Treatment FAQ

how often should you get the blu light treatment

by Hulda Schmeler Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How often can you repeat blue light therapy for acne? For optimal results, most patients require a series of 2 - 3 sessions per week for a period of 4 - 6 weeks. After this, Dr. Singh may recommend repeat treatments at intervals of about 3 - 4 months to keep acne flare-ups under control.

How often can you repeat blue light therapy for acne? For optimal results, most patients require a series of 2 - 3 sessions per week for a period of 4 - 6 weeks. After this, Dr. Singh may recommend repeat treatments at intervals of about 3 - 4 months to keep acne flare-ups under control.May 13, 2021

Full Answer

How long does a blue light treatment session last?

Treatment sessions can be anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes long, depending on the area being treated, how large it is, and if a topical medication has been applied. If it’s just one small area being treated, like a single spot of skin cancer, the affected area will have blue light applied to it for about 17 minutes.

Should you try blue light therapy at home?

If blue light is a good option, the devices in the doctor’s office are more powerful than those you can buy for at-home use. Blue light therapy is safe for most people, though it isn’t recommended for people with photosensitivity disorders (diseases that cause sensitivity to the sun).

How often should I use red light therapy?

When people are considering it as a treatment method, a question we often hear is, “How often should I use red light therapy?” The typical answer is, three to five times per week for 10 to 20 minutes. And that’s a great place to start. But keep in mind that...

How much does blue light therapy for acne cost?

Additionally, if a person uses it with a photosensitizing drug, they may experience sun sensitivity for 2–3 days, irritation, and peeling. According to one source, blue light therapy for acne can cost from $40 per session to $1,000–1,500 for a full package, with several weekly sessions.

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How often can you get blue light therapy?

You can use your blue light therapy device up to three times per day. We recommend making light therapy a part of your skincare routine so that you use your device at least twice a day — once in the morning, and once before bed. That way, consistent use is easy!

How often should I use LED blue light therapy?

The purpose of using blue LED light is to control bacteria. So, to treat severe acne, you can use your Clinical device several times a day, as long as there is no irritation resulting in redness or rashes.

How many sessions of blue light therapy does it take to see results?

The number of treatments required depends on the person's skin type, the number of lesions they have, and how severe those lesions are. Anywhere between two and five sessions are necessary, at 2-4 week intervals, for optimal results. Some people may notice results after a single session.

How long does it take for blue light therapy to heal?

Side effects of blue light therapy Most people heal within 7 days, and the crusting resolves within 3 to 14 days. If light-sensitive drugs are used for photodynamic therapy, as is the case in most cases, your skin will be very sensitive to light for several weeks after the procedure.

Can you overdo LED light therapy?

What Are the Risks? Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren't exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

How often should I do LED light therapy?

You may need a treatment each week for about a month. Then you might need maintenance treatments every month or every few months. Some at-home devices may also require a substantial time commitment. You might need to use your device twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes for four to five weeks.

What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?

What Should I Put on My Face Before Red Light Therapy? For best results, it's always recommended to use LED products on a clean face with no serums or moisturizers. This allows the light therapy to effectively penetrate the skin without any barriers.

What do you do after a blue light treatment?

You will need to wear a special protective sunscreen for 48 hours and avoid any outside activity for 48 hours. 1. AVOID direct sunlight/sun exposure 48 hours after your blue light treatment. Wear your beautiful wide brim hat and stay indoors as much as possible.

Is blue light therapy good for wrinkles?

BLUE LIGHT THERAPY Blue light activates chemicals inside these bacteria, which ruptures their outer walls– destroying the cell and their ability to form acne and other imperfections. Rosacea, psoriasis, wrinkles and sun damage are all ideal candidates for Blue Light Therapy treatments.

How often can you do photodynamic therapy?

For basal cell cancer or Bowen's disease you usually have two treatments 7 days apart. This is one cycle of treatment.

What does skin look like after blue light treatment?

The treated area of the skin is usually quite red and may appear to be flaking or peeling, as it would after a mild sunburn. The redness, and perhaps some of the flaking, can last for several days to a week or even two weeks. (After that, skin returns to normal.) The area will also be more sensitive to light, so Dr.

Should I wash my face after blue light therapy?

Shower and wash the area immediately and as often as needed. Gently wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or scrubbing the skin could cause severe irritation or scarring.

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How often can you repeat blue light therapy for acne?

After this, Dr. Singh may recommend repeat treatments at intervals of about 3 - 4 months to keep acne flare-ups under control. Additionally, patients should commit to a dedicated skincare routine and proper hygiene.

