Full Answer
What is blue light therapy used for?
Blue Light Therapy 1 Sun damage and skin cancer prevention. Blue light therapy is most commonly used to treat sun damage... 2 Acne and skincare. Blue light therapy can also treat other types of skin disorders. 3 Depression. In addition to treating skin conditions and cancer, blue light therapy can also be used as...
What is blue light therapy treatment for dark circles under eyes?
It can be treated with light. Blue light therapy treatment is usually a very quick process, and is almost always done as an outpatient procedure. The exception to this may be photodynamic therapy on high-risk areas for cancer treatment. In office, your doctor or skin care specialist will escort you to a darkened room.
Can a dermatologist perform blue light therapy?
Often, a dermatologist can perform photodynamic therapy in his or her office for minor conditions such as skin cancer. Specialists such as oncologists and other types of physicians may also be trained to deliver blue light therapy. Blue light therapy is so quick and easy that it can be performed in a doctor’s office.
What are the side effects of blue light therapy?
Side effects of blue light therapy. Immediately following treatment, the area may be red, swollen, tender, and mildly bruised or blistered, especially when medication has been applied to the skin. The treated area may crust over or peel, but this is considered normal.
What does blue light treatment do?
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.
Is blue light good for healing?
Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies, we showed that also blue light significantly influences wound healing. Furthermore, our data suggest that light therapy can play an important role in normotrophic wound healing by affecting keratin expression.
What does the blue LED light do?
Blue LED light is most often used to treat acne. It may do this by reducing activity in the sebaceous glands, so they produce less of the oil that can plug the hair follicles, leading to acne. Blue light may also kill acne-causing bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes.
How often should you do 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!
What are the harmful effects of blue light?
It's safe to say most of us spend a lot of time staring at screens. And that can be bad for our eyes. Blue light from electronics is linked to problems like blurry vision, eyestrain, dry eye, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
What color light is best for healing?
Green is known to be universally healing. It is symbolic for the heart chakra because green light helps with opening our heart.
What is the difference between red light and blue light therapy?
Red and blue light are at different wavelengths, and therefore have different effects on the skin. Where red light therapy helps at the surface level of the skin — stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation — blue light therapy penetrates the pores and eliminates bacteria.
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.
What does LED light therapy do?
LED Light Therapy stimulates cellular activity, including the fibroblasts that produce collagen, a substance that gives young skin its plump look. Collagen production helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles, treat sun-damage and stretch marks, and reduce redness after more aggressive IPL or laser treatments.
Is blue light therapy good for wrinkles?
These beams are commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions (like rosacea) and dark spots, as well as smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
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.
Can 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.
What Is Blue Light Therapy?
Blue light therapy is a form of phototherapy that harnesses natural violet or blue light to treat conditions on or just underneath the skin. This type of light therapy can even become photodynamic when blue light is used to activate a light-sensitive drug used to address a specific condition or problem.
The Healing Powers of Blue Light Therapy
Clinical research suggests that blue light therapy is capable of healing and improving a number of conditions, including acne, skin cancer, fatigue and Parkinson’s disease.
Does Blue Light Therapy Have Side Effects?
Blue light therapy is generally safe, but it’s important to consider the potential side effects of blue light used in photodynamic treatment.
The Best Blue Light Therapy Products Available
Your dermatologist is the best person to perform professional photodynamic blue light therapy procedures, but you can also purchase products that allow you to enjoy the best of regular blue light therapy from the comfort of your couch.
1. Larimar
Larimar is considered a rare light blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite.
6. Blue Calcite
Blue calcite is the blue version of the broad family of Calcite stones.
7. Kyanite
Kyanite is a blue mineral found mainly in metamorphic rocks ( a type of rock that has been altered by extreme heat and pressure ).
What is blue light therapy?
Blue light therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, is a type of light treatment that’s used to treat diseased or damaged skin. It uses medications called photosensitizing agents along with specific wavelengths of blue light to destroy abnormal skin cells while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.
Why do dermatologists use blue light?
Dermatologists frequently use blue light therapy to prevent skin cancer and treat precancerous and cancerous skin growths. The FDA has approved photodynamic therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis, a type of pre-cancer that develops on the skin from years of exposure to the sun.
What is the best treatment for actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratoses appear as rough, scaly patches on the skin that may be light or dark tan, flesh-toned, red, or white in color. Photodynamic therapy is an optimal treatment for anyone who has multiple lesions since they can all be treated at once. In addition to treating and preventing skin cancer, photodynamic therapy is also used ...
