Reasons Why Blue Light Acne Treatment Has Become So Effective at Reducing Acne
Blue light acne treatment is effective in helping to get rid of acne. You should understand why blue light is so effective against acne.
Many adults and approximately 85% of adolescents have suffered acne outbreaks. An excess of skin oil (sebum) mixes with dead skin cells to block the pores and create pimples. Once a pore becomes plugged the bacteria within in the pore start to multiple and infect adjoining tissue. The irritated areas are noticeably red and feel sore and become the pimples we link to acne.
The vast majority of acne prevention measures involve three procedures. Getting rid of excess oils from the skin stands out as the most effective step. A mild anti-bacterial gel or cream is next used to kill surface bacteria. Dead skin cells are loosened with an exfoliant so they can be washed away. By reducing the three components necessary for acne (excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells) the vast majority of acne can be prevented.
Once pores become plugged they comprise whiteheads or blackheads. These are tiny blemishes and differ because of the location of the plug. With a blackhead, the plug is close to the surface where it will become oxidized and darken. If the plug descends a short distance into the pore the top of the pore can close over the plug and the plug continues to be light colored and forms a whitehead.
As the bacteria start to multiple within the blocked pore the cells adjacent to the pore grow irritated and become red, forming a pimple. The area infected can grow and the size and extent of the blemish can spread out beyond the cells of the pore. As an example, pressure on a pimple may force infected oil further down into the sebaceous gland and even into deeper skin layers and form a cyst.
One key to coping with active acne would be to eliminate the bacteria at the location of the pimple. With the bacteria gone, the cells will no longer be irritated and can start to heal. While some anit-biotic prescription medicines are prescribed for serious acne, most people can benefit to a great extent from more localized treatments.
One such therapy is acne light treatment. Direct exposure to sunlight has been known to relieve acne. But, full spectrum sunlight can damage the skin. So, scientists have investigated specific spectral ranges to see what is effective against acne. One early investigation discovered that light within the blue-violet color range was particularly effective. This color range affects an organic compound within the acne bacteria. This porphyrin releases a signlet oxygen that eventually kills the bacteria.
To work against the rapidly multiplying bacteria, three consecutive treatments are required to kill all the bacteria within a pimple. As soon as the bacteria are gone, the swelling decreases and the cells start to heal.
Of course, the blue light can be delivered by full spectrum sunlight. But now specialized lasers, fluorescent lamps, as well as LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used to deliver the precise wavelength of light that is most effective. An array of special fluorescent lights is used in the Dusa Blue Light device, often employed by dermatologists, to deliver a 400 nm wavelength blue light. In addition, a lot of dermatologists use Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) on affected areas before the light therapy. The aminolevulinic acid is a photo sensitizing agent that under blue light causes damage to specific skin cells.
While treatments from a dermatologist might cost several hundred dollars each, low priced home devices have found there way to the market. Competition is keeping the price for many of the devices in a reasonable range from around $40 to $300 or so.
Remember that blue light acne treatment is not going to produce instant results as the skin must heal. But, in comparison to treatments like benzoyl peroxide, many people find blue light acne treatment to be less irritating to the skin and more effective at getting rid of acne.
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