nor subscriptions!
In recent years LED light therapy (not to be confused with UV Light) has been trending and will not be slowing down anytime soon due to it's effectiveness.
This makes for a futuristic solution to prevent acne and can be used as often as desired. Not to mention, red light therapy is the perfect follow up to reduce your acne scars and dark spots. There really is a future beyond pimple patches!
We did a study and compilation list of the best light therapy masks that all have blue light therapy (and more).
More details into each wavelength.
LED LIGHT THERAPY COLOR CHART
BLUE LIGHT THERAPY
BLUE: Is for anti-acne primarily. It kills the bacteria that causes acne in the first place. It's also been shown to help with those who have psoriasis and reduce damage caused by the sun. This is the favorite for those who have been struggling with Acne and have a hard time with ingredient based solutions.
RED LIGHT THERAPY
RED: Is the anti-ager color of choice. Studies have shown it reduces fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to this, the body produces more collagen and elastin equating to healthier and younger looking skin. It can also improve overall facial texture and reduce scarring. This is the most common color users select.
ORANGE/AMBER LIGHT THERAPY
ORANGE/AMBER: Is used for firming up the skin, reducing dullness and dark spots. Users will often report their skin "glowing" when used regularly and is one of the favorites used leading up to a special occasion.
GREEN LIGHT THERAPY
GREEN: Is for reducing dark spots as well as balancing out skin levels for those with oily skin. Studies have also shown it aids with hyperpigmentation and reducing inflammation. However, the it's most commonly known for reducing bags under eyes by users.
YELLOW LIGHT THERAPY
YELLOW: Is used for calming inflammation and reducing redness. Studies have shown it's a great option for users specifically looking to reduce the redness caused from the sun. It also boosts lymphatic flow which helps remove toxins and increases skin hydration/circulation.
CYAN LIGHT THERAPY
CYAN: Is used for reducing swollen capillaries as well as inflammation. Studies have shown it has also been used to treat mild forms of acne.
WHITE LIGHT THERAPY
WHITE: Is used for accelerating skin metabolism and firming up the skin. It also has many of the same benefits of red such as reducing fine lines, reducing wrinkles and inflammation.
PURPLE LIGHT THERAPY
Not on our chart but...
PURPLE: Is simply a combination of red and blue light therapy together. It shares both benefits of each at the same time.
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"What's wonderful about LED therapy is its versatility. Whether you're combating acne or chasing away wrinkles, there's a light for that."
- Sarah Hartman
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"When we talk about LED therapy, we're not just discussing skin deep transformations. We're delving into the very wavelengths that invigorate cellular health."
- Dylan Wright
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"For those wary of invasive procedures, LED light therapy offers a radiant solution to skin concerns, illuminating the path to healthier skin."
- Evelyn Lee
And the benefits go well beneath the skin’s surface. In fact, LED light treatments have been applauded for their mental health benefits, too. Client feedback suggests that a short period of time spent under in-clinic LED lamps could dramatically improve mood, lifting spirits and reducing stress levels. Need proof? LED light therapy boosts our ATP so that it can fuel other cells with energy and boost our serotonin count. Needed.
Since the results for your skin and mind are cumulative, you need to have regular treatments to see an effect. If you can’t afford regular LED treatments at your local clinic, spa, or salon, at-home light therapy could be the answer. And that’s where the best LED face masks come in.
If you're curious about the LED face masks that will up your skincare game, read on for some of the best on the market that we have tested..
BEST BUDGET OPTION: REGENALIGHT LED MASK
This Jason esque looking mask now with a new neck mask will spook your skin into better condition. With 7 colors and it's wireless portability, it's hard to go wrong with this one especially for those new to light therapy or those testing the waters.
Pros: Wallet friendly, neck coverage, easy to use, literal tap here button, wireless, 7 colors.
Cons: The optional adjustable strap could be improved but it is secure at least.
