Light Therapy & Acne
Light therapy is one of the newest treatments for severe acne problems. The process is so new that there is no solid proof of its effectiveness over the long term. However, research suggests that many acne sufferers treated with laser have not had recurrences of this skin problem.
-
Blue light therapy
-
Blue light therapy uses narrow, high-iintensity blue lights to kill the Propionibacterium---or P.acnes bacterium---that causes acne. This treatment is the most intense of all light therapies and also attacks acne vulgaris. No UV light is used in the process. Blue light therapy takes four weeks---a total of about eight sessions. Side effects suffered by some people include pigmentation of the skin, swelling in the targeted area and dry skin.
Pulse light and heat energy therapy
-
LHE therapy uses pulses of light and heat to target the bacteria that causes acne. LHE therapy does not go as deep as blue light therapy and only destroys P. acnes. This treatment also decreases the amount of oil the skin produces by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands. The light used is a small, green light.
-
ALA and light therapy
-
ALA and light therapy is a two-step process that is one of the lesser known therapies available. The first step is applying aminolevuinic acid (ALA) to the skin to increase sensitivity to light. This acid must be applied for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the acne. Following application, the skin is treated with pulsated green light therapy. This type of therapy can cause darkening of the skin and inflammation of hair follicles.
Diode laser
-
Diode laser treatment uses a 1450 nanometer diode laser to treat severe acne. This treatment is generally used only to treat acne on the back. This treatment, like blue light therapy, can cause swelling and redness.
Research
-
A small amount of research has been conducted on laser therapy and acne. The research that has been done shows promise. Laser therapy is not prescribed by doctors; due to the nature of the procedure, this type of therapy does not need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
-
