LED treatment for discoloration from Acne?

I understand that blue light can be used to reduce inflammation and kill Acne-causing bacteria. Will it also help with discoloration from Acne?

1 answer to “LED treatment for discoloration from...”

A: Usually not

Steven H. Williams, MD

The discoloration in your skin is likely secondary to scar tissue and deposits (like hemosiderin) in the dermis itself. While LED light has been purported as a treatment for acne (with mixed results), it is likely not useful to lighten to treat scarring from acne. You would probably need to look at peels or... more

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lhaney
156 posts
30 Nov 2008

We currently keep our three Blu-U light machines very busy for our acne patients.  We are pleased with the effective outcomes when combined with other modalities such as class IV medical lasers, chemical peels, and skin care products.  Although generally realiable in the treatment of acne, this technology is designed for active acne and the inflammation associated with acne - not for acne scarring.  Sometimes the redness associated with acne is the inflammation that will calm and resolve as the acne improves.  As Dr. Williams suggested, much discoloration (red and brown) may fade as time goes on.  Generally, what remains after six months is now considered scarring.  In our practice, we receive good outcomes using class IV medical lasers (very different than LED technology) to address both red and brown-based acne scarring as well as improving the texture/smoothness of the skin.  Most of the time, acne scarring is being treated concurrently with the treatment of active acne.  However, our primary focus is the treatment and control of active areas in order to prevent continued scarring.  Because LED technology is not the same as class IV medical lasers, the benefits are limited.  Lasers are precise, effective, and powerful in the treatment of acne scars for all skin types. Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer www.celibre.com  

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