Blue Light and Acne : A tested and successful alternative to medication.
Over 75% of the population battles with acne during their life , but light – blue light – is now being shed on the problem.
Traditionally medications and other remedies usually provide relief, however, for many people this isn’t the case. Some can’t or won’t take medications because they are too difficult to stick to, or the side effects or allergies aren’t worth it. And sometimes, they just don’t work very well.
However, the American Academy of Dermatology have found that when you mix blue light and acne, the acne causing bacteria dies.
Blue light therapy works by emitting a specific wavelength of blue light (400nm-430nm) that targets the bacteria that causes the inflammation. The blue light reacts with certain molecules of the bacteria and causes the bacteria to die, with no visible side effects to the patient*.
The blue light and acne therapy was approved by the FDA in 2003, and many dermatologists are starting to use it.
According the dermatologists I spoke with who offer the treatment, it is absolutely painless, and requires no antibiotics or other medication. This is great news because overuse of antibiotics in prescription acne medication can weaken the effectiveness for antibiotics to stop other diseases in the future.
The treatment process is usually 4-5 weeks, with 2 sessions a week for 15-20 minutes each. The patient cleans their face, puts on special glasses that block the light, and they sit in front of the blue light machine.
The great thing about the light is there are no U.V. rays, so it is completely safe for the skin. According to the American academy of Dermatology, this treatment works for 80% of people who try it.
This research has been tested and documented by the American Academy of Dermatology, and several dermatologists have been offering blue light treatment for $250-$350 for a full treatment, and insurance does not usually cover this treatment.
However, a more affordable alternative can be home therapy blue light and acne treatments. You can find affordable blue lights that kill acne bacteria online.
There are several companies online that sell a full blue light system, as well as just the correct blue light bulbs. I haven’t personally tested any of these, however, everything I’ve seen says they work wonders, and are completely safe. Definatly worth checking into.