What is blue light therapy and how does it work?
Aug 04, 2017 · 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 ...
Is blue light therapy bad for your skin?
Mar 12, 2022 · Blue light therapy can be used anywhere on the body to reduce and reverse signs of acne. So whether pimples are breaking out on your face, back, or another area of skin, blue light therapy can penetrate deep into your pores to kill acne-causing bacteria and nurture the skin back to health. This safe, gentle treatment offers a welcome ...
How long does a blue light treatment session last?
Jun 24, 2020 · During the treatment, we apply a topical photosensitizing drug to the skin. This medication is absorbed preferentially by the precancerous skin cells within one to three hours. The medication is then activated by blue light which is illuminated for about 17 minutes. Once the medication is activated, it destroys the precancerous lesions.
How does blue light therapy work for actinic keratosis?
If the patient’s skin tends to be oily, the acne may return. Repeated Blue Light treatments will diminish the production of oils and the development of acne. The Blue Light specialist may recommend medication or other skin products or peels that will help maintain the results of the Blue Light therapy for longer.
How often can 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!Mar 19, 2021
How many blue light treatments are needed?
You'll likely need up to 10 treatments total, depending on the results you're looking to achieve. Some providers have you lie down directly under the lights, while others use LED light-infused wands directly over your skin. The choice often depends on the office, as well as the treatment area.Apr 5, 2019
Can you use light therapy twice a day?
Treatment sessions can last from 15 minutes to three hours, once or twice a day, depending on individual needs and equipment used.
Can you overdo light therapy?
Light therapy requires time and consistency. You can set your light box on a table or desk in your home or office. That way you can read, use a computer, write, watch TV, talk on the phone or eat while having light therapy. Stick to your therapy schedule and don't overdo it.Feb 8, 2017
Can you watch TV after blue light therapy?
You can watch TV as long as you are at least 5-8 feet away from the TV screen. Wear a thick layer of sunblock that has at least SPF 30 and contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide during the first 48-72 hours.
What does your face 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.
How often should I use blue LED light therapy at home?
You'll need to go back once a week for up to 10 weeks, then only once every few months. At-home LED devices can be used at your convenience without having to go to any appointments. The downside is that the results may not be as dramatic.Apr 5, 2019
How long does it take to recover from blue light therapy?
The treated lesions heal in about a week, however, the therapy makes people temporarily more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn. As a result, patients must use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing for the 24 to 48 hours immediately after treatment.
Can you use Bluelight everyday?
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.Apr 15, 2022
What does blue light do for your 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.Oct 5, 2020
Can you use LED light therapy every day?
Unlike many other health treatments, red light therapy is safe to use every day, is non-invasive, and has virtually zero risks and side effects. This means that you don't need a trained professional to administer the treatment - you are completely in charge.Mar 12, 2021
Does infrared light help wrinkles?
These results suggest that infrared radiation may have beneficial effects on skin texture and wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin contents from the stimulated fibroblasts.
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.
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 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 ...
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.
After Blue Light Home Care
Immediately after the Blue Light treatment, the patient should follow the recommendations of the Blue Light specialist. The skin will be more sensitive, so sun exposure should be avoided. The patient should wear a higher protection factor sun screen than usual.
Acne Care
Acne outbursts occur due to bacteria that thrive on oily skin. People with an excess of oil produced by the sebaceous glands are more exposed to acne vulgaris. The oil will gather in the skin pores and the P. acnes bacteria will develop into forming acne. The acne can further develop into whiteheads or blackheads.
Skin Products
After the Blue Light therapy treatment, the skin products used by the patient are essential in maintaining the effects of the treatment for longer. If the patient uses products that will facilitate the production of skin oils and the development of the P. acnes bacteria, the acne is very likely to reoccur.
Additional Treatments
The patient may require additional Blue Light treatments to get the best possible results. If the patient’s skin tends to be oily, the acne may return. Repeated Blue Light treatments will diminish the production of oils and the development of acne.
How long does blue light treatment last?
