Scoping review evaluates safety and efficacy of home dermatologic devices for acne and rejuvenation, highlighting evidence variation.
BACKGROUND: Home-use dermatologic devices are increasingly used because of their convenience and accessibility, yet the strength of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy varies widely. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of home-based dermatologic devices for acne and facial rejuvenation. METHODS: A scoping review of PubMed identified clinical studies evaluating home-use devices for acne vulgaris and facial rejuvenation. Levels of evidence and strength of recommendation were assessed using the GRADE framework. RESULTS: For acne, blue light-emitting diodes (LED) and combination blue-red LED devices demonstrated moderate quality evidence (Level B) with favorable safety profiles and Grade I recommendations. Red LED and light-heat energy devices showed low-quality evidence (Level C) but minimal adverse events. Home-use intense pulsed light and heat-based devices lacked supportive clinical data (Level D) and were not recommended. For facial rejuvenation, home-use fractional nonablative lasers demonstrated high-quality evidence (Level A) with consistent clinical improvement. Light-emitting diodes and radiofrequency devices showed moderate evidence (Level B), while microneedling devices were supported by low-quality evidence (Level D) and associated with infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Evidence supporting home-use dermatologic devices varies substantially by modality. Fractional lasers, LED, and radiofrequency devices demonstrate the most favorable balance of efficacy and safety, underscoring the importance of evidence-based patient counseling.
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Raef et al. (2026) studied this question.
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