Acne treatment via blue light: Exploring advantages, potential risks, and financial considerations
Blue light therapy is a popular, non-invasive approach to treating acne. It's fame stems from its apparent safety with only minimal side effects. And although research is limited, there's evidence suggesting it could help manage acne.
This form of phototherapy uses light to kill specific bacteria on the skin, specifically the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria that contribute to acne development. Some blue light treatments have even received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate acne that hasn't responded to other therapies.
Whether blue light therapy can truly aid acne or prevent outbreaks remains unclear. While findings suggest it could benefit those with acne, it's yet to be confirmed whether it's more effective than topical retinoids and other treatments.
What's more, blue light is safe, thanks to the absence of harmful UV rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the treatment poses no increased risk of skin cancer or aging.
One can receive blue light therapy in a dermatologist's office or at home.
Does blue light therapy work for acne?
Well, the AAD suggests that light therapies show promise as a treatment for acne, with some experiencing significant improvement. Yet, it's important to note that results vary greatly among individuals, and acne might not clear completely. Additionally, multiple sessions may be necessary, and results may not appear until several weeks after the last treatment.
Several studies have demonstrated blue light therapy could benefit those with acne. However, most of these studies are small and have lasted only up to 12 weeks, leading experts to question whether there's enough evidence to fully endorse its use.
Research findings supporting blue light therapy for acne:
- Researchers in 2011 found that improvements in acne occurred significantly sooner in those using a home use blue light device compared to those using a placebo device.
- In a study of 21 people with mild-to-moderate acne who self-administered blue light therapy twice weekly for 5 weeks, researchers reported a 64% reduction in lesions.
- Another study on 28 adults with facial acne who underwent eight sessions of blue light therapy over four weeks experienced a near 65% improvement in acne lesions overall.
- A Japanese study of 10 people with acne found that targeted blue light therapy once or twice a week led to a significant reduction in acne severity in eight participants, with no adverse effects reported.
- In a Korean study, around half of a group of 35 people used a light therapy device combining blue and red light twice daily for four weeks. After 12 weeks, those who used the light therapy device saw a 77% improvement in inflammatory lesions and a 54% improvement in non-inflammatory lesions.
However, it's crucial to remember that the majority of this research involves self-reported outcomes, which may be less reliable than clinical test results.
Alternatives for treating acne:
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Advantages of blue light therapy for acne:
- Blue light may help eradicate C. acnes bacteria responsible for acne.
- It may have an anti-inflammatory effect on keratinocytes, the most common cells in the outer layer of the skin.
Blue light therapy could offer some advantages over alternative acne treatments for several reasons:
- It's generally safe when administered by a trained practitioner.
- It's unlikely to produce long-term complications.
- It doesn't involve antibiotics or other drugs.
- It's suitable for treating acne on any part of the body.
- It's compatible with most other acne therapies.
- It doesn't cause scarring.
Blue light therapy and other conditions:
Blue light therapy may help address conditions other than acne. For instance, combining blue light therapy with a drug called aminolevulinic acid (ALA or Levulan) may potentially decrease the risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, blue light is believed to help regulate circadian rhythms and manage sleep disorders according to Mental Health America.
Lastly, two small studies suggest blue light therapy may improve mild-to-moderate symptoms of psoriasis in people with pale to light brown skin, according to the AAD.
What to expect:
A person can undergo blue light therapy in a dermatologist's office or administer it at home. It is advisable to arrive at the doctor's office with makeup-free, clean skin. The provider will offer goggles to protect the eyes, and the person will lie or sit under a blue light for the duration of the treatment. Generally, no pain or discomfort is experienced.
Between sessions, it's important to avoid touching or picking the blemishes on your skin and to follow the dermatologist's advice on product use and home care techniques during and after treatments. Regular follow-up sessions are usually necessary to maintain results.
Effects and risks:
When used correctly, blue light therapy seems unlikely to pose any serious long-term effects. However, minor side effects such as dry skin, changes in skin color, stinging, itchiness, and irritation have been noted, typically resolving shortly after treatment.
Blue light therapy should not be used by those with porphyria, a rare blood disorder causing heightened sensitivity to light. Similarly, individuals with lupus or an allergy to porphyrins should not undergo this treatment.
Additionally, the use of blue light with a photosensitizing drug may cause sun sensitivity and irritation for 2-3 days, as well as peeling.
Cost and insurance:
Costs for blue light therapy for acne can range from $40 per session to $1,000-1,500 for a full package with several weekly sessions. Most people will need weekly sessions for several weeks, with some requiring two to four weekly treatments, but it depends on the severity of symptoms and how well the acne responds to therapy.
Insurance coverage for light therapy treatment for acne is generally limited.
Self-administered blue light therapy:
People can acquire blue light therapy devices for home use online. While they will be less powerful than those available in a doctor's office, they can be an option for those with mild acne. However, they can be expensive and may not benefit everyone.
It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.
- Blue light therapy could potentially aid in the management of acne, with some individuals experiencing significant improvements, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
- Research suggests that blue light therapy could reduce acne lesions, with studies reporting reductions of up to 65%, but the effectiveness may vary among individuals.
- Blue light therapy may work by eradicating the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria responsible for acne and by having an anti-inflammatory effect on keratinocytes.
- Blue light therapy treatment can be conducted in a dermatologist's office or at home.
- When used correctly, blue light therapy appears to be generally safe and unlikely to produce long-term complications.
- It's believed that combining blue light therapy with a drug called aminolevulinic acid (ALA or Levulan) might decrease the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Two small studies suggest that blue light therapy may improve mild-to-moderate symptoms of psoriasis in people with pale to light brown skin.
- Minor side effects such as dry skin, changes in skin color, stinging, itchiness, and irritation have been noted with blue light therapy, typically resolving shortly after treatment.
- Blue light therapy devices for home use can be purchased online, but they may be expensive and may not benefit everyone.
- It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using home blue light therapy devices.
- Regular follow-up sessions are usually necessary to maintain results with blue light therapy.
