Blue Light Therapy and Acne Treatment

Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people and the majority of women. An innovative approach to treating acne is blue light therapy. Whether done in the office or at home, this treatment produces positive results and skin improvement.

How Blue Light Therapy Works

Acne is caused by a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, more commonly referred to as P acnes. This bacteria feeds on excess oil in the skin, which results in inflammation and pimples. The blue light is applied in pulses directly on pores and follicles, which causes the P acnes to die while reducing the amount of oil available. The inflammation goes away, and the skin is restored to its normal state.

How Blue Light Therapy is Used In the Office

Acne has been treated with various blue light technologies for a number of years. It is often performed in combination with other skin-enhancing chemicals to bring faster results. While these treatments can cause flaking and redness in the skin, they are approved by the FDA and are considered quite safe.

The Benefits of Blue Light Therapy

Patients can choose in-office treatment, at-home treatment or a combination of the two.

• Treatment performed in the office can be done more quickly and aggressively on a larger area of skin. The patient will then need to use home therapy to keep the bacteria and flare ups in check.
• At-home treatment alone has similar results but may work more slowly. This gives a patient more control over treating acne and allows for a self-paced recovery. This is also a good option for patients who are unable to attend office appointments.
• Regardless of the approach, treating acne effectively results in better skin, elevated self esteem and a higher quality of life for patients. Many enjoy a more active social life and feel more confident in the workplace after acne treatment.

Those who are interested in blue light therapy and exploring all available options for treating acne should contact the experienced staff at the Westchester Center for Dermatology to schedule a consultation.