Blue Light Acne

Acne is a stubborn condition, but it can be treated effectively. On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see results once a treatment is started. Your doctor may decide to use Blue Light Acne therapy to treat your acne.

Blue Light Acne is Blue Light PhotoDynamic therapy and it's FDA approved. This acne treatment kills the P acnes bacteria in your skin. It can be performed alone or accompanied by a topical application of ALA, or Levulan for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

For Blue Light acne treatment, you will sit in front of the Blue Light application system for around 15 minutes. Depending on the severity of your acne, you will have weekly treatments for a predetermined set of weeks.

If you are receiving the topical application of ALA with your Blue Light treatment you will sit with the ALA solution on your face for about thirty minutes, then sit in front of the Blue Light delivery system for about eight minutes. These treatments are spaced two weeks apart.

Here are a few pointers to improve the results of your treatment:

Never pick at acne. This can worsen acne, cause inflammations and increase the possibility of infection.

Never tan to clear acne, this only causes skin cancer. Also, some acne medication increases sensitivity to sunlight.

Wash you face twice a day with a mild cleanser and gently dry. Acne is not cause by poor hygiene. Scrubbing can irritate and worsen acne.

Use "noncomedogenic" (non-pore clogging) cosmetics and skin care products.

Use medications as directed - using more medication than directed will not improve results. In fact, it can make acne worse by aggravating the skin. Be sure to read all labels and use accordingly or as instructed by a dermatologist.

DermaNetwork.org is a leading resource for blue light acne information. Search for a cosmetic dermatologist near you today!