Blue Light Therapy: Beyond Skincare

Blue light runs the gamut of skin treatments, from acne to precancerous cells. There is evidence that blue light can play a role in treating and preventing certain types of skin cancer.

Blue light treatments are a wonderful option for those seeking less invasive therapies and outpatient services for their skin concerns.

Acne

Blue light destroys Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes blemishes. In a study published by the Journal of Dermatological Science, people with mild to moderate acne who underwent 10 treatments over the course of 5 weeks reported blemishes decreased by 64%.

Blue light therapy is a gentle, noninvasive treatment for acne. With no long-term side effects and no discomfort associated with the treatment, it is a safe and effective way to treat your skin concerns.

Actinic Keratosis

Sometimes called photodynamic therapy, blue light works in conjunction with a photosensitizing agent. The photosensitizing agent is activated by violet or blue light spectrum.  Because blue light wavelengths are shorter and penetrate the skin at a shallow depth, they are best used for conditions that are on the surface or just below the surface of the skin.

Blue light therapy can also be used to treat sun damaged skin and precancer growths, called actinic keratosis (AK). The photosynthesizing agent is applied to the lesions and later treated with the blue light.  The light, together with oxygen, activate the photosynthesizing agent which triggers the immune system to damage the blood vessels that supply the actinic keratosis. Most AKs are benign, yet the majority of squamous cell cancers (the second most common skin cancer). begin as AKs. There is no way to determine which AKs will develop into squamous cell carcinoma.  Early detection and treatment, such as blue light therapy, can prevent AKs turning into skin cancer.

By partnering with your dermatologist and having yearly skin checks you can be proactive with your skin health.