Experts have always said sunlight exposure could damage the skin, but now it seems ultra bright LED light exposure might help maintain healthy complexions. British company Lumie is launching a new handheld, LED device that acne sufferers can use to treat their skin in the privacy of their own homes.

Recent research suggests a combination of red and blue LED lights can attack bacteria and clear up skin on the spot. A study at Hammersmith Hospital in London showed the red and blue light therapy improved sufferers' skin by more than 75 percent in a matter of weeks.

Conventionally, acne is treated with creams and antibiotics. The body often develops resistance to these forms of treatment, and it needs to be complimented with light treatments - until now only available through clinical visits.

Lumie developers hope the device will enable people with acne to take control over their own treatments, and reduce the side effects commonly associated with acne such as depression and anxiety.

"With the hand-held option what the user will do is take it off the cradle - and treat their acne to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time," said Lumie Innovations manager Samira Cherrouk.

The Lumie device - which goes on sale in December - stands to brighten acne treatment for many; according to American Academy of Dermatology, acne is a sensitive problem for more than 80 percent of adolescents.