Blue Light, Nothing But Blue Light…for Acne

• Posted on: Oct 30 2016
• By: Creative Image Laser Solution

There are different types of light therapies, the most well known in the aesthetic world being IPL, or intense pulsed light. But at Creative Image Laser Solutions we also use blue light with Levulan treatments to address acne, along with a host of other skin conditions.

What is Blue Light with Levulan?

Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) is a naturally occurring substance in the body, although it only is evident in small amounts. It is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis, the ability to make red blood cells and carry oxygen. At Creative Laser, we combine Levulan with blue light to address a variety of skin conditions.

First, we apply Levulan topically to the area to be treated. Then the patient remains in a dark room for 30 minutes to two hours while the medication is absorbed. After this induction time the medication is activated with exposure to blue light (wavelength 415nm). Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective acne treatments currently available, with acne clearance of over 85%.

How does this treatment improve acne?

This type of photodynamic therapy impacts acne in three ways.
1.Levulan PDT inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne.
2.It exfoliates the skin to unclog pores.
3.It shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin that produce the oils present during acne breakouts.

The key is Levulan. After it is applied and absorbed into the skin, it is converted into a potent photosensitizer known as protophyorphyrin IX. Since the Levulan is absorbed by the actinic keratoses and sebaceous glands the light then selectively targets them. The blue light activates these protophorphyrins, which leads to shrinkage of these tissues. By shrinking the sebaceous glands, acne improves.

Other conditions Levulan PDT can be used upon

• Treating moderate to severe cystic acne
• Removing precancerous skin lesions
• Preventing skin cancer
• Reducing wrinkles
• Improving pores
• Improving skin texture
• Improving pigmentation

One important thing to note, however, is that after these lesions are treated they become very sensitive to light for the first 48 hours. So, for the first two days, patients need to totally avoid sunlight and sources of very bright light. Students receiving the treatment usually miss a couple days of school, or do it heading into a break.

Interested in giving your acne the blue light treatment? Call us at Creative Image Laser, 325-641-1927.

Posted in: Intense Pulsed Light, Laser Treatments