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Phototherapy for Acne Vulgaris: Strategies and Clinical Applications in Sebum Modulation, Inflammation Control, and
Xinyi Ren1, Lan Ge1, Zhiqiang Song1
1Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Photo-based therapies offer non-invasive acne vulgaris treatment by modulating sebum, controlling inflammation, and remodeling tissue. Treatment choice depends on acne severity and type, guiding personalized clinical decisions for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Biomedical Optics
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Photo-based therapies are emerging as non-pharmacological treatments for acne.
- Understanding their mechanisms is crucial for effective clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review therapeutic strategies and biological mechanisms of photo-based therapies for acne vulgaris.
- To focus on sebum modulation, inflammation control, and acne sequelae treatment.
- To inform phenotype-oriented clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search following PRISMA 2020 guidelines in PubMed and Web of Science (2005-2025).
- Inclusion of 64 studies (42 clinical trials, 22 experimental) on LED, IPL, laser, and PDT.
- Analysis of efficacy, safety, and molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) effectively reduces sebum via sebocyte apoptosis and lipogenesis downregulation.
- Blue/red light (LED) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) offer anti-inflammatory effects by reducing C. acnes and modulating cytokines.
- Fractional lasers improve scars; vascular lasers and IPL target erythema and hyperpigmentation.
Conclusions:
- Photo-based therapies are phenotype-specific, not interchangeable.
- Treating active acne involves targeting sebaceous glands and inflammation.
- Tissue remodeling therapies are key for managing acne sequelae.
- A strategy-oriented framework supports personalized, evidence-based acne treatment.
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