Blue Light Therapy for Acne

If you suffer from acne, you've probably searched for answers. You've likely tried to find the best way to reduce your acne spots. There are many products on the market, and many potential acne cures, but the wrong product could make things worse and acne spots can be very sensitive.

Mild acne is inconvenient and can make you feel self-conscious. More severe acne could lead to permanent scarring. Though 95% of people experience acne, it's no surprise that you'll want a solution to the problem if you're currently facing it.

So, is blue light therapy the answer to your acne woes? Find out more with our review of blue light therapy for acne:

What is blue light therapy for acne?

As the name suggests, blue light therapy uses blue light to treat your skin condition. The blue light wavelength has been found to have antimicrobial properties. Blue light therapy, or phototherapy, harnesses those properties to kill the bacteria on skin.

Acne occurs when your skin becomes more oily due to a hormonal imbalance. The bacteria that cause an acne flare-up then thrive in this oily environment. The bacteria get into oily skin pores where they lead to inflammation. By destroying this bacteria, you could reduce the number of spots or lumps.

Does blue light therapy work?

Blue light, in the spectrum of 400–470 nanometers, does have antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that blue light therapy can be effective as an acne treatment.

One study found that of 30 acne patients treated twice a week under a metal halide lamp, 77% saw an improvement in their skin condition after five weeks. 40% noted that their acne spots were significantly reduced.

In another study, this time involving 10 patients, blue light therapy made a difference to 80% of those involved.

For most people, though not in all cases, blue light therapy can really work as an effective and safe treatment for acne.

Why choose blue light therapy for acne?

Blue light therapy has proven results, replicated in many studies and through anecdotal experiences. It's also a safe alternative to using traditional antibiotics.

There is a lot of concern that bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, and that the treatments we've relied on in the past will no longer be effective. It's thought that if we continue to rely on antibiotics, we'll eventually struggle to find drugs that help against bacterial infections. Blue light therapy, being relatively new, isn't something bacteria have built up a resistance against.

Blue light therapy relies only on the wavelength of light. There's no need to apply any creams to your skin, and between blue light treatments you can forget about managing your acne in other ways. You don't need to worry, between blue light sessions, about other forms of acne treatment. In fact, blue light treatment typically works best when you stay away from other products.

How much does blue light therapy for acne cost?

Studies have shown that it typically takes about 12 sessions of blue light therapy treatment to get the required results. If you visit a clinic, you can expect to pay about £100 to £150 per treatment. This brings the total cost of your blue light therapy to about £1,200 to £1,800.

Before you start treatment, you're likely to have a consultation with a medical professional. They will check that you're a suitable candidate and help decide the best course of action.

There are, if you prefer, alternatives to visiting a clinic. As blue light therapy has become better recognised, an ever-increasing number of home kits have become available to buy. Now, you can choose to have blue light therapy in your own home when you want.

Blue light therapy devices for the home range from small pens that target very specific areas, right up to full masks that treat your entire face at once. You can get quality branded products for as little as £30, whilst larger devices can cost up to £400. Most devices are handheld wands, similar in size to a computer mouse, that you'll move around your skin until all patches of acne have been covered.

Is blue light therapy at home really safe?

As blue light therapy uses only light wavelengths, it's very safe to have this treatment at home with absolutely no risk of scarring. Your skin doesn't need a break between treatments, so whilst most people choose to treat their skin once a week you could choose to treat yours more often.

Some home treatments come with notable risks, but blue light therapy isn't one of them. Where sometimes there are risks to buying poor quality devices, the worst that can happen with a blue light device is slight skin peeling or a mild irritation. The light itself can't cause long-term skin damage, so it's safe to use these products at home.

Some people prefer to visit a clinic and go through a consultation first. This can help to determine their treatment plan, and stay in control of any side effects. Your decision will likely depend on your circumstances, and how much you're willing to pay. Blue light therapy treatment at home is a far more cost-effective way of doing things.

How long does blue light therapy treatment take?

One session should take about 15-30 minutes. For an effective session, your skin should be clear of creams, lotions and makeups.

Your treatment will be most effective if your skin is in its best condition. Try to avoid direct sunlight exposure in preparation for treatment.

After treatment, it's also wise to keep away from cosmetic products. The best chance of success comes from allowing your skin to breathe and heal on its own.