BEST IN TECH: ARTEMIS
This goddess esque mask and neck plate are forged in the beauty capital of the world Seoul. It has a vast array of 1080 high density powered LEDS which utilizes 7 colors which already puts the Artemis in an entire class of it's own.
The tech does not stop there though. It features the best in class app with complete customizable settings for all your trouble spots. Plus an available case that does sterilization and charging simultaneously.
In addition to this, there are automatic settings for those who prefer a fast treatment as well as a setting that automtically caters to you based on your local weather. If you're keen on living in the year 3024 this is your wireless friend.
Pros: App is next level for custom and automatic treatments, easy to use, full décolletage coverage (neck & upper chest), wireless, straps were not an afterthought.
Cons: Extra Pricey
BEST IN TECH RUNNER UP: AVINA
Another Dr. made brand. This space age looking mask also hails from the beauty capital of the world Seoul. It has an incredible array of 300 high powered LEDS. It's truly a remarkable anti-ager and acne fighter that keeps on giving with each use. It's no wonder why users of this tech have glass skin. It features a smart chip that takes you through 2 different modes for a picture perfect session.
Pros: Easy to use, straps were not an afterthought, nice cradle, automatic sensor for when it's in use and not in use.
Cons: Pricey, has a remote but at least it's not cumbersome.
BEST ALL AROUND: CLEOPATRA LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK
This ironman-looking mask not only treats your face with LED light therapy, but includes neck coverage so you can look forward to no longer having neck wrinkles. It has 192 LEDS and 7 different light modes to treat every ailment from acne, aging, scars, dullness and more. These spa-esque light treatments with 4 different power levels are completely wireless which means it's time to indulge in some me time from anywhere.
Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, 4 power levels, comes with an app and a nice case.
Cons: Finding where to tap exactly, easy once you know after 1st use, optional adjustable strap could be improved but at least it's sturdy.
BEST ENTRY-LEVEL OPTION: ASTERIA LED MASK
This mask will have you looking like Jabbawockeez member in no time! But make no mistake, your skin will be dancing for joy. With 7 wavelengths and neck coverage, you know you're getting what you need even if its you're first time.
Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, extra lightweight, dual strap (the top one makes it perfect for adjusting to the face)
Cons: Box packaging could be improved.
BEST IN NUMBERS: CELESTALIGHT
This masquerade esque looking mask that also shines from Korea will have you glowing like a celestial goddess. It's equipped with an out of this world one thousand two hundred high density LEDS to make sure every single cell is covered. Yes, you read that right. This one also comes with a automatic 3 color cycle that will transcend your skin through light and time.
Pros: Easy to use, wireless, nice cradle, straps are efficient.
Cons: Pricey, has a remote but its very simple.
STAY CLEAR OF THESE
1. Masks with microcurrents can be dangerous and definitely aren't for everyone. They are also uncomfortable and should be avoided when possible.
2. Masks that look like face shields from our tests virtually do nothing and don't protect the eyes.
3. The Zoidberg looking masks that are made from silicone. While these are comfortable, they often lack full face coverage and we've also found them to be weak with typically only 66 bulbs. Not to mention a bit cumbersome with the remotes and they all smell like formaldehyde out of the packaging.
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Like many things in this world, it's situational. In fact it's NONE industry wide if you are sensitive to light or take any medications that increase light sensitivity.
That aside, if you can afford the best in class technology then go for the Artemis or Avina X1 They don't disappoint. If you can't quite justify splurging on the apple of beauty you can opt for a well rounded Cleopatra Mask. We really do like having the ability to take care of our neck at the same time which is where the Artemis and Cleopatra really shine.
Then you have your budget option the Regenalight which works well especially for the price.
Finally, we want to state we do love the patches, but again they're only a temporary bandaid to the root cause.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Outside of work, there's nothing more that I enjoy than Yoga and a glass of wine. Sometimes together.
- Kathryn Shaffer