Acne Light Treatment - an Acne Cure?

As futuristic as it may sound, there is a new skineffective in clearing inflamed acne in one month.
blemish remedy called acne light treatment, also calledSo how does blue light therapy work?
Blue light therapy or Clearlight. This is mainly for acneBasically, patients are exposed to a low intensity blue
patients who have had little success with otherlight source (405 nm to 420 nm) for 15 minutes twice
treatments. This amazing therapy focuses onper week for 4 weeks. Each session costs between
destroying the bacteria that causes most forms of$50 and $150, making a full course of treatment an
acne, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. Acnesaverage of $800. But, wouldn't you know it, acne
creates the small molecules known as porphyrins thatlight treatment is considered cosmetic and is
in turn help produce the bacterium that causes mosttherefore not covered by insurance.
types of acne inflammation. Blue light therapy worksAnother form of acne light therapy that is used more
by homing in on the porphyrins. Strangely enough,and more is known as pulsed light and heat energy
porphyrins that are exposed to the blue light are able(LHE) therapy.
to produce free radicals that destroy the P. acnesLHE therapy uses both light and heat to eradicate
bacteria.the root causes of acne. Very much like blue light
Acne light treatment is rapidly becoming a populartherapy, LHE therapy uses light to destroy
acne remedy because it is a fairly easy and aacne-causing bacteria. It also uses heat to reduce the
drug-free way to help heal blemishes. As you know,production of sebum and to help shrink sebaceous
many topical medications contain strong ingredientsglands. It is an attractive option for many acne
that damage sensitive skin, resulting in peeling,sufferers because it promises fast results. Usually,
redness, and increased sun sensitivity. Ouch ! But,improvement in the symptoms of acne can be seen
Blue light (not the beer, if you are a Canadian)in as little as 30 days. Not surprisingly, this is becoming
therapy is widely regarded as an excellent alternativepopular because it is a fast treatment, with most
to most acne medications. Some individuals havesessions done in just over 10 minutes. The FDA has
expressed concern over the safety of thisapproved LHE therapy for the treatment of mild to
procedure, becuase this procedure used to usemoderate acne.
ultraviolet (UV) light that was harmful to the skin.While different kinds of light therapies may seem
Fortunately, modern Clearlight treatments have beenattractive, they can also be expensive, and may not
FDA approved and free of UV dangers.be covered by most health insurance plans. If you
The FDA approved blue light therapy for acne inare looking for an answer that is milder and less
August of 2002. In studies, two 15-minute exposuresexpensive, consider the many herbal therapies that
a week for a period of four weeks produced a 60are available. Some acne sufferers swear by certain
percent reduction in acne in 80 percent of patients.herbal supplements, including black currant seed oil,
Reported remissions from acne lasted as long asevening primrose oil and others. Follow the
three to eight months. The first approved system ofinstructions on the bottle or ask your pharmacist or
treatment, ClearLight, is now available throughdoctor for advice. Also, never take any herbal
dermatologists. This method involves a newmedication if you are taking prescription drugs as
therapeutic blue or red light that uses what is calledtheir could be side effects. Consult with your
Acne PhotoClearingTM - APCTM technology. ItPharmacist or Doctor first.
targets and destroys the surface of the acne andVisit a skin specialist or dermatologist for more
quickly and easily repairs it. It is also known to beinformation on acne light treatments.