Acne Vulgaris
Acne is one of the
world’s most common skin conditions, affecting over
85% of adolescents by the age of 24 years and up to
50% of adults over 25 years of age. Acne is a
widespread and upsetting condition. It can produce
lifelong physical and emotional scarring.
Acne is NOT caused by
bad diet or greasy foods. In fact, acne develops
when the sebaceous glands in a person's skin
produces excess oil(sebum). This oil combines with
cells that line the gland walls and clogs the skin’s
pores. Normal skin bacteria colonise these pores and
the body’s response causes the inflammation or
reddening of the skin that we associate with acne.
How does LED
light therapy work?
One of the key
bacteria responsible for the inflammation is
Propionibacterium acnes or P.acnes. These
bacteria produce natural chemicals called
poryphyrins, which are sensitive to light at
different wavelengths. If stimulated, these
chemicals will neutralize the bacteria and with no
bacteria present the inflammation will subside.
LED Blue
stimulates these chemicals and so
eradicates the bacteria that cause the redness or
inflammation of acne. This is combined with LED Red
which has anti inflammatory properties, this helps
to minimize the redness of acne lesions and promotes
healthier skin.
LED treatments are
totally non-invasive and generate no heat. The
treatment does not damage normal tissue and works
with the body’s own natural processes to rejuvenate
the skin.
Why choose LED light therapy for acne?
LED light is
an essential tool as part of an acne management
program. It delivers pure light optimised to deliver
the correct wavelength and dose for maximum
activation of the target cells.
Combination
phototherapy works through the anti-bacterial and
anti-inflammatory activity of Blue
light and LED Red light delivered
alternately. Only by delivering the right wavelength
in sequence can optimum results be seen.
Activation of
coproporphyrin III creates intracellular singlet
oxygen - inducing complete P.acnes bacterial death.
This reduces the
bacterial colonisation of the sebaceous gland,
returning the gland’s abnormally high level of sebum
to normal and reducing the production of
proinflammatory cytokines.
Simultaneously, LED
Blue induces anti-inflammatory cytokines,
stimulating specific immunoregulatory pathways.
The intracellular
specificity of red light therapy is well documented
and it has long been demonstrated that 633nm offers
excellent reduction in inflammatory lesions and is
proven to stimulate cellular mechanisms for tissue
repair.
Treatment Protocol
-
Either 8 alternate LED Blue
and LED Red or 8 LED Blue
treatments over four
weeks.
-
Allow At least 48 hours rest
time between treatments.
-
Combination light therapy
consists of alternate blue
and red
treatments
-
Can be used with anti-comedonal
treatments
What is LED light
therapy for acne?
LED Blue is
a light source that is specially tuned to activate
natural chemicals found in the bacteria that cause
skin redness in acne. When stimulated, these
chemicals destroy the bacteria. LED Red is used in
combination with LED Blue. LED Red stimulates cells
in your body that help with the healing process and
reduce the inflammation surrounding the acne lesions.
How safe is the
treatment?
LED Blue and Red are
safe and harmless to your skin and generate no heat.
The light works naturally with your body to promote
the healing response. The only safety measure is to
wear goggles to protect your eyes from the light.
What results can be
expected from a series of treatments?
Optimum results will be seen between 4-8 weeks after
treatment. The light stimulates natural processes
that continue after the treatment has stopped.
Whilst studies have shown complete clearance of
lesions, on average you should expect 70% of lesions
to clear when using blue light alone and over 80%
when using blue and red light together. We suggest
that the treatment is used in conjunction with a
preparation such as salicylic acid. Your doctor can
discuss this combination treatment with you.
Are there any side
effects from the treatments?
No. There have been no reported adverse side effects
like redness or irritation from the treatment, and
the light does not damage skin in any way.
Is it painful?
Not at all because there’s no heat involved, there’s
no pain!
What actually happens
during the treatment?
You will have to remove any makeup or sunblock
before the treatment and you will also be asked to
wear safety goggles. The light will then be
positioned close to your face and you will be
treated for 20 minutes. After that you’re free to go
home.
The treatment course
is usually 8 light treatments. Dependent upon your
type of acne, you may be advised to use a face wash
and a gel containing salicylic acid. This will help
with the treatment.
LED light
therapy is the clear choice for acne
- Because there
is no heat involved, there’s no pain!
- Eradicates the bacterium that causes acne
through natural processes, so it won’t harm
your skin
- Promotes your body’s natural healing response
so the treatment continues long after the light
has been switched off
- Highly effective, no side effects, no
irritation
- Quick and simple.