UVB acne treatment

Non-invasive, non-abrasive, and non-burning acne blue light treatment has found a supportive community among physicians in advanced dermatology. Traditional adult acne treatment may still include prescription medications, over-the-counter topical dressings, and nutritional correction – or a combination of all three. More and more, however, dermatologists are turning to blue Omnilux light therapy for routine adult acne treatment and prevention.

Blue Light Kills Bacteria

A single acne blue light treatment for 15 minutes can activate porphyrin byproducts of the patient’s bacteria. The blue light damages free radicals in the porphyrin molecules, in turn killing off bacteria and reducing acne lesions. Patients experience few side effects, save for a darkening of the treated area. They must wear eye protection during treatment. Results vary by case, but recent research findings show a 60% reduction in visible acne following four visits, spaced out at one treatment per week. Some required as many as 12 visits.

UVB Phototherapy in the Middle

Early in the 20th Century, UVB phototherapy was introduced at the Mayo Clinic. The UVB wavelength is in the middle of the spectrum between UVA rays that tan and UVC rays that are used in strict germicidal applications. UVB is used for treating severe psoriasis and eczema. Researchers more recently discovered that UVB rays reduce acne inflammation in patients, with results lasting up to a year.

UVB blue light therapy has been priced at $200-$300 per session. Phototherapy patients typically appreciate the relatively short treatment routine and its effectiveness. They elect for light therapy’s safe and painless procedure balanced against their previous experiences with topical remedies and potentially harmful courses of antibiotics. For the most-persistent cases, physicians can always resort to invasive modalities.