How does blue light therapy treat acne?

By destroying acne-causing bacteria and reducing oil production, blue light therapy can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of acne flare-ups, giving patients smoother, clearer, healthier-looking skin.

How long should I use blue light therapy?

Ideally, getting outside in the broad daylight for 20 minutes in the mornings is best.

What is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue light therapy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses natural blue or violet light to cure, treat or prevent unwanted health issues including:

What wavelength of light kills bacteria?

So, for example, when you’re trying to kill acne or MRSA bacteria, wavelengths down near the violet end, such as 405 nm or 415 nm, would kill more bacteria and require a shorter treatment time than wavelengths like 450 nm or 470 nm.

What wavelength is blue light?

Blue Light Wavelengths and Relative UV (Ultraviolet) Content. Because of the wave-like nature of light, if a blue light therapy product peaks around 420 nm or below, it is going to also have a certain amount of UV in it.

What is the peak output of a blue acne light?

Above is an SED Curve of a fluorescent blue acne light. You can see the peak output of the light is 417 nm , but there is also considerable non-peak light output that stretches into the UVA, and even a little UVB is present. Here is another example: This one is an LED blue acne light, our Peak 415™.

Which wavelength is better for liver support?

For applications like liver support, then, wavelengths such as 450 nm and 470 nm are better because their slightly longer wavelength is able to penetrate the skin slightly deeper, enabling more interaction with the blood in the capillaries of the skin.

Does blue light help with jaundice?

Blue light therapy for Neonatal Jaundice: Around the globe, newborn babies are treated for jaundice every day using blue light. This is shone on the most delicate and tender example of human skin, and yet no side effects occur.

What is blue light treatment?

In addition to treating and preventing skin cancer, blue light treatment is also used to treat sunspots, sun damage, and rosacea. It has also become a popular treatment for those who suffer from acne and want to stop using traditional topical medications and treatments.

How long does it take for a blu light to work?

If you are scheduling a Blu-Light treatment, you should be prepared to stay a while. Depending on the part of the body being treated, treatment can take 2-4 hours. The Blu-Light treatments work by allowing the Levulan® to sit on the skin for a period of time. The amount of time depends on how serious your actinic keratosis is and on which body part. If you are treating acne, it takes considerably less time. Plan to spend about 30 minutes with a Blu-Light specialist.

Why do people use blue light?

There are several applications for blue light therapy. It is frequently used to prevent skin cancer and to treat precancerous and cancerous skin growths. Actinic keratoses is a type of pre-cancer that develops on the skin from years of sun exposure. It appears as rough, scaly patches on the skin that are light, dark tan, red, white, or flesh-toned in color. Blue light treatment is an optimal treatment for anyone with multiple patches since they can all be treated simultaneously.

How long does a photonasitic agent stay on your skin?

Its used often as an external skin cream but can also enter the bloodstream via a vein. Depending on the drug, light, and condition, the photosensitizing agent may be left on the skin for anywhere from a few hours to a few days before its properly absorbed.

How does blue light affect skin?

Research shows blue light from electronic devices can lead to changes in your skin cells , including cell shrinkage and death. These speed up the aging process. Even exposures as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes.

What is the most important thing to wear every day?

Andrew Birnie, MD, a dermatologist and skin-cancer specialist at the William Harvey and Kent and Canterbury Hospitals in the UK, told the Guardian earlier this year that until more research on blue light is done, the most important thing for people to wear every day is a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Is PDT good for actinic keratoses?

While PDT is a very effective treatment, there is a reasonable chance that you may continue to need periodic treatments for actinic keratoses, depending on your individual skin, severity of prior sun damage, and your compulsion to avoid the sun.

What Are The Downsides Of Blue Light Therapy?

The main drawback is the stinging pain which can occur one to two days after the treatment.

How Can Pain During & After Blue Light Therapy Be Decreased?

I have great news for everyone hesitating to try Blue Light Therapy for fear of the discomfort!

What Is Blue Light Therapy & How Does It Work?

Blue light therapy is an FDA approved in-office treatment for Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions). Insurances typically cover the full cost of the treatment, but this varies by insurance.

Why do people hate blue light therapy?

Some patients love it because it treats their precancerous lesions effectively and quickly. Others hate it because it can be uncomfortable and even painful at times. Good news for the haters—there’s a new technique in phototherapy that can reduce the pain of the treatment dramatically. Read on for more information about Blue light therapy ...

How long does it take for a phototherapy to work?

