Blue Light Therapy

How Does Blue Light Therapy Work?

Blue light is a popular therapy used for treating acne. Blue light kills off bacteria on the skin and in the oil glands that cause acne. Certain bacteria such as propionibacterium acnes, or P acnes, are particularly susceptible to blue light. Blue light is used in tandem with infrared heat that causes the oil glands to shrink in size, as well. By decreasing the presence of bacteria, blue light is able to reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Several treatments can make blemishes disappear and return skin to a healthier state. It can also work to eliminate irregular growths and lesions on the skin.

Conditions Treated by Blue Light

Blue light is used most commonly to treat some forms of acne, as well as sun damage and either malignant or premalignant cancer growths in the skin. Results with blue light acne therapy are typically visible within two weeks to a month. As the therapy heightens the sensitivity of the skin, it is important that anyone undergoing blue light therapy does not touch or scratch the affected areas in between or after treatments.