Blue Light Therapy for Acne

Posted on November 2, 2009 in Acne Treatment

Among the many treatments for acne, blue light therapy is growing as an effective treatment for acne. This treatment involves applying a topical cream and then exposing the acne-prone skin to blue light. Initially used to treat cancer and actinic keratosis, blue light therapy is now used for acne treatment. This treatment may take about 4 weeks and may require 4 to 5 sessions to complete.

How does Blue Light Therapy Work?
Blue light therapy works by killing the bacteria and shrinking the oil glands. When the skin is exposed to the blue light, the light kills the P. acnes bacteria which is responsible for acne. When the acne-causing bacteria is killed, the acne would eventually clear up. The blue light also shrinks the oil glands of the skin, thereby reducing the acne.

Treatment: Blue Light Therapy for Acne
Initially, photosensitizing agent such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin. When ALA is applied to the skin, the skin becomes sensitive to the light. This will allow the blue light to effectively destroy the bacteria. After 15 to 60 minutes, the photosensitizing agent is removed and the acne-prone skin is exposed to blue light. Generally, blue light therapy requires 4 to 5 sittings for acne treatment.

Blue light therapy is new treatment for acne. However, studies show that this treatment helps in reducing acne. If you are interested in the blue light therapy, do speak to your dermatologist about blue light therapy for acne treatment.

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