BlueLight Acne Treatments

Acne-free complexion (Credit: Strochka)

Let’s understand more about BlueLight Acne Treatments. First of all, how is acne caused?

Acne occurs when the oil produced by sebaceous glands does not reach the surface of the skin but is trapped in tiny pores or follicles. This plug may close off the pore, causing the follicle wall to bulge, which creates a whitehead. If the pore stays open, the top surface of the plug may become darkened, causing a blackhead. In both cases, the bacteria P. acnes thrives in the clogged follicles. When the bacteria and pus leak from the follicle into the surrounding tissue, pimples are formed.

Unfortunately, acne is something most of us have experienced at one time or another It is most prevalent during adolescence because hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil glands) into producing more sebum (oil), increasing the chance of acne. While most people outgrow acne in their late teens or early twenties, many continue to be affected much longer. Aggravation of acne in later life may occur with menstrual periods, use of birth control pills, use of oil-based products and stress.

In the past, treatments for moderate acne have included topical antibacterials and antibiotics, oral antibiotics, Retin-A™, Accutane™, astringents and exfoliants.

BLUE Light is the new way to treat moderate acne. BLUE Light PhotoDynamic Therapy is now FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate acne and may be the treatment for you.

The BLUE Light PhotoDynamic Therapy kills the P. acnes bacteria in your skin. The BLUE Light can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of ALA, or Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid), for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Studies show that BLUE Light provides treatment for both active lesions and other inactive sebaceous glands that are not creating active lesions. Pretreatment with topical ALA may offer additional reduction of lesions, pustules, and papules.

Patients receiving BLUE Light only will sit in front of the BLUE Light delivery system for about sixteen minutes. Treatments are spaced at weekly intervals. The number of your treatments, your treatment time and your treatment interval may vary with the severity of your acne.

Patients receiving the topical application of ALA with their BLUE Light treatment sit with the ALA solution on for about thirty minutes, then sit in front of the BLUE Light delivery system for about eight minutes. Treatments are spaced two weeks apart. The number of your treatments, your treatment time and your treatment intervals may vary with the severity of your acne.

Unlike other topical treatments, treatments with BLUE Light and ALA have shown minimal adverse side effects or patient discomfort.

After two to four weekly treatments, most patients experience a reduction in the severity of their acne and a reduction in the number of pustules and papules.