How does blue light work?
The blue light treatment session consists of three steps. During the first step, your dermatologist applies the photosensitizing agent to your skin. This is the medication that makes certain types of skin tissue, such as precancerous lesions, more susceptible to the absorption of light wavelengths used during treatment.
How long does it take for blue light to work?
During this step, the photosensitizing medication is absorbed into your skin. Depending on the area being treated, this step can take several hours. Once the compound has been absorbed, blue light is applied. Exposure to blue light causes a reaction in the skin, destroying the targeted skin tissue. The blue light only targets the tissues ...
Does photodynamic therapy help acne?
Photodynamic therapy can treat active acne and also prevents outbreaks from occurring in the future. Once the bacteria that causes acne is destroyed, active acne lesions clear up. The treatment also has anti-inflammatory benefits, can reduce the size of the sebaceous glands, and can diminish the appearance of acne scars.
What is blue light therapy?
What Does Blue Light Therapy Work for? Photodynamic therapy is used by oncologists, cosmetic surgeons, optometrists, and dermatologists. It’s especially helpful at treating multiple types of cancer, especially those with tumors or growths that lie close to the skin’s surface.
What is the effect of blue light on oxidative stress?
According to Loknath Chen, Associate Professor, Biotechnology Department, Mingchuan University, Taiwan, “Visible blue light irradiation triggers the natural photosensitizer molecules (curcumin or Flavin derivatives) to produce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) to increase the oxidative stress at local zone in a sort time.”.
How long does photonizing agent stay on skin?
Depending on the drug, light, and condition, the photosensitizing agent may be left on the skin (or in the bloodstream) for anywhere from a few hours to a few days before it’s properly absorbed. 2.
How long does photosensitivity last?
This can last anywhere between 24 and 72 hours. Therefore, it’s important to wear proper sun protection (e.g., a hat, long sleeves, sunglasses, and sunblock).
How long does it take for blue light to fade?
Overall, Hu says, blue light therapy “is safe and well tolerated.” Most patients experience a temporary sensitivity to light following their treatment; however, this will fade within about six weeks.
Does blue light therapy help with jaundice?
Jaundice. Chinese researchers found that combining blue light therapy with a probiotic product known as bifico can significantly improve jaundice in babies and speed their recovery. Non-melanoma skin cancer. Psoriasis. Rickettsia. A bacterial infection transmitted through the bites of lice, mites, fleas, and ticks.
Can you use blue light therapy twice a day for candida?
A study published in the journal Lasers in Medical Science found that combining red light therapy with blue light therapy twice a day can successfully control candida). Chemotherapy side effects.
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.
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 I buy blue light for acne?
It’s possible to buy blue light devices to treat acne at home. But they may not be worth the investment. “I’d recommend having a dermatologist do it,” Dr. Benedetto says. Advertising Policy. And because not everyone’s acne responds to blue light, purchasing a device might be a waste of time and money.
What happens if you use blue light therapy?
So far, scientists have discovered the greatest risk of using Blue Light Therapy is damage to the retina. When Blue Light is absorbed by retinal tissue, it induces oxidative stress and the resulting debris accumulates in the retina over a lifetime, contributing to AMD or age-related macular degeneration. AMD eventually results in vision loss, and in extreme cases, blindness. Photoretinitis, or light-induced photochemical damage to the eye, is supposedly related to “Blue Light Hazard,” wherein it is suggested that Blue Light Therapy dramatically raises the risk of light-induced retinal damage. However, individual susceptibility is highly variable.
What hormones are activated by blue light therapy?
Blue Light Therapy can activate the production of reproductive hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol.
What light is used to kill acne?
Scientists, in turn, were to isolate which parts of the light spectrum triggered the chemical reaction responsible for breaking down acne bacteria. They found that visible violet light, not UV light, was what actually killed the bacteria, and thus “Blue Light Therapy” was born.
Does blue light therapy work?
As with most modern medical procedures, Blue Light Therapy has potential risks and side effects of which patients should be aware before they choose to follow through with the process. For many years, it was assumed that direct exposure to sunlight helped to diminish the effects of acne. As more and more research on Ultra Violet rays surfaced, it was discovered that exposure to the sun could, in fact, do as much damage as good in many cases. Scientists, in turn, were to isolate which parts of the light spectrum triggered the chemical reaction responsible for breaking down acne bacteria. They found that visible violet light, not UV light, was what actually killed the bacteria, and thus “Blue Light Therapy” was born.
