Recent phototherapy (light therapy) research using visible blue and red light has proven effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Clearance rates have exceeded over 60% in a number of studies, indicating the effectiveness of this treatment.
If blue light is combined with a red light, stubborn and severe cases of acne can be treated with significantly fewer side effects and most importantly, no downtime or pain. This is a great advantage for acne sufferers. Recent research has shown that blue light therapy works by destroying the bacteria responsible for causing acne. Red light penetrates more deeply into tissue, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, substances are then released that induce fibroblast activity and growth factors. This is a positive aspect for sufferers to consider if they have a tendency to scar. Combination phototherapy works through the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nature of blue and red light. However, only by delivering the right wavelengths, in proper sequence, can optimum results be seen.
In a recent study of combination blue/red light phototherapy a marked improvement in lesion counts after the final treatment was seen. There was a noticeable improvement up to 12 weeks after the final treatment session. After a series of eight sessions of alternate blue/red phototherapy (twice weekly treatments) over a four-week period, there was an average reduction of over 80% in acne lesion counts compared to baseline, as well as a marked reduction in sebum production.
After combination therapy, optimal results are reached after the therapy has ceased. An added benefit is that the results of combination therapy are more durable. There are significantly fewer side effects and importantly no downtime, which is what most acne sufferers' desire. All skin types can be treated.
Delivering the right wavelength at the right time is crucial and the combination wavelength approach offers an effective and durable treatment that has proven helpful for moderate inflammatory acne. More importantly, blue/red combination therapy offers an option for difficult-to-treat acne cases that have failed through conventional treatments.