Blue and Red Light Therapy for Acne

With a growing number of people looking to clear their skin for good, cutting-edge light treatments offer a semi-permanent solution. In recent years, blue light therapy and red light therapy for acne have gained attention for their potential to provide relief without harsh medications that can lead to long-term health side effects. These light therapies for acne offer a non-invasive approach to managing breakouts, targeting the root causes of acne with different wavelengths of light. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we use both blue and red light to treat acne and acne scarring in teenagers and adults.

What is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue light therapy is a noninvasive acne treatment performed by dermatology providers for mild to moderate acne vulgaris lesions and papules that uses high-intensity blue-violet light in the wavelength range of 405-420 nm. It is free from UV rays and doesn’t increase the risk of skin cancer or skin aging. This makes it suitable for various body areas and compatible with most other acne treatments.

How Blue Light Therapy for Acne Works

Acne begins when pores become clogged, leading to a build-up of P. acnes bacteria, which causes inflammation. P. acnes bacteria produce compounds called porphyrins. These porphyrins absorb the energy from the blue light when skin is exposed. These porphyrins then undergo a chemical reaction that produces peroxide which destroys the P. acnes bacteria at the root of inflamed blemishes.

During a blue light treatment, you will be exposed to high-intensity light for a short session. The light causes the acne bacteria to “self-destruct” without affecting the surrounding skin. Most patients see a decrease in the number and severity of acne lesions within a month of twice-weekly treatments, with best results seen between 4 and 8 weeks after treatment.

Benefits of Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy has gained popularity among dermatology providers and patients alike as a gentle yet effective option because of its ability to destroy bacteria. However, there are other advantages of blue light therapy on acne-prone skin to consider:

Reduced inflammation: The therapy can help calm inflamed skin, decreasing redness and swelling associated with active acne lesions.
Improved skin texture: Regular treatments may contribute to smoother skin texture by promoting collagen production and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Minimal side effects: Unlike topical or oral acne medications, blue light therapy typically causes few adverse reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Reduced oil gland size: Some studies suggest that blue light therapy may cause changes in sebocyte (sebum-producing cell) activity, potentially leading to a reduction in gland size over time.

Red Light Therapy

In addition to blue light therapy, red light therapy is another promising treatment for stubborn acne and chronic skin conditions like rosacea. The therapy involves using red light in the wavelength range of 620-750 nm to penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues. Red light therapy has gained popularity for its potential to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate skin.

How Red Light Therapy for Acne Works

Red light therapy stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin structure, strength, and elasticity. This helps in treating active acne, as well as helps improve the appearance of acne scars. The increased collagen production promoted by red light therapy can help fill in scar pits and reduce hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin texture.

Red light therapy also increases blood circulation to the treated area, which helps decrease inflammation in the skin cells. The reduction in inflammation leads to less redness, swelling and discomfort that can occur with acne.

Benefits of Red Light

Red light therapy offers a unique approach to treating acne. Unlike blue light therapy, which primarily targets acne-causing bacteria, red light therapy focuses on underlying inflammation, leading to a different set of advantages.

Reduces inflammation: Red light has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe acne-related swelling and reduce redness.
Promotes healing: By stimulating cellular activity, red light therapy accelerates the healing process of existing acne lesions.
Increase blood circulation: Increasing circulation allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the skin. This reduces breakouts over time.

Combining Blue and Red Light Treatment for Acne

When used together, blue and red light therapy can have a synergistic effect on acne treatment. Blue light targets the P. acnes bacteria that contribute to acne formation, while red light helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. Combining these two wavelengths offers a more comprehensive approach to treating acne and its associated symptoms, from active breakouts to scarring.

A typical protocol may involve alternating between blue and red light therapy sessions or using them simultaneously during the same treatment. For example, you may undergo a series of treatments that include blue light therapy for 15-20 minutes to target acne-causing bacteria and then a short break. Once the break is over, you’ll receive red light therapy for 15-20 minutes.

Combining blue and red light therapy has shown promising results in clinical studies. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reported that patients who received a combination of blue and red light therapy experienced a 76% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions and a 60% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions after 12 weeks of treatment.

What to Expect During Blue and Red Light Therapy for Acne

Before beginning treatment, patients will consult with a dermatology specialist to determine if they are suitable candidates and discuss the treatment plan. For two weeks before the session, patients may need to avoid certain skincare products, such as retinol. It is always important to steer clear of tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure, and people should be extra mindful of this in the days leading up to blue or red light treatment.

During the session, which typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, patients lie down or place their heads in a specialized device to keep them still. A photosynthesizing agent called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin of those receiving blue light therapy. A trained professional then applies light pulses to acne-prone skin areas. Patients wear protective goggles throughout the procedure.

In addition to in-office light therapy treatments, your dermatology specialist may recommend complementary skincare products to enhance your results and maintain your skin’s health. These may include gentle cleansers, topical medications such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, moisturizers, and sun protection (sunscreen and protective clothing).

Blue and Red Light Therapy Side Effects

After receiving blue or red light therapy, it is important to take precautions to minimize potential side effects and maximize results. While these therapies are generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild, temporary side effects such as redness, irritation, peeling, mild bruising, or dryness. In rare cases, blistering, crusting, and skin discoloration may also occur.

To support skin healing and protect the treated area, it’s essential to follow these aftercare guidelines:

Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to combat dryness and soothe the skin
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the treated skin from UV damage, as it may be more sensitive following the procedure
Avoid using harsh skincare products or exfoliants for a few days after treatment to prevent further irritation
Take any required post-procedure medications such as antivirals for those with HSV or over-the-counter medications for pain management