Can blue light therapy cause glaucoma?
Blue Light Therapy, or any light therapy, is not recommended for patients who suffer from glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment or retinopathy. Very infrequently, a patient will find that light therapy will make them overactive, restless and irritable, causing difficulty in sleeping.
Can light therapy be used for side effects?
Since there are some mild side effects, it is recommended that patients always undergo light therapy treatment under the care and supervision of a physician rather than attempting to self-medicate.
Can light therapy cause porphyria?
Also, patients with porphyria should avoid all forms of light therapy. Certain drugs, such as methotrexate or chloroquine, can cause porphyria when used with light therapy. Patients who have eye or skin conditions that are affected by bright light should also take great caution with Blue Light Therapy. Blue Light Therapy, or any light therapy, is ...
Epidermal Leveling and Blue Light Therapy
Epidermal Leveling removes top surface layers of skin and fine facial hair. A trained professional will pass a hand-held device containing a small blade over the skin in a gentle, sweeping motion. This procedure stimulates the growth of collagen and lessens the visibility of small scars and blemishes on the surface.
Mild Chemical Peels and Blue Light Therapy
The doctor may recommend a mild to moderate chemical peel, in addition to Blue Light therapy. Chemical peels penetrate the skin's surface layers to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, small shallow scars and sun damage. Peels improve the overall appearance and texture of surface skin.
Microdermabrasion and Blue Light Therapy
Microdermabrasion improves the overall appearance of the skin. It works by polishing the surface layer of skin to remove dead and damaged cells. There are several different microdermabrasion methods. Diamond microdermabrasion involves the use of a special diamond tipped wand that is used to exfoliate the skin.
Dermal Fillers and Blue Light Therapy
Dermal fillers in combination with Blue Light Therapy can help reduce the appearance of small scars, lines and wrinkles. Blue Light therapy will not eliminate scars, but it can diminish their appearance. Blue Light is also effective in treating and preventing acne outbreaks that could possibly lead to further scarring.
What is blue light therapy?
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. During the treatment, we apply a topical photosensitizing drug to the skin. This medication is absorbed preferentially by the precancerous skin cells within ...
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 ...
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 did you sit under blue light?
Also, instead of the 17 minutes of light exposure, patients sat underneath the blue light for about 30 minutes. These two small tweaks decreased the average pain score from a four to a one; and, believe it or not, there was no change in the effectiveness of the treatment!
Can you get blue light therapy for actinic keratoses?
Blue Light Therapy is a great option for anyone with multiple actinic keratoses on the face, scalp, or ears. Speak to one of our board-certified dermatologists at your next full body skin check to get the process started. We will need to get insurance prior-authorization before scheduling your Blue Light treatment.
Why do we have blue light?
Human beings are exposed to more blue light than ever because of the widespread use of devices that rely on light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Computer and laptop screens, flat-screen televisions, cell phones, and tablets all use LED technologies with high amounts of blue light. Share on Pinterest.
How many hours a day do people use blue light?
Another 15.5 percent used the devices 12 to 14 hours a day — a sizable increase in screen time, probably due to changes in the way people work during the pandemic. So far, research does not appear to validate the concern about blue light eye damage. While some animal studies. Trusted Source.
What are the structures that protect the retina from light?
Your eye is equipped with structures that protect it from some kinds of light. Your cornea and lens protect the light-sensitive retina at the back of your eye from damaging UV rays, for example. Those structures don’t keep out blue light.
How long should you study objects with blue light?
While you’re using a device that emits blue light, stop every 20 minutes to focus on objects that are around 20 feet away. Study those objects for 20 seconds before you return to your up-close viewing.
Why does blue light disturb my sleep?
Researchers have found that when you’re exposed to blue light in the evening hours, your body doesn’t release as much melatonin, and your sleep cycle is delayed or disrupted. When blue light disturbs your sleep cycles. Trusted Source. , other problems can also develop: an elevated risk of hormone-related cancers.
Is blue light therapy good for depression?
Blue light therapy is now one of the go-to treatments to relieve seasonal depression. Researchers#N#Trusted Source#N#have found that it’s also an effective treatment for depression that isn’t seasonal, especially when combined with antidepressant medications.
Does blue light affect sleep?
While the jury is still out on the long-term effects of blue light on human eye health, there is more consensus around the effects blue light has on your sleep-wake cycle.
