Acne Treatments – Blue Light

A blue light (wavelength commencing at 420 nm) is used in the treatment of acne. Acne is a problem with many contributors. For example, there are bacteria unique to the acne pimples. Their technical name is 'p. acnes'. Also, there is a disruption in the oil production in the skin, called sebaceous hyperplasia. In some situations, the acne is triggered by hormonal variations. Doctors use many different techniques to address these various contributors to the acne problem. For example, over-the-counter medications with glycolic acids, benzyl peroxide, or retins may be recommended. Conversely, stronger prescriptions of these agents plus the addition of antibiotics may be recommended. These over-the-counter and prescription medications address the acne problems by causing exfoliation (retins, glycolics, etc.) or by killing acne bacteria. In addition, the doctor may recommend more advanced exfoliant procedures such as microdermabrasion or peels. Exfoliation, either pharmaceutical or physical, helps in acne treatment by opening the pores to allow oxygen into the skin. Acne bacteria find oxygen poisonous, so exfoliation can be an important step.

Blue light treatments complement the above treatments. Specific types of blue light also poison the acne bacteria. The effect on the acne takes place because the blue light activates components within the bacteria and changes them to a toxic form to the bacteria. In essence, the blue light induces a 'photo-toxic' effect. This procedure is a drug free, natural option for anyone. It can be used on its own, with pharmaceutical medications or with a special lotion called Levulan. When Levulan is used, individuals are often well corrected with a series of three treatments (instead of the normal eight to twelve), and the results tend to last 8-14 months (see Levulan heading).

Most people need eight to twelve treatments to put their acne into a state of remission. This timing is an approximation, as every person is unique. The treatment involves cleansing the skin to remove any makeup. Then a clear gel is applied to help the light penetrate the pimples. A tube, held by the client, blows soothing cooled air across the skin’s surface. The light is then pulsed over the acne arena, and the sensation is of gentle warmth, or a mild pin-prick at its strongest levels. Extremely few people would consider the process 'painful'. After the treatment, the skin is wiped dry and sunscreen is applied. The person returns one to two times weekly until the acne is better. After remission is obtained, the individual can return as needed for single treatments (approx every four to eight weeks). As acne is a condition, it is not curable. However, with ongoing treatment and with or without pharmacologic treatments, it can be drastically improved.

Pre treatment:

• Do not sun tanning for three weeks before a treatment.
• Come to the office a little early to wash off make up.
• The treatment is done.

  Post treatment:

• Apply sunscreen every day before makeup.
• Avoid sun tanning.

Side effects are few and uncommon. Acne treatments may cause a temporary increase in the visible pimples when treatment is first started. It does clear up with subsequent treatment. The light can rarely cause a 'sun burn'-like effect with mild redness and rarely small blistering. Uncommonly, there can be a disturbance in the pigment of the skin. This type of disturbance is strongly associated with sun exposure. Rarely, people may have underlying health issues that cause their acne to be more resistant to treatment; therefore, an additional number of treatments or therapies may need to be added.

For more information, please book your personal consultation. We welcome your questions.