We are reader-supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen Review: The Best Handheld For Acne?

Last Reviewed on November 1, 2024

Does the CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen really work? In this review, see our first-hand results after testing this LED light therapy device.

Tired of dealing with those pesky acne breakouts?

I know I was.

I’ve tried everything from salicylic acid to benzoyl peroxide to retinol and more… with mixed results.

Then, I recently got my hands on the CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

This handy little device uses red and blue light therapy to target and eliminate acne-causing bacteria, leaving my skin clearer and smoother than ever before. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my breakouts since adding this pen to my skincare routine. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into this CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen review.

What To Consider Before Purchasing A LED Device For Acne

When it comes to using light therapy to treat acne, there are some things you should look for.

Wavelengths

If treating acne is your primary goal, you want to look for a device that uses both red light and blue light.

Research has shown this combination light therapy to be “safe and effective for treating not only inflammatory but also non-inflammatory acne lesions”. Patients reported a 77% decrease in inflammatory acne lesions and a 54% decrease in non-inflammatory acne lesions [1].

Another study found mixed blue and red light to be more effective at treating acne vulgaris than just using blue light or a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream [2].

The thought here is that red light therapy can help soothe inflammation, while blue light therapy can help kill acne-causing bacteria.

Compliance

While light therapy has been shown to help reduce acne, the results won’t happen overnight. It requires weeks of consistent use.

If you know you’ll struggle to use a LED device daily, you may want to explore other options.

You should also pick a device that’s easy to add into your daily routine. If you’re constantly on-the-go, a portable handheld device might work best.

Acne Severity

Most of the research has found light therapy to be effective for mild-to-moderate acne. If you have severe acne, light therapy may not be enough on its own to significantly help you.

You should also pick a device that “matches” how often and where your breakouts happen. For instance, if you only have acne on your cheek, a handheld, targeted device might be enough. If you have acne all over your face, a LED mask might be the better option.

What Is The CurrentBody Skin Anti-Acne LED Pen?

The CurrentBody Skin Anti-Acne LED Pen is a targeted skincare tool designed to combat acne via a combination of blue and red LED light therapy.

This FDA-cleared device offers a quick and easy solution for spot treatments, requiring just 3 minutes per spot. It’s designed to calm redness and swelling, prevent new breakouts, and kill acne-causing bacteria, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine for clearer skin.

CurrentBody Skin anti-acne LED pen and accessories unboxing

The Unboxing

The Anti-Acne LED Pen comes in a cute, little box (as pictured below).

CurrentBody Skin Anti-Acne LED Pen product box

You pull the tab on the bottom to reveal the device.

It comes with a user manual, a cloth bag to store the device, and a charging cable.

Who Should Use The CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen?

The CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen is best suited for those that:

  • Have mild-to-moderate acne
  • Are looking for acne spot treatments
Pros

  • Uses both red and blue light to effectively target acne
  • FDA-cleared device - so you know it’s safe to use
  • Easy to use with its one-button activation
  • Extremely portable, making it convenient to use even when on-the-go
  • Treatments are 3 minutes a day, making it an easy addition into your schedule

Cons

  • Targeted treatment may not be suitable for more widespread acne
  • Minimal clinical evidence showing effectiveness for severe acne
  • Requires consistent use to see results

What Makes The CurrentBody Anti-Acne Pen Stand Out?

After testing the device for a couple weeks, here are some of the things that stood out to me.

Clinically-Backed Wavelengths

CurrentBody’s anti-acne pen uses 415 nm blue light and 633 nm red light.

Studies have found 415 nm blue light to kill Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes acne) and to be the wavelength that’s most effectively absorbed by porphyrins (substances that are produced by P. acnes) [3].

Research has also shown this combination of 415 nm and 633 nm light to reduce acne by 69% over 8 weeks [4].

The results speak for themselves, and I’m thrilled with how my skin has improved since incorporating this pen into my routine.

Portable & Convenient

The device weighs just 20 grams (0.70 ounces) and fits within the palm of your hand – making it extremely lightweight and portable.

With the included storage pouch, it’s easy to take on-the-go. Just toss it in your purse, and you’re good to go.

Plus, as someone who travels frequently, it’s so much easier to bring this anti-acne device with me than a larger LED mask.

CurrentBody anti-acne pen device and packaging

Short Treatment Time

Compared to other LED devices (which require anywhere from 10-20 minutes per session), the CurrentBody Anti-Acne Pen requires just 3 minutes.

This makes it an easy addition into your skincare routine.

Easy To Use

No complicated instructions… just press the (only) button on the device, target the affected areas, and let it work its magic. The anti-acne pen will beep once the 3 minutes has passed. You can then move the device to another spot or turn it off if that’s all you need.

It’s a hassle-free addition to my skincare routine, and I love how quick and effective it is. No more complicated treatments or lengthy skincare routines – just quick and easy acne-fighting power in the palm of my hand.

CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED pen when turned on

CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen Alternatives

While the anti-acne pen from CurrentBody is a great choice, it’s by no means the only choice. Here are some popular alternatives.

Solawave Bye Acne

The Solawave Bye Acne does pretty much the same thing as the CurrentBody device. It uses the same wavelengths and has the same 3-minute treatment time. The only difference is the device design – so pick whichever one you like more.

That said, I preferred the design of the CurrentBody pen because it felt a bit more durable. The Solawave one felt a bit fragile – but that was just my impression of it.

Both are great choices for handheld LED devices.

CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Face Mask

If you’re looking for more than just a spot treatment, you may want to consider the CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Face Mask.

Designed for the entire face, it uses 132 LED lights (415 nm blue light, 633 nm red light) to provide comprehensive coverage.

This device is best for those looking to treat widespread facial acne.

Our Verdict

First off, let me say that this pen is super easy to use. Just a few minutes of treatment on any pesky spots and I can already see a difference. Those red, angry bumps? G-O-N-E.

My breakouts have diminished, my skin looks more radiant, and I feel more confident in my own skin. This innovative device has truly transformed the way I approach skincare, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with acne-prone skin.

The best part is, it’s portable. I can toss it in my bag and use it on-the-go. No more stressing about unexpected breakouts ruining my day.

I’ve tried countless acne treatments in the past, but this one truly stands out. The results speak for themselves. Clearer, smoother skin in no time.

Overall, I can’t recommend the CurrentBody Anti-Acne LED Pen enough. With its sleek design, impressive results, and affordable price point, it’s become a staple in my daily routine. Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent acne, this pen is a must-have for clear, radiant skin. Say goodbye to acne woes and hello to a more confident complexion with this innovative device.

Plus, get free shipping today when you use code BEAMSPEN.

CurrentBody Skin anti-acne LED pen and packaging

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23278295/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10809858/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439741/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18459515/
Anne, Founder of Therapeutic Beams

Anne Linde

Since using it to clear up her acne in college, Anne has been an avid user and fan of all things light therapy. She now primarily uses red light therapy for its anti-aging benefits. Anne's mission is to make the science behind red light therapy easy to understand and accessible, so anyone can use it to take control of their health and wellbeing.

John Ni, BSc.

John, a graduate of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, serves as a respected scientific reviewer at TherapeuticBeams.com. His expertise extends across various domains, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and dermatology. He contributes to publications like Royal Society of Chemistry, Drug Topics, and Practical Dermatology.

John Ni, Content Editor & Scientific Review

Leave a Comment