How does Blue Light Therapy Work?

Question

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

The "blue" light used for this modality is narrow-bands of blue rays in the visible light spectrum of 415-420 nanometers. The light is very safe but requires the patient to use safety goggles throughout the standard 15-20 minute treatment. There is concern that prolonged exposure to the light without eye protection may result in eye irritation and/or cataracts. Wearing the proper goggles will prevent this. There is no sensation or even heat associated with the light therapy. The biggest complaint we receive is that it is boring. We often caution our acne patients to not undervalue the Blu-U treatments which is often the case when there is no sensation associated with treatments.

William Ting, MD · Answer

BLU-U technology uses high-intensity, 405-420nm wavelength light. This is outside of the cancer-causing ultraviolet UV spectrum between 290-400nm. Intense pulse light laser (IPL) or photofacial utilizes 560-1200nm depending on which filter is used dictated by different skin types. Unfortunately, the clinical efficacy of blue light therapy as a stand alone therapy for acne is quite modest requiring 1-2x/week for several weeks. What has been shown to be more efficacious is blue light preceded by aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) where the colonies of bacteria responsible for acne can be significantly reduced and the secretion from oil glands can be minimized. This is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and should be supervised by an experienced board-certified dermatologist who can customize specific incubation time (duration of Levulan left on the skin) as well as the exposure time (amount of time spent in front of a blue light source). Effective PDT treatment regimen typically requires 4 treatments, 2-4 weeks apart. PDT will work even better as an adjunctive therapy to the conventional oral and topical therapy prescribed by your board-certified dermatologist.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

The technology for LED Light Therapy (or Light Emitting Diode Therapy) was originally created by NASA years ago as a way of growing plants in space. Today, LED Light Therapy is a light treatment that can be used to stimulate collagen production (reducing fine lines and wrinkles) and kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, improving skin clarity—with no pain and no downtime.Blue light therapy: Kills acne-causing bacteria, without harming skin, to improve skin clarity and reduce future breakouts. Results are often seen after just one treatment.

How does Blue Light Therapy Work?

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How does Blue Light Therapy Work?

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