One method of getting rid of acne is blue light therapy, which kills the bacteria present on the skin and under the surface. Patients with mild to moderate acne are the most likely to see results, and they may even notice that scars from previous breakouts begin to disappear during treatment. Aside from these benefits, blue light therapy for acne tends to be painless and quick, unlike some methods patients may try. One drawback is that this method is not very effective for clearing up severe cases of acne, and it is usually necessary to undergo several sessions to see results. Additionally, this treatment can be expensive, especially when many sessions are needed, and few U.S. insurance providers pay for it.
Blue light therapy for acne is often best for mild to moderate cases, so while it is beneficial for many patients, those with severe acne should seek other types of treatment. In addition, it is usually only effective in killing the most common types of acne bacteria, so patients whose skin problems are caused by a less common kind of bacteria may not see results. Those who do get results may notice that blue light therapy for acne not only clears up their current skin problems but also often gets rid of scars from past acne.
While this method is often known for being quick and painless, some patients notice a few side effects. Redness and swelling may be present for a short period after the treatment, and many people find their skin to be particularly sensitive to the sun for a few days afterward. Some patients also find the quick stinging sensation during treatment to be too much to handle, in which case other methods might be best for them.
Patients who get blue light therapy for acne have to undergo several sessions for the best results. Even those who do not experience discomfort or side effects may find this inconvenient, because they have to find the time to attend each appointment. Another disadvantage is that blue light therapy for acne is not considered cheap, which can make the requirement of several sessions even less appealing. In addition, insurance providers rarely pay for this treatment because it is not usually considered medically necessary. For this reason, blue light therapy for acne is often only recommended for patients who have tried other methods without success.