Blue Light Therapy for Acne - Is It Worth It?

P.acnes bacterial infection, commonly known as acne, is a common skin condition that afflicts a large segment of the world's population, especially people between the ages of 14 and 25. The condition includes inflammation and lesions on the skin commonly around the cheek bones and lower cheeks and is also to be found on the shoulders and back in many cases. This condition, depending on its severity can be a burden to those who suffer from it as it appears to dramatically alter the appearance of the individual and stand out - often taking on the appearance of a bad, bloody rash.

Overview

Ever since the first appearance of this condition, man has tried everything from the Sun, herbal medicines, superstitious rituals, medical creams, shots and drugs and procedural therapy to control and / or remove the condition all together. So far, there has been no one workable solution which is inexpensive, non-dependent on dangerous drugs, not susceptible to side effects and does not require repetitive treatment over years. Advancements in medical research and development have found uses for light therapy for SAD (mood disorders) and as a prescription for healthy skin, however, it is only recently that light, especially blue light of a certain wavelength has been used to effectively treat acne conditions and show a lasting improvement for the subject. Blue light therapy is a leading method for acne cure that has proven effective in 80% of all clinically tested cases with tests conducted by such organizations as American and the British Academies of Dermatology.

Blue light (photodynamic) treatment

Blue light acne therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy involves controlled exposure to a blue light source with frequency and dosages administered according to the severity of the condition. This usually requires a patient to be treated with a photo-sensitizer solution used on the effective area so that the light is absorbed into the skin more readily.

In the aforementioned clinical tests, exposure to a blue light for three consecutive days was observed to reduce bacteria by 90% or more and was observed to cause only temporary side effects such as dryness and slight inflammation. The therapy is safe for the skin as the light contains no elements of UV rays. The therapy is also safe for the eyes when protective glasses or goggles are worn as a precaution.

Blue light is a part of natural sunlight and belongs in the visible spectrum with a wavelength range of 405 to 465 nm (approximately). Blue light limited to the wavelength range of 405 to 420 nm is called dermatologist grade blue light and is approved by the US & FDA. This light in high intensity has the ability to kill p.acnes bacterium through exposure for a few minutes and dries up the pimples, pustules, and cysts left by the bacteria on the surface of the skin. The light is readily absorbed by Porphyrins within the bacteria, and the energy kills the bacteria in turn.

Most of the time, when light therapy sessions are conducted at a clinic, great improvement is seen and the best idea is to buy a portable device (which is cheap and uses the same light and light source of the same wavelength as at a clinic) so that it can be used to conduct self-therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home without having to pay for expensive treatment sessions.

References:

Wikipedia
TrophySkin[dot]com/why_it_works.php
HotFrog[dot]com[dot]au/Companies/Light-therapy/Blue-Light-Therapy-CAN-help-treatment-of-many-health-problems-13366
NovaPhotoTherapy[dot]com/bluelightacnetherapy.aspx

Allen Anderson is a content writer at TrophySkin.com. Trophy Skin provides BlueMD, one of the best light therapy products for acne treatment. It provides a powerful, safe, effective and affordable blue light therapy which is approved by FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology.