Can Blue Light Therapy Get Rid of Acne Breakouts?

Acne breakouts are mostly seen as a trivial, non-important skin issue. However, acne can be painful, not to mention that it can seriously affect self-esteem and confidence. There is a lot of pressure, especially nowadays, to have clear, healthy skin. In some extreme cases this unhealthy pressure can lead to anxiety and depression.

But how to get rid of acne breakouts? Acne can be caused by different factors and have different degrees of severity. While some severe and more aggressive acne breakouts may require a visit to your dermatologist, milder to moderate acne is easier to control with the help of blue light therapy.

Different Types of Acne

It is no secret that there are different types of acne with different degrees of severity. To better treat your acne breakouts, you need to identify the type of acne you have. According to Webmd, acne can take different forms, including:

- Acne vulgaris: “Acne vulgaris is the medical name for common acne -- the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on the skin. The most common spots for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders, and back.”, Webmd.

- Blackheads: Blackheads are tinny black dots that appear on the skin, especially on the t-zone. These are also known as open comedones that form when the pore clogs with sebum and debris. When it oxidizes, the surface turns black.

- Whiteheads: Also known as closed comedones, they appear when the pore gets clogged by dead skin cells, but unlike blackheads, the pore is already closed.

- Papules: Small inflamed bumps hard to touch. - Pustules: Postules are inflamed pimples that contain pus. They look white in the center, with the outside area being mostly red. They may be sensitive to touch and can easily cause scars if you pick on them.

- Nodules: This type of acne is quite painful and grows deeper underneath the skin. These swollen pores can grow bigger if irritation occurs.

- Cysts: Cysts are large lesions filled with pus. If you have cystic acne, a board-certified dermatologist can help.

Read the full article and find our all acne specifications HERE.

But What Causes Acne?

Our skin has tiny glands, also known as sebaceous glands. When these glands are blocked, the bacteria that grow inside the pore will form a blemish on the skin’s surface. So if your hair follicles produce too much oil, debris buildup in your pores can lead to bacteria and inflammation.

While acne is more common in adolescents and young adults due to hormone changes, acne can be triggered by certain medications, an unhealthy diet, or stress.

What is LED Light Therapy?

LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is an innovative skin treatment that became popular in recent years after being widely used by Hollywood stars to improve skin conditions.

There are several light therapy wavelengths. However, the most popular ones are red, blue, yellow, and infrared light therapy. Each wavelength reaches different layers of the skin to treat different skin conditions.

Acne is one of the conditions that can be treated by blue light therapy and red light therapy. We consider this the best combo to start your journey to clear, healthy skin.

Blue Light Therapy Acne Treatment

Blue