Introduction
Acne is a common condition that affects 70-80% of the teenage population worldwide. It can be difficult to treat, and most acne treatments have some side effects.
Blue light therapy for acne is suitable for treating mild or moderate cases of inflammatory acne and it has been effective to reduce the inflammatory acne by 60-70% according to published data. I would like to share what our Stellar M22 targeted blue light therapy is, how it works, and its impressive improvement in more than 90% of our patients who have received the treatment.
What Is Blue Light Acne Treatment?
Blue light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses specific wavelengths of blue light to kill the acne-causing bacteria in the oil glands of your skin.
Eliminating the bacteria from the skin with blue light decreases the inflammation associated with red and inflammatory pimples.
While it’s not a one-time permanent solution for acne, blue light therapy can be a highly effective part of an overall treatment plan.
As a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment offered by several medical devices on the market, blue light therapy is considered safe because it doesn’t damage your skin.
If you’re looking for a gentle, yet effective treatment for your inflammatory acne, you may consult your dermatologist to learn more about blue light therapy.
How Does Assurance Skin’s Stellar M22 Blue Light Acne Treatment Work?
6mm lightguide of Stellar M22 is designed to aim specifically on each inflammatory acne. It penetrates the skin to kill the acne-causing bacteria that are sitting deep within the pores.
The bacteria’s DNA is destroyed in a process called photobacterium conversion, also known as photo-oxidation. The added presence of heat causes the oil glands to shrink in size. The heat also helps to reduce inflammation and redness, leading to the resolution of acne in the treated areas.
Advantages Of Blue Light Therapy For Acne
For those that are considering blue light therapy, here are some advantages it has compared to conventional acne treatments.
- Highly effective (for inflammatory lesions)
- Low risk of complications
- No antibiotics or drugs used in the treatment
- Suitable for treating acne in pregnant woman and patients who are intolerant to conventional antibiotic and acne cream treatment
- Compatible with most other acne therapies
- Does not cause scarring
Does the Type of Acne Being Treated Matter?
Yes, it does matter. The type of acne you have can play a role in how well blue light works for your skin.
Mild to moderate cases of inflammatory acne respond best to blue light therapy. If you have severe acne, you should consult your dermatologist for other more specific treatments.
What to Expect During Blue Light Acne Treatment
You can expect your blue light acne treatment to last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. During the procedure, you will wear protective goggles.
Once the treatment has started, you may feel a mild to moderate sting when we direct the blue light to treat the acne lesions.
After your treatment is over, your dermatologist may provide you with sunscreen to apply on the treated area. Depending on how severe your acne is, your dermatologist may recommend additional medications and follow-up sessions.
What Are the Side Effects of Blue Light Acne Treatment?
Blue light therapy is a non-invasive FDA-approved treatment for acne. But just like any medical procedure, there are certain side effects that may occur.
- mild to moderate stinging during the treatment
- mild redness
- a very mild but transient burning sensation at the treated area
These side effects are only temporary and typically subside after a few hours. If your condition worsens or persists, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Combining Blue Light Therapy With Other Treatments
It is common to combine blue light therapy with other acne treatments.
Examples include pairing the treatment with topical creams, serums, and oral antibiotics.
During consultation, I will explain the efficacy of combining blue light therapy with other acne treatments that suits your acne condition.
Conclusion
Blue light therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and FDA-approved treatment for those with mild to moderate cases of acne. If you’re struggling with acne and desire a smoother, clearer skin, it might be worth giving this treatment a try. Book an appointment with Dr. Wong Soon Tee to find out if you are suitable for blue light therapy.
