Does blue light therapy work for acne?

A: Blue light kills the acne-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P acnes, which can cause inflammation. P acnes is sensitive to blue light. Using the blue light, eliminates the bacteria found in the oil glands in the skin.

How long does it take for blue light therapy to help acne?

Most people will need weekly sessions for several weeks, but this will depend on the severity of symptoms and how well the acne responds to therapy. For some people, two to four weekly treatments are enough. After symptoms improve, regular monthly treatment can help manage them.

Does blue light therapy make acne worse before it gets better?

In some cases, acne was reported to be completely clear. However, about one in five people will see no benefit from four weeks of treatment and may even see their acne worsen in severity. Blue light therapy does not appear to produce extended acne remissions.

Is blue light or red light better for acne?

Red light therapy is best for chronic skin conditions like signs of aging, scarring, and loss of elasticity. Blue light therapy is best for acute skin conditions like oil production, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts.

What color LED light kills acne?

Blue LED light is most often used to treat acne. It may do this by reducing activity in the sebaceous glands, so they produce less of the oil that can plug the hair follicles, leading to acne. Blue light may also kill acne-causing bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes.

LED LIGHT THERAPY: BLUE LIGHT ACNE TREATMENT, RED LIGHT REJUVENATION| DR DRAY

What kind of blue light kills acne?

Blue light acne treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses light in the blue wavelength range of 405-420 nm to kill the Propionobacterium acnes or P. acnes bacteria in skin.

Can you overuse blue light therapy?

Increasing exposure too fast or using the light box for too long each time may induce manic symptoms if you have bipolar disorder. If you have past or current eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts or eye damage from diabetes, get advice from your eye specialist before starting light therapy.

Which LED light is best for acne?

“Blue LED light treats acne by killing acne-causing bacteria. Green and yellow LED light treat sensitivity and uneven skin color.

What lighting makes acne look worse?

Now we get to the worse of the worse – fluorescent lighting! If you can, avoid doing your makeup under bright, white, fluorescent lighting at all costs. The most unflattering and unforgiving lighting of all, fluorescent lighting highlights all your blemishes and imperfections, washing out your skin.

Does your face peel after blue light treatment?

What does the skin look like after treatment? The treated area of the skin is usually quite red and may appear to be flaking or peeling, as it would after a mild sunburn. The redness, and perhaps some of the flaking, can last for several days to a week or even two weeks.

Should I wash my face after blue light therapy?

Shower and wash the area immediately and as often as needed. Gently wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or scrubbing the skin could cause severe irritation or scarring.

What should I put on my face after blue light treatment?

Allow skin to slough off without picking. Keep the treated area clean with mild soap or cleansers such as CeraVe or Cetaphil. Keep the treated area well moisturized with Cetaphil cream, CeraVe cream or Aquaphor to aid in the healing process. Apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area 2-4 times a day as needed.

How often can I use blue light for acne?

The blue light acne treatment time is approximately 30 minutes. Patients require 2-3 sessions per week over a 4-week period. This will allow the skin to regain its normal appearance. After 3 treatments, patients often notice a reduction of approximately 75% in inflammatory acne, with a marked decrease in new outbreaks.

What are the side effects of the blue light treatment?

The most common side effect of PDT is sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight. These reactions caused by PDT light can show up on the skin where the drug is applied. They usually involve redness and a tingling or burning sensation.

Does blue light unclog pores?

Blue light therapy also decreases the number of cysts, blackheads, and blocked pores at a speed that's faster than normal skin healing (2, 4, 5). Many inflammatory skin issues are caused by blocked pores, often due to over-producing sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.

What is the best light therapy for acne spots?

Infrared light: The FDA has approved this type of light to treat pimples, including those that develop on the back. Infrared light cannot treat blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules. Photodynamic therapy (PDT): During PDT, a solution that makes the skin more sensitive to light is applied to acne-prone skin.

What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?

Before you use your home light therapy device, use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin. You can also use your device in the morning before applying any skincare products.

How often should you use LED light therapy for acne?

Light therapy works on mild to moderate acne. You get this treatment at your dermatologist's office about once a week. Your doctor will tell you to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for a week or more before your treatment. You might also have to stop using some of your skin-care products.

What is the success rate of blue light therapy?

On average Blue Light Therapy eliminates 40% to 75% of Actinic Keratosis per treatment. At Siperstein, we will often pretreat thicker precancerous lesions to achieve a higher cure rate. The most common areas that we treat are the face, ears, and scalp.

Does blue light have negative effects?

Constant exposure to blue light over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye.

What kills acne bacteria?

Benzoyl peroxide.

This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.

What color LED light shrinks pores?

Red Light. This increases natural hydration levels, reduced redness and inflammation, shrinks the appearance of pores, regulates oil production, improves circulation, accelerates skin repair as is a medically-approved treatment for rosacea.

What should I avoid after blue light treatment?

For 48 hours after your treatment, don't expose the treated area to bright light. This includes avoiding: Direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight.