Is Blue Light Better Than IPL for Treating Acne?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Armando Soto, MD
Question viewed 5,282 times
Tags: comparison

i underwent a few IPL acne treatments and they didn't do anything but cause me pain. Is Blue Light Therapy or some other LED treatment the way to go to get rid of acne?

5 answers to Is Blue Light Better Than IPL for Treating Acne?

Blue Light Therapy for Acne

Yes, blue LED light therapy would be a better option for treating acne than the IPL. IPL is only effective for acne when used to activate a photodynamic therapy solution such as Aminolevulinic Acid. Blue LED light therapy however can be very effective even when used independently from other therapies. The wavelength of the blue LED light works to kill the p.acne bacteria that causes acne therefore reducing acne lesions. This is a... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Blue light works better when preceded by Levulan application

Blue light therapy alone can be quite modest in its efficacy for acne treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using either Blue light and Levulan or Red light and Metvixia works much better in reducing inflammation and minimizing cystic acne lesions. Most experienced board-certified dermatologist would recommend a series of 4 treatments about 2-4 weeks apart. Prepare to experience mild sunburn like redness and peeling for few days after each photodynamic therapy.

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

Add Levulan to Blue Wavelength IPL

IPL using the blue wavelength is not nearly as effective for acne treatment without the addition of Levulan. Levulan is attracted to the porphyrins produced by the P. Acnes bacteria. When the light source hits the porphrins, the nearby bacteria give up the ghost. PDT therapy, which this is called, is an excellent adjunct to standard acne treatment. It should not be used in place of it, however. I do not think L.E. D. treatment has much use in acne therapy.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Blue light for acne

Although FDA has approved Blue Light therapy for acne, our results have been inconsistent. I believe that results are better when Blue light is combined with levulan. However, this is an off label use for Levulan.

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

BLU-U vs. IPL for Acne

There is no head to head comparison of these two treatment modalities. However, I presume that you are referring to the use of these two devices along with levulan or Metvix which helps these modalities work much better, as without application of these agents, the results are not that impressive. I would talk to your dermatologist to see what is best for you, as with various prescription creams, pills (antibiotics, oral contraceptive pill, accutane), chemical peels etc, we now have many... more

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates