Blue Light Therapy

What is Blue Light Phototherapy?

Blue Light Phototherapy is a blue light system that uses a unique, high-intensity blue-violet light to activate bacteria-fighting porphyrins. The porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide and destroys the acne bacteria.

How does the treatment work?

During the treatment, therapeutic light is applied to the face by a medical professional. The blue light activates photosensitizers within the acne bacteria. This creates a toxic bactericidal environment in the sebaceous gland which inhibits the formation of the acne lesions. The light may be applied alone or may be combined with a topical drug that sensitizes the skin.

What are the features of Blue Light Phototherapy?

Blue Light Therapy is a new standard for acne treatment. Features include a high intensity, narrow spectrum that destroys acne bacteria, short treatment times, no side effects, no pain and no downtime. Blue Light Phototherapy treats mild to moderate acne.

Is Blue Light Phototherapy safe?

Blue Light Phototherapy is one of the safest acne treatments available on the market. The blue light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the target without adversely affecting surrounding skin.

Will there be any downtime?

There will no downtime because Blue Light Phototherapy is gentle with no known side effects.

What are the benefits of Blue Light Phototherapy?

The advantage of Blue Light Phototherapy is that it is effective, yet pain free. Other treatments cause redness, swelling and possibly burning or scarring, but Blue Light Phototherapy provides a painless, trouble-free therapy that clears acne in just a few weeks.

What are the results?

Seventy to ninety percent of acne is cleared after the recommended number of treatments.

How long does a Blue Light Phototherapy treatment last?

Blue Light Phototherapy treatments usually last fifteen to twenty minutes.

Who are candidates for Blue Light Phototherapy?

Candidates include anyone with mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

Who should avoid Blue Light Phototherapy?

Women who are pregnant and clients with photo sensitivities may want to ask their doctors before using Blue Light Phototherapy. Also, clients with severe acne may need a more intensive treatment and should ask their physician before pursuing Blue Light Phototherapy.

How does the treatment feel?

Patients undergoing Blue Light Phototherapy will feel slight warmth on the treatment area.

How soon will results appear?

Desired results appear after four weeks of treatment; however, subtle changes will begin to appear after a few sessions.

How long do the results last?

Results usually last four to eight months. Touch-up sessions may be necessary.

What are some alternative treatments?

Alternative acne treatments include creams such as Retin-A®, medications such as Accutane®, antibiotics and chemical peels. Other treatments such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion are effective but have longer recovery times and can be painful.

Is additional treatment necessary?

Additional sessions of Blue Light Phototherapy are necessary. The typical schedule is two sessions a week for four weeks. Sometimes more sessions are necessary.

Instructions prior to treatment: Before treatment, wash the skin area with a mild acne cleanser, rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Women should remove any make-up and only wear oil free make-up between sessions.

Instructions between treatments: Between treatments, a gentle acne cleanser may be used. Avoid touching or picking blemishes at all times.