Blue Light Therapy
P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for causing acne inflammation, pump out tiny molecules called porphyrins. When those porphyrin are exposed to certain wavelengths of light (Blue Light in this case), they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria. Without P. acnes around to cause inflammation, acne clears up.
An Overview
Blue Light Therapy is an FDA approved skin treatment that harnesses specific bands of the light spectrum in order to target and eliminate acne bacteria. For years, it was clear that direct sunlight could help diminish the signs of acne, but for obvious reasons, sustained exposure to the sun could also do as much damage as good. This is why scientists set to work on pinpointing which parts of the spectrum helped trigger the chemical reaction that was breaking down Propionibacterium acnes. They found that it was visible violet light, rather than ultraviolet light, that was killing the bacteria. This meant that acne patients could be treated with high intensity, narrow-band Blue Light Therapy, without having to worry about the skin damage risks of UV light. Blue Light Therapy can also treat skin conditions like dark circles under the eyes by increasing the elastin protein in skin.
In cosmetic clinics, Blue Light Therapy is a safe, highly effective means of treating P. acnes, as well as acne vulgaris. Blue Light Therapy treatments activate the skin’s natural porphyrin, which in turn destroys the acne bacteria. While it’s a very skin-safe acne treatment, Blue Light Therapy can be dangerous for the eyes, so eye protection is always recommended. Some more severe acne cases might also not respond as well to treatment. Customers have the option of buying their own Blue Light Therapy light box for home use, or getting the stronger treatments available at a clinic or dermatologist’s office. Professional Blue Light for acne treatments usually take about 15 minutes, and are given an average of 8 times over the span of a month, with the majority of patients experiencing very favorable results.
How Long Does this Procedure Take?
Blue Light Therapy treatments take about 15-60 minutes with typical packages of 4 to 8 treatments.
Blue Light Therapy Side Effects:
The treated area often feel tender with a mild redness after your Blue Light Therapy.
Length of Blue Light Therapy Results:
The duration of your results depends on the treatment plan you undergo. Blue Light Therapy results generally last 3-4 months.
Blue Light Therapy Recovery Time:
There’s no downtime involved with Blue Light Therapy. Patients can resume their activities immediately after treatment.
Typical Minimum Cost:
$50 - $150 for a single treatment
Typical Maximum Cost:
$800 - $3000 for a full treatment package
Can Insurance Cover Blue Light Therapy?
Due to the cosmetic nature of Blue Light Therapy, it is usually not covered by insurance.
Will I feel pain or discomfort after treatment?
Most Blue Light Therapy patients report little to no discomfort.
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