The medication is then activated by blue light which is illuminated for about 17 minutes.

What is the most common area of treatment for Siperstein?

At Siperstein, we will often pretreat thicker precancerous lesions to achieve a higher cure rate. The most common areas that we treat are the face, ears, and scalp. Speak to one of our friendly dermatologists if there is another area of the body that you would like to treat.

What is the best treatment for precancerous lesions?

June 24th, 2020. One of my favorite treatments for precancerous lesions, called Actinic Keratoses, is Blue light Phototherapy. Many of my patients who have tried Blue Light Therapy have a strong opinion about it. It is a bit like licorice in that way—you either love it or hate it.

How long does blue light therapy last?

However, a 2019 review notes that many of these studies are small and none lasted more than 12 weeks. The authors conclude that there is not enough evidence to fully support its use and recommend that doctors weigh the benefits and risks before recommending it.

What is blue light treatment?

Self-administering. Cost and insurance. Blue light therapy is a noninvasive treatment for acne that uses light to kill certain bacteria on the skin. A form of phototherapy, blue light treatments are FDA-approved for acne vulgaris that is moderate or has not responded to other therapies.

How much does blue light acne treatment cost?

According to one source, blue light therapy for acne can cost from $40 per session to $1,000–1,500 for a full package, with several weekly sessions.

What are the side effects of blue light therapy?

When used correctly, blue light therapy does not appear to pose any serious long-term effects. However, some minor adverse reactions may be experienced, such as: 1 dry skin 2 redness 3 swelling

How many people used blue light in 2011?

In 2011, 30 people used either a home use blue light device or a placebo device twice daily until their lesions disappeared. In those who used the blue light, improvements occurred significantly sooner than in those who used the placebo.

How long does it take for a dermabrasion to show results?

Results are noticeable within 2-4 weeks, or even sooner in some cases. Between treatments, people should avoid touching or picking the blemishes on their skin. It is important to follow the dermatologist’s advice on the use of products and home care techniques, during and after the treatments.

Is blue light safe for acne vulgaris?

A form of phototherapy, some blue light treatments have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for moderate acne vulgaris that has not responded to other therapies.

What is blue light treatment?

Blue light treatment for skin cancer. Blue light treatment is most often used as part of a treatment called photodynamic therapy . This therapy can treat some kinds of skin cancer and precancerous spots known as actinic keratoses. These reddish, scaly patches are caused by severe sun damage.

How does blue light affect skin?

However, blue light does have some side effects when it’s used with a photosensitizer as part of photodynamic therapy for skin cancer or sun damage: 1 Irritation: After treatment, your skin will probably be red and may feel slightly burned, like a sunburn. “You can apply a cool compress and use gentle moisturizing creams to help with the discomfort,” Dr. Benedetto advises. 2 Sun sensitivity: Your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight for two or three days, so skip the beach and rock your biggest hat. “It’s important to be really good about using sunscreen,” Dr. Benedetto says. 3 Peeling: Over the next week or so, the treated areas will flake or crust over, then peel away. You might feel a little like a lizard, but that peeling is a good thing: It leaves behind fresher, healthier skin.

Why is my skin so sensitive to blue light?

acnes, which lives on your skin. And P. acnes just so happens to emit its own photosensitizer, which makes it sensitive to blue wavelengths of light.

How long is skin sensitive to sun?

Sun sensitivity: Your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight for two or three days, so skip the beach and rock your biggest hat. “It’s important to be really good about using sunscreen,” Dr. Benedetto says.

Is blue light good for skin cancer?

For patients with many years of sun damage, blue light can be a great tool for reducing skin cancer risk and improving the look of your skin — and that should leave you feeling anything but blue. Advertising Policy.

Can a dermatologist help with acne?

Dermatologists can steer you toward the acne treatments that are most likely to work for you. If blue light is a good option, the devices in the doctor’s office are more powerful than those you can buy for at-home use.

Does blue light kill acne?

Shining blue light onto acne-prone skin can kill the bacteria and clear up blemishes. But it’s not magic.

How long does blue light treatment last?

Some patients will notice results after just 1 session, while others may require several sessions to achieve their desired results. The treatment is not a permanent solution and will require regular maintenance. Results may last up to 4 months, depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the condition.

How long does it take for blue light to work?

Blue Light therapy requires no down time. You may resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. You may experience swelling, dry skin, mild burning or discoloration of the treatment site. However, these side effects should subside within a few days. If you use the photo-sensitizing agent, you should avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours following the treatment.

What is blue light therapy?

