Blue LED lights have steadily risen in the ranks as one of the most effective acne treatments available today. Blue LED light users have reported an impressive 90% success rate – as good and maybe even better than conventional acne treatments. Most people can get Blue LED light treatments from their dermatologists. Others get treatment at home with the help of Blue, Red or Blue and Red LED light lamps.

How Does Blue LED Light Fight Acne?

Blue LED lights work by targeting the bacteria (P. Acnes) that causes acne. Bright blue LED lights are best for acne treatments. The lights attack the porphoryn in P. Acnes and cause the bacteria to essential ‘fry’. This specific porphoryn is not present in the human skin so there is no danger to the user. Removing the bacteria can help control the outbreak of acne.

Blue LED lights are also used for killing bacteria other than P. Acnes. It is also utilized in curing mouth sores, ulcer causing bacteria, etc.

Is the treatment Effective?

Yes. Blue LED light acne therapy is surprisingly effective. Studies have shown that 90% of users show improvement within three months of use. This is considered to be as good as traditional acne treatments. The results may take three months to manifest. However, as soon as the results begin to manifest, users will see a great improvement on the quality of their skin.

How Long Should Patients Use the Lights?

Patients visiting their dermatologists for LED light treatment should not worry about the timing as the doctors have already worked it out. However, home users of Blue LED light lamps should follow manufacturer instructions closely. Most manufacturers recommend exposure of anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes. Longer exposures may damage the skin. Some blue LED light users even notice that they get better results when they use it for a shorter time than what is recommended.

Costs

The only downfall about blue LED light acne treatment is that it can be expensive. Bi-weekly trips to the dermatologists can really do a number on a patient’s bank account. Plus, most health insurance companies do not cover the costs for blue or red LED light treatments.

Another option available to patients is the use of blue LED light lamps at home. Initial costs for this lamps may be a bit high as some lamps cost up to $500 USD. However, it is a one-time cost that would effectively replace the use of conventional acne treatments such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. In the long run, the one time cost of LED lights may end up cheaper than continuous conventional acne treatment use.

Are There any Negative Effects of Treatment?

There have been no reported serious side effects of Blue LED light use. Research has determined that there is no link between LED (blue and red) light treatment and cancer. However, prolonged exposure (longer than manufacturer or dermatologist recommendations) can cause skin problems. Exposing the retina to these lights is also not recommended – closing the eyes during treatment is often not sufficient. That is why patients are required to use goggles (similar to those used by people in tanning beds) to protect the eyes.

Blue and Red LED Light Therapy

Most patients who use blue LED lights also use red LEDs. Some acne light lamps and wands also combine the two. This is said to be more effective than using just the blue LED.

Red LED lights are useful in acne treatment because they help minimize the amount of swelling. It also helps heal existing acne as well as red marks left by past outbreaks. It works by increasing the skin’s rate of collagen production. This also makes red LED lights effective in preventing wrinkles.

Alternating between blue and red LED light therapy is recommended. Nevertheless, combination red and blue LED light lamps have been proven effective too.  

Blue LED light users should always remember that the light only kills the bacteria and does not address other problems that cause acne. Oily skin, stress and diet are still a big factor. In order to get better results, patients should still continue to maintain a low stress level and good eating habits. Keeping the skin oil together with blue LED light use will help improve the skin condition more.