If you suffer from acne, you've likely heard of blue light therapy before. It's been used by dermatologists for over a decade now to help zap acne.

Why Blue Light?

Blue light is a spectrum of light (wavelength of 415 nanometers) that is clinically proven to be effective in eradicating acne at the source and healing skin from within. How? Blue light has been shown to penetrate the skin's hair follicles and pores which harbour bacteria and can cause inflammation and therefore acne. Bacteria are very sensitive to the blue light spectrum, it shuts down their metabolism and kills them. Unlike topical treatments that work to decrease inflammation an bacteria on the surface of the skin, light treatment eliminates the acne causing bacteria within the skin before it can feed off the oil glands that cause redness and inflammation.

What About Red Light?

If you're wondering why some visible light devices seem to give off more of a purple glow, that's because some options on the market actually use a combination of red and blue light. Red light has traditionally been used for anti-ageing purposes because it helps stimulate collagen. At the same time it helps reduce inflammation, which is why it is useful alongside blue-light in treating acne.

Advantages of Blue Light Therapy for Acne

Blue light therapy may offer some benefits over alternative acne treatments, as it is considered;
- Safe and gentle
- Painless
- Drug-free
- Appropriate for all areas of the body
- Suitable for use with most other acne therapies
Unlike photodynamic therapy, there is no requirement to avoid the sun following treatment. Blue light therapy does not cause any scarring.

How Long Does It Take for Blue Light to Work on Acne?

Blue light therapy can be given at professional settings such as clinics and beauty spas, these treatments are often carried out out 8 times over a 4-week period. Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the acne and the size of the area of the body being treated.
It is advisable, before treatment to have clean, makeup-free skin, the therapist will provide goggles to protect the eyes while the patient lies or sits under a blue light for the duration of the treatment. Most people do not experience any pain or discomfort.
Following treatment, some inflammation and redness may be noticeable around the treated area, although this should resolve quickly. Makeup can usually be applied immediately, although people should follow the therapists advice on this after treatment has occurred
Results are noticeable within 2-4 weeks, or even sooner in some cases.
Between treatments, people should avoid touching or picking the blemishes on their skin. It is important to follow the advice on the use of products and home care techniques, during and after the treatments.