It can be difficult to skip the makeup and have your acne on show, but remember that if you stick to your treatment you could soon be walking around with completely clear skin.

How can you tell if treatment worked?

Initially, there are very few signs that your treatment will have been successful. You might notice that your skin looks slightly redder than usual, a little like you're blushing, and there might be a slight tingle. Some people don't notice these small signs at all.

Over time, and after a few treatments, you should see your acne reducing. It's usually best not to analyse the results of individual treatments, but to watch the progression over time and see how your skin is recovering.

Does blue light therapy get rid of spots?

Blue light therapy isn't effective with everyday blackheads and whiteheads. This is because these aren't caused by a build-up of inflammatory bacteria. It's specifically bacteria that blue light destroys.

For everyday spots, a good hygiene routine and an exfoliant can help. If you buy a blue light therapy device for this purpose, you're likely to be disappointed.

What should you do if there are side effects?

Many products that you use on your skin can lead to occasional side effects. As with anything else, if you experience those side effects it's best to stop treatment straight away.

It's perfectly normal to experience some redness and slight skin sensitivity. Most people find that their skin is a bit tingly after they finish their treatment. This should soon settle down.

Less common side effects can include skin peeling and mild irritation. Used safely no device should do lasting damage, though you must follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid the risk of burning your skin.

After treatment, it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun. This can lead to darker pigmentation as the skin soaks up more of the sun's rays.

Give your skin time to heal if you notice any side effects developing. If you later try again and the same thing happens, blue light therapy might not be right for you.

Does blue light therapy permanently get rid of acne?

Bacteria can return to the skin after you finish blue light therapy.

Most people find that their first course of treatment needs to be more intensive. They'll have blue light treatment once or twice a week, usually for six weeks in total. This is about how long it takes for existing acne to clear up.

Over time, you might notice the signs of acne returning. At this point, it's wise to top up with another follow-up treatment. Most people only need a top-up treatment approximately every three months, so once you're in control of your existing acne you don't need to keep up your weekly sessions.

Is blue light therapy at home just as effective as visiting a clinic?

Blue light therapy at home really works – there's no doubt about those results. However, it may not be as effective as using the professional equipment. You may need a few more treatments to get the results you desire.

Perhaps the best thing about blue light treatment at home is that the equipment is a one-off investment. Once you own your blue light therapy device, you can use it as often as you need to. Even if the treatment isn't as effective, you can keep trying until your skin is clear. Visiting a clinic may get results quicker, but it's a new expense every time.

If you have the money spare and want quick results, a visit to a clinic may be the best way to them. If your budget is limited, or you simply want to go through your acne treatment at home, you can buy your own blue light therapy device.

Some people choose to start with clinic treatment, then use their own device for future top-ups. This ensures the fast and professionally-managed results at the start, without the need to return.

Is blue light therapy right for you?

A majority of people that try blue light therapy will find that it improves their skin condition. As an acne treatment, blue light therapy can be very effective. That said, there are small numbers of people that don't respond to blue light wavelengths at all. A lot will depend on your specific skin type and the bacteria and oils on your skin.

You might find that blue light therapy doesn't work properly for you, though the likelihood is that you'll see some improvement in the spread and intensity of acne. In studies, around 80% see notable improvements in six weeks.

Blue light therapy isn't an instant fix. You're unlikely to see any notable results after just one or two treatments, so you will need to stick with it and see the treatment through.

With blue light therapy being safe, there's no risk if you give it a try. The only thing to consider is the initial financial investment. If you're unsure if blue light therapy will work, why not start with a small home device that costs about £30? This is a great way to dip your toe in the water, without spending too much money.

Realistically, will your skin be totally clear?

80% of people see an improvement when they've been through blue light therapy. This improvement can vary from a mild difference to skin that has completely cleared up. The more sessions you have, the more likely it is that your acne will fade away to nothing.

It's important to remember that blue light therapy only treats acne specifically. It won't get rid of standard blackheads and whiteheads that most people have. This means that even once your acne has cleared, you may still have some spots on your skin.

For some people, acne is never more than a minor inconvenience. It's a common teenage problem that they can trust to clear up on its own, given time. For other people, acne is a much bigger issue and something that needs to be treated. Instead of turning to antibiotics or using creams on your skin, you could get the results that you really want with a blue light therapy device.