|
By Flor Serquina
There are many ways to treat acne and acne scars, ranging from applying
topical creams that can lighten dark spots or remove pimples altogether, to
manual methods that involve wounding the skin and penetrating into much deeper
areas of infection. One such method is phototherapy, which is a relatively new
technique whose overall effects are still being studied. Light therapy
for acne is also expensive, so if you have acne and you have been
recommended a regimen involving phototherapy, you need to do research on it
before opening your wallet.
In general, light therapy for acne involves the use of a specific wavelength
of light to treat acne-prone, acne-riddled, or acne-scarred skin. A
dermatologist who does phototherapy can choose amongst different tools to apply
the specific wavelength of therapeutic light. There are lasers, light emitting
diodes (or LEDs), dichroic lamps, and even fluorescent bulbs. Not only is there
prescribed light therapy for acne, there is also light therapy for skin
rejuvenation, which some patients claim can help make skin appear
younger and more supple.
Not all kinds of light are good for the skin. For instance, the ultraviolet
light of the sun can do damage to the skin, and can cause acne break outs. In
phototherapy, dermatologists use safe wavelengths of light in order to treat
acne and other skin conditions. In one kind of light therapy, dermatologists use
blue light twice a week on patients, a treatment regimen that
has been shown to reduce the severity of acne by as much as sixty percent in
patients. This particular form of light therapy for acne is even more effective
if it is done daily, and if accompanied by red light therapy.
How does light therapy for acne work? Most acne is caused by an anaerobic
bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes. P. acnes survives in an environment
without oxygen, hence its happy encapsulation under the skin, in an acne cyst,
and away from the air. P. acnes also produces free radicals when exposed to
certain wavelengths of light.
Light therapy can work in different ways to eradicate P. acnes. Some light
therapy, in particular blue light therapy, induces the bacteria to form free
radicals, effectively killing the bacteria in their own toxins.
Other kinds of light therapy can induce the bacteria to produce oxygen, so that
P. acnes is killed in an environment least conducive to its growth.
As a result of the success of light therapy to treat acne, scientists and
engineers have developed light boxes for home use. Such light
boxes are effective for those who have had acne for a long time, and they can be
an inexpensive alternative to treatments in the doctor's office. However, the
strength of light coming from light boxes can be much lower than those in the
dermatologist's clinic, so that the light box has to be used more often, and for
a long period of time, in order to duplicate the success of commercial
phototherapy.
Another novel light therapy acne treatment involves the use of high intensity
blue or violet light. This technique, called photodynamic
therapy, has not yet been approved for commercial use, and has yet to
be studied and published in a scientific journal, where it can be subjected to
peer reviews.
Phototherapy can also be used for other skin ailments, such as
psoriasis or eczema. In this case, dermatologists make use of
ultraviolet light in order to slow down the rapid turnover of skin which is
characteristic of these two disorders. Phototherapy in the form of visible red
light is also used to combat the effects of aging in the skin. This type of
phototherapy increases the production of the skin protein collagen, so that any
damage to the skin can heal much faster. Phototherapy can also be used for
tanning skin, and even to make wounds heal. For instance, infrared light has
been shown in a few clinical studies to assist in restoring sensation, while
reducing pain and improving circulation, of patients with neuropathy.
Light therapy for acne can come in many forms, and more
research is being done to ensure its safety and improve on current
light therapy methods. In the future, we will certainly see more innovations
that can help make light therapy more convenient, and even cheaper for those who
need it the most. If you are interested in undergoing light therapy to treat
your case of acne, consult with your dermatologist first and look at all
possible options available for your needs and budget.
Flor Serquina is a writer and also a wife and a mother who has a great
interest in maintaining the healthy skin of the members of her large family. For
more information visit her website, where she discusses various subjects such as
light therapy for acne, zinc for acne and new acne treatments.
|
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
