Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of blue light to address various skin conditions. This innovative approach directs blue fluorescent light to activate a topical medicine applied to your skin. 

The protoporphyrin IX absorbs energy from the blue light and converts it into oxygen free radicals. These free radicals damage and kill the abnormal cells. Because the medication is activated primarily by abnormal, potentially cancerous cells, healthy cells remain largely unaffected.

Blue light therapy has an advantage over other treatments as it doesn’t just target visible lesions. This field therapy can treat existing spots and the earliest signs of sun damage that haven’t yet been diagnosed as actinic keratosis. Some evidence even suggests that photodynamic therapy may decrease the rate of skin cancer formation in patients with extensive sun damage and a high risk of skin cancer.

In addition to treating precancerous and cancerous spots, blue light therapy has shown effectiveness in managing acne. Many cases of common acne are caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium that lives on your skin. P. acnes emits its own photosensitizer, making it sensitive to blue wavelengths of light. By exposing acne-prone skin to blue light, you can kill these bacteria and clear up blemishes.

Best Blue Light Therapy Benefits

Sun damage and skin cancer prevention

Blue light therapy has a significant impact on treating and preventing sun damage and skin cancer. This innovative treatment selectively targets and eliminates abnormal, potentially cancerous cells in specific areas.

The treatment is particularly effective for actinic keratoses (AK), which are precancerous skin growths caused by sun-damaged cells in the epidermis. By treating an entire region of affected skin, blue light therapy allows dermatologists to address multiple spots simultaneously, including those not yet visible to the naked eye.

Research suggests that photodynamic therapy may decrease the rate of skin cancer formation in patients with extensive sun damage and a high risk of skin cancer. This makes it an invaluable tool in preventing the progression of precancerous lesions to squamous cell carcinoma.

Reduce Acne and Improve skincare

Blue light therapy has shown promising results in managing acne. Many cases of common acne are caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium that lives on your skin. P. acnes emits its own photosensitizer, making it sensitive to blue wavelengths of light. By exposing acne-prone skin to blue light, you can kill these bacteria and clear up blemishes.

Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of blue light therapy for acne treatment. In one study, participants using a blue light device saw improvements in their acne lesions significantly sooner than those using a placebo device. Another study reported a 64% reduction in acne lesions after five weeks of self-administered blue light therapy.

Treat Depression

Blue light therapy may have benefits beyond skin health. It has shown potential in treating depression, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While the exact mechanism is unclear, experts hypothesize that blue light therapy alters the circadian rhythm, suppresses melatonin secretion, and modulates serotonin levels in the brain.

This therapy may help regulate emotional responses in areas of the brain typically affected by depression, such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala. However, it’s important to note that blue light therapy is still considered an unproven therapy for major depressive disorder, and you should not discontinue current treatments without consulting your doctor.

How Does Blue Light Therapy Work?

Blue light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions. This non-invasive procedure involves exposing the affected area to high-intensity blue light, which penetrates the skin’s surface to target and eliminate abnormal cells.

The process typically follows these steps:

1. Application: If using photosensitizing drugs, your dermatologist applies them directly to the treatment area. These medications may need to remain on your skin for a few hours or even days to ensure proper absorption.
2. Protection: You’ll wear protective goggles to shield your eyes during the treatment.
3. Light Exposure: Your doctor will then expose the target area to blue light. The duration can range from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area and whether a topical medication was used.
4. Activation: The blue light activates the photosensitizing drugs (if used), which then produce oxygen free radicals. These free radicals damage and destroy abnormal cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected.

Is Blue Light Therapy Safe?

Blue light therapy is generally considered safe when administered properly. However, there are some important considerations:

• Side Effects: You may experience redness, swelling, tenderness, or mild bruising immediately after treatment. The treated area might crust over or peel, which is normal and usually resolves within 3 to 14 days.
• Light Sensitivity: If photosensitizing drugs are used, your skin will be very sensitive to light for several weeks post-treatment. It’s crucial to avoid bright, direct sunlight during this time.
• Contraindications: You shouldn’t undergo blue light therapy if you have porphyria, allergies to porphyrins, or lupus.

When used correctly, blue light therapy has no significant long-term side effects and is much less invasive than surgery, typically resulting in little to no scarring.

FAQs

Can you exercise after Blue Light Therapy?

After blue light therapy, you can return to most of your usual activities within a day or two. However, it’s important to avoid activities that lead to sweating for at least a week. This includes exercises that cause you to perspire, as well as using hot tubs and saunas.

To protect your skin after treatment, it’s crucial to take certain precautions:

1. Use Lasercyn® Dermal Spray each time you return home during the first several weeks post-treatment. This helps protect your vulnerable skin against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
2. Be aware that you may experience some degree of redness, tingling, or peeling during or after the procedure. This is normal and part of the healing process.
3. Remember that different patients metabolize medications at different rates, so your recovery time may vary.

Does Blue Light Therapy help with wrinkles?

Blue light therapy, when combined with red light therapy, can have a positive impact on wrinkles. Here’s how it works:

1. Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which is crucial for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.
2. The therapy enhances skin texture and tone by improving circulation and promoting cellular turnover. This results in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
3. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin.
4. The treatment accelerates the healing process, which can be beneficial for overall skin health and appearance.

While blue light therapy alone is primarily used for acne treatment, when combined with red light, it can contribute to reducing the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles.

Conclusion

Blue light therapy has emerged as a versatile and effective treatment for various skin conditions and beyond. Its ability to target sun damage, acne, and even depression showcases its wide-ranging applications in both dermatology and mental health. The non-invasive nature of this therapy, combined with its potential to prevent skin cancer formation, makes it a valuable tool in modern healthcare.

As research continues, we’re likely to uncover more benefits and refine the application of blue light therapy. While it’s generally safe, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. The future of blue light therapy looks bright, with ongoing studies paving the way to better understand its full potential and optimize its use to improve people’s lives. Schedule your appointment today and learn if Blue Light Therapy is right for your skin!