Blue light therapy is a non-invasive acne treatment that uses a high-intensity light source to kill the bacteria that causes breakouts. The procedure can treat moderate to severe cases of acne. Here are some things to expect if you choose to pursue the treatment.

How long does a light therapy session last?

Each treatment session lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. During the session you will sit in a chair while the doctor administers the light to the treatment site. You may experience slight discomfort during the procedure.

Can you use blue light on acne?

Blue Light therapy by itself requires no specific preparation. Sometimes patients with more severe acne use the treatment in combination with a skin sensitizer that enhances the results. If you choose to use this method of treatment, your doctor will apply the sensitizer to the targeted areas an hour before the light therapy.

How long does the BLU-U treatment for skin cancer take?

The actual PDT session takes about 4 to 15 minutes, but each office visit might last perhaps half an hour to an hour.

What is Blu U treatment?

Blu-U Treatment for Skin Cancer with Levulan (PDT) The largest organ in the human body, skin is a sturdy defense that also is amazingly delicate. Skin regularly takes a beating from harsh sunlight, and when not properly protected, can develop lesions that are precancerous or cancerous. While skin cancer occurs more than any other cancer, ...

How does BLU-U with Levulan work for skin cancer?

Topically applied aminolevulinic acid, known commercially as Levulan, penetrates the thin upper layer of skin called the epidermis. Approximately two millimeters thick, this layer of skin may develop common skin lesions such as acne vulgaris, actinic keratoses, and basal-cell carcinomas. Subsequent exposure of the infused skin areas to a special blue light causes a biochemical reaction between the Levulan and the affected skin cells. Ideally, this results in increased skin-cell turnover and the production of unblemished collagen that eventually restores skin to a healthier, more attractive appearance.

Who is a candidate for BLU-U with Levulan for skin cancer?

Levulan is suitable for many patients who have actinic keratoses, a precancerous growth.

How long do the results last? Is the cancer gone for good?

Results vary widely among patients. Some patients may experience a recurrence after six months, and other patients may see years go by without further problems. Each individual case must be evaluated and monitored during regular visits with a board-certified dermatologist.

What is the cost of this treatment? Is it affordable for most patients?

Since this is a medically necessary treatment for precancerous growths, your insurance should cover at least a portion of the cost, making this an affordable procedure. We will help you look into your coverage to help you make the best choice for you.

Where can I find before and after photos of skin cancer patients treated with Blu-U with Levulan?

Sun Pharma, the makers of Blu-U and the Levulan Kerastick, have before and after photos of patients treated for actinic keratosis. Many patients have shared their stories and photos on RealSelf.com, showing a 92% “worth it” rating from patients treated with PDT with Levulan for skin cancer.

What is the best light intensity for a skin condition?

Light intensity, known as irradiance, is greatest at 6”, and this is perfect for joint or muscle health. For skin conditions, 12” to 18” is ideal. To learn how distance affects irradiance and the treatment area, check out the irradiance chart for PlatinumLED BIO and BIOMAX models.

How long does it take to use a red light for osteoarthritis?

One study of 50 elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis showed great results using red/NIR light for 15 minutes twice daily. While the study didn’t cite the distance from the device, placing the LED panel 6” from the affected joint will deliver maximum irradiation. Ongoing maintenance treatment may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint disorders, while continuing to relieve pain.

How effective is red light therapy for low back pain?

If you’re one of them, the good news is that red light therapy can be very effective in treating low back pain. This includes both acute (short-term, often injury-related) and chronic (longer-term). One study from 2006 found that patients with low back pain who were treated with infrared therapy (800 nm to 1200 nm) had a 50 percent reduction in pain over six weeks.

How does red light therapy help with muscle recovery?

Muscle Healing. Red light therapy has proved to be effective at stimulating, healing, and regenerating damaged muscle tissue. Many athletes improve their sports performance by using red light for pre-conditioning before exercise, and also after exercise.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is also called photobiomodulation, or low level light therapy (LLLT). Red light devices are fitted with LED bulbs that expose the skin to specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths, which vary in length based on their color, are measured in nanometers (nm). Different wavelengths of light penetrate ...

How long does it take for red light to work?

For chronic conditions, a realistic expectation for results is from one to four months.

Does red light therapy help with hair loss?

Hair Loss. Although it may sound too good to be true, red light therapy really has been proven to regrow hair. One of many studies was conducted during 2017 and involved 90 patients aged 18 to 70. All participants suffered from androgenic alopecia, which is the scientific term for baldness.

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