Acne Treatments -- Does the iPhone Acne App Really Work?

AcneApp -- What is it?

Dermatologist Greg Pearson developed the AcneApp for the iPhone and since then, it has become the number one download of apps in the medical section. The way it's supposed to work is this: You download the app, choose a light option, and then hold the phone close to each area you want to treat. The app recommends that you choose the red and blue alternating light and give each area two minutes of treatment.

The app supposedly gets rid of your acne in the same way as light therapy treatment. You do need to remember to treat each area of your face to receive the benefits.

AcneApp -- Does it work?

This is a good question. Four months after developing the app, Dr. Pearson states in a YouTube video that further testing is needed. The Apple store tells users that the app is for 'entertainment purposes only and not intended for any disease or medical condition.'

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, light treatment is nearly twice as effective as benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient found in over the counter acne skin treatments. The problem is, while the wavelength of the AcneApp and traditional light treatments are about the same, the intensity of the light isn't.

Dr. David Pariser, of Norfolk, Virginia states the intensity of light treatment you receive during treatment from a dermatologist is approximately 1,000 times stronger than what you get from your AcneApp. He further states, "I would be very surprised if there is enough intensity of the light to make any difference."

You decide

There are many treatments for acne. Some are expensive. Some are time consuming, and some just plain don't work. The AcneApp costs $1.99 for the download and while dermatologists aren't giving it rave reviews, some users are. Decide for yourself and see if this is one of the acne treatments you want to try.