In-office treatments are usually carried out 8 times over a 4-week period. Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the acne and the size of the area of the body being treated.
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 therapy cost?
In general, blue light therapy costs between $40-$60 per session. Most insurance plans do not cover light therapy treatment for acne. At-home devices may be an alternative option, particularly for those with mild acne. Blue light wands and masks can be purchased for as little as $35.
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 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 therapy good for acne?
Advantages of blue light therapy for acne. Blue light therapy may offer some benefits over alternative acne treatments, as it is considered: safe and gentle. painless. drug-free. appropriate for all areas of the body. suitable for use with most other acne therapies.
Does light therapy help with acne?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, light therapies “show great promise in treating ac ne,” with many people experiencing a significant improvement in their skin health after a number of sessions. the condition before an outbreak occurs.
What is Blu-Light Treatment?
Blu-U is a specific wavelength of light that activates a special medication called Levulan®. Levulan draws actinic keratosis, pre-cancerous growths, out of the skin. Blu-U has also been used for treating acne.
Is Blu-U Covered by Insurance?
The Blu-U Levulan® treatment is covered by most forms of insurance for the treatment of actinic keratosis, but you should contact your insurance provider.
How Long Does Blu-Light Take?
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.
What Should I Bring to my Blu-U Treatment?
Bring a current list of all the medications you are taking. We recommend bringing a set of headphones or a book with you to pass the time while allowing the treatment to sit.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’re interested in Blu-Light Treatment, our medical team at The Dermatology Office can help. During your consultation, we can determine if Blu-Light Treatments are right for you. We will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs and your aesthetic concerns.
What happens if you see blue light?
Extensive exposure to blue light, particularly from artificial sources can lead to eye strain, blurred vision, dry eye, headaches, and fine lines or wrinkles around the eye area from minor squinting. More severe eye damage is also possible including permanent damage to the retina which can lead to macular degeneration and even blindness ( source ).
Why is blue light important?
For those living in areas like Alaska where sunlight is not available for normal periods of time, a high lux blue light can be extremely helpful during day time hours and especially immediately upon waking to trigger the production of these hormones . This helps prevent or lessen Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).
Does blue light cause wrinkles?
In the skin, overexposure to blue light can lead to increased oxidative stress. We know from countless studies that oxidative stress on the skin without enough antioxidants leads to the aging of the skin (increased fine lines and wrinkles, redness, hyperpigmentation) ( source, source ).
Does blue light stimulate hormones?
As previously mentioned, exposure to blue light during the day time stimulates the production of hormones that help wake the mind and body. Some of the hormone production triggered by blue light exposure include:
Is blue light good for you?
Blue light has both positive and negative benefits and is actually a critical component for optimal health . When utilized correctly, it can lead to improved alertness, energy, cognition, and mood. Overexposure, however, can lead to eye damage, skin damage, poor sleep, and a disruption of the circadian rhythm.
Does blue light affect melatonin?
This is critical. While all light exposure after sunset has been found to disrupt melatonin production, blue light has been found to suppress melatonin production two times as much as other wavelengths of visible light.
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 does it take for skin to be sensitive to the 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. Peeling: Over the next week or so, the treated areas will flake or crust over, then peel away.
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 Does Blue Light Therapy Treat
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.
What About Insurance Coverage And Costs Of Photodynamic Therapy
Currently, some insurance plans cover the procedure under their provided benefits. However, with the many changes in insurance plans, it is always advisable to contact your insurance carrier prior to scheduling any treatment and confirm your eligibility and benefits.
What Are The Results
After treatment, patients have a more evenly-toned complexion, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and overall younger-looking skin.
How Blue Light Therapy Works
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.
How Long Does Blu
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.
How Is Recovery After Photodynamic Therapy
Recovery is usually fairly easy and uneventful. Many patients have mild dryness and a faint to mild sunburn of the treated area. A small percent of patients may have moderate or marked discomfort and a harder recovery because of more skin dryness, redness, or burning.
What The Experts Really Think
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.
