Acne Laser Light Treatment at Home for Acne
Laser treatment for acne that is safe for home use usually uses cool, low-level lasers, as opposed to the hotter lasers that professionals use. Also known as light therapy, home laser treatment is not invasive and has only minor side effects. Several manufacturers have entered the market to make home light treatment widely available for acne sufferers. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The therapeutic benefits of light therapy was discovered by scientists in the 1970s when they found that it could stimulate plant growth and promote healing of cells. Light therapy turned out to be useful in skin care as well, being able to treat various conditions such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone. At certain wavelengths, high-intensity light can kill the bacteria that cause acne.
Types of Light
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Light therapy might use blue light, red light or a combination of the two. Blue light, the more widespread type in acne therapy, penetrates into the skin's oil glands and kills acne bacteria. Red light works by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. A red-and-blue light combination might be more effective in treating acne.
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Effects
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Light therapy has been shown to reduce acne by 60 percent in 80 percent of patients, according to a report presented to the American Academy of Dermatology. The research participants went through two treatment sessions per week for four weeks, and the effect lasts for three to eight months. Other research, published in the "British Journal of Dermatology", found a 76 percent mean improvement in acne lesions after the patients used portable blue light devices daily for 12 weeks. However, results of various research projects are inconsistent, with another analysis from the same publication finding that light therapy, when used by itself, has little or no effect on acne.
Types of Home Products
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Light therapy home devices might be designed for spot treatment of acne or treatment of the whole face. For treatment of smaller areas, the device would be small and hand-held. The patient would direct the light on areas of the face to be treated. A bigger device can be put on a surface such as a table, with the patient sitting close to it. With all devices, the user needs to wear goggles to prevent the light from damaging the retinas. As of June 2010, light therapy devices for acne cost from $150 to $350.
Warning
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Light therapy for home use is usually mild and safe. It can often be used in conjunction with other acne medications, except isotretinoin, also known as Accutane. Possible side effects include redness or irritation. Light therapy is not recommended for people who are pregnant, epileptic or taking cortisone or steroid injections. Do not use light therapy devices on open sores, wounds or infected areas.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit what a face image by Kelly Kane from Fotolia.com
