If you suffer with acne, you know all too well the many treatment options available. From creams and cleansers to soaps, scrubs and more, it can be difficult to pick the option that’ll actually work. If you’re ready to try something new with scientific backing to substantiate its claims, blue LED light therapy is worth exploring. This form of phototherapy works to eradicate acne at its root to reveal the vibrant skin hiding beneath.
How Does Blue LED Light Therapy Work?
Although it used to only be available at the dermatologist’s office, you can now perform LED light therapy at home. Research has shown both options to produce positive results. Using the blue light wavelength, the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is targeted. Commonly found in the oil glands, P acnes is a root cause of breakouts. Its location in the oil glands is important considering blue light causes oil glands to reduce in size. This produces two pleasant side effects:
- Less acne-causing bacteria
- Less oily skin
In-Home vs. In-Office: What’s Best for Me?
You’d assume correctly if you’re under the impression in-office blue LED light therapy is a more aggressive and expensive approach. In some cases, this may be the best option. Your dermatologist is more likely to have access to more expensive technology capable of targeting larger areas of the body. If you suffer with severe acne or acne that covers more than just your face, this could certainly be a great option.
With that being said, in-home blue LED light therapy using an anti acne LED face mask has its own benefits that make it a viable option. For starters, it can prove far less expensive than a trip to the doctor. Considering multiple treatments are needed for best results, this can start to add up. For those with mild to moderate acne, in-home treatments are often sufficient. They can also prove to be an excellent follow-up option after in-office treatments. Best of all, since you don’t have to travel back and forth to your dermatologist’s office, you save time and money.
Is Blue LED Light Therapy Just for Acne?
While acne treatment is the primary focus of blue LED light therapy, it can be used to treat other issues as well. Just a few other targets for this method include:
- Improvements in appearance of sun damage
- Skin cancer prevention and mitigation
- Improvement of mood disorders
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
It’s important to understand good things come to those who are patient. Your acne isn’t going to disappear after the first session. Rather, it should progressively improve over time. Whether you’re using it to clear up a current breakout or prevent one in the future, blue LED light therapy has shown to produce the best results after at least four to eight weeks of continued treatment.
We all strive to look and feel our best. When you feel like you’re hiding under a mask of acne, it can be difficult to let your confidence shine. If prescription acne medication hasn’t worked or you’re just ready to try something new, blue LED light therapy could provide the solution you seek.