Introduction
Even though there are numerous oral and topical therapies available for acne, many people who suffer from acne are disappointed with the outcomes or the side effects of the treatment. Light therapy, also referred to as red light, blue light, or phototherapy, is a therapy with a strong scientific foundation that is generally safe and has few adverse effects. Studies show that light therapy, including lasers, can reduce acne. A skin professional could advise using topical medication and light therapy as alternative acne therapy to get the best results. The treatment outcome may differ for each individual.
What Is Light Therapy for Acne?
Acne vulgaris is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting more than 85 percent of teenagers and frequently extending into later adulthood. Antibiotic resistance and unfavorable treatment profiles can hamper conventional therapy using antibiotics and retinoids, which has inconsistent results. To address the necessity of acne treatment, newer therapeutic methods have been created, such as light-based therapy. Numerous narrowband light sources, photodynamic treatment (PDT), intense pulsed light (IPL), and lasers have been developed for acne.
Treatment using these light sources can help with inflammatory acne and scarring, but it has a limited impact on noninflammatory (comedonal) acne. Light and laser therapy are becoming more popular in acne treatment since they are safe, effective, and have no or limited drawbacks when used correctly. These light and laser therapies can be applied along with pharmaceutical or physical measures to maximize the therapeutic result.
How Does Light Therapy Work for Acne?
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Studies have shown that acne improves when exposed to natural sunlight, but the exact mechanism is uncertain. Recent studies have shown that light-based therapies can reduce Propionibacterium acnes counts and the size and functionality of sebaceous glands and hair follicles (pilosebaceous units).
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P. acnes produces porphyrins, naturally occurring substances within sebaceous follicles that absorb light. Porphyrins absorb light wavelengths ranging from 400 to 700 nm, with the greatest effective absorption occurring at 415 nm within the blue light spectrum.
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Various wavelengths of light penetrate to different depths inside the skin. 390 to 600 nm wavelengths reach the surface layers, and 600 to 1100 nm wavelengths hit the deeper layers. Usually, low-level light treatment is safe and causes little discomfort in patients. Acne-affected skin is often exposed to continuous or intense pulsed light (IPL) on multiple occasions, usually in conjunction with topical or oral acne medicines.
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When light is absorbed, porphyrins are photoexcited, which releases singlet oxygen and reactive free radicals, which have bactericidal effects on P. acnes. Longer wavelengths, like red light, influence the production of cytokines from macrophages and can reduce inflammation. However, they penetrate deeper into the skin and may directly target sebaceous glands.
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Blue light has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties in keratinocytes. However, applying PDT (photodynamic therapy) and infrared (IR) lasers can result in photothermal and phototoxic damage to sebaceous glands, decreasing gland size and sebum production.
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IPL (intense pulsed light), pulsed dye lasers, and potassium titanyl phosphate lasers may all disrupt sebaceous gland function by direct phototoxic and thermal damage or exert bactericidal effects on P. acnes by inducing reactive free radicals.
What Are the Benefits of Using Light Therapy for Acne?
Blue and red light are the two most common types of visible light therapy utilized in therapeutic settings. While both blue and red light therapy treat acne, each has a unique purpose and advantages.
1. Blue-Light Therapy
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Blue light therapy is the most commonly used form of light therapy to treat acne outbreaks. Blue light has an antibacterial impact, which means it can kill various bacteria that can build up in the pores and oil glands and trigger outbreaks.
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In one study, patients with acne received light therapy for five weeks with blue light therapy and showed improvement in 77 percent of instances.
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Additionally, blue light therapy helps to condition the skin by eliminating free radicals that cause the facial skin to oxidize and age. The therapy also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce other acne symptoms like redness.
2. Red-Light Therapy
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Red light therapy does not have the same antibacterial properties as blue light therapy, yet it remains useful.
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Red light therapy promotes healing and may reduce the visibility of acne scars. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
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Red light treatment works beneath the skin's surface to relax and restore tissue. If a persistent skin issue causes the acne, red light therapy may be an option.
What Are the Risks Associated With Light Therapy for Acne?
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In general, when performed by an experienced professional, light and laser treatments are safe and do not cause long-term consequences. Many early post-treatment symptoms, such as mild-to-moderate discomfort, erythema, or modest edema, are temporary and disappear spontaneously, necessitating no therapy.
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Generally, blue and blue-red light therapies are well tolerated. Mild redness, dryness, itching, or stinging are short-term side effects that resolve themselves.
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Light therapy does not employ ultraviolet light. Thus, there is no risk of skin harm or radiation. However, this does not eliminate the hazards associated with this treatment.
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If the treated region is not adequately cared for, infection may develop. Contact the doctor immediately if an individual experiences pus, blistering, or fever following light therapy.
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Certain people should avoid light therapy. If a person is already taking antibiotics, they are susceptible to sunlight or easily sunburned. Such individuals may not be suitable for light therapy for acne.
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Additionally, if a woman is pregnant or suspects that they could be pregnant, then they should not receive light therapy.
Conclusion
The use of light therapy in treating acne has advanced significantly in the past few years. Blue and blue-red light has the strongest evidence of success in acne treatment, having the greatest effect on mild to severe inflammatory acne lesions. The ability to specifically target microorganisms responsible for acne and lower inflammation makes it a very attractive choice for those looking for alternative treatments. As research in this field progresses, light therapy has the potential to transform acne management by providing safe, effective, and minimally invasive options for cleaner and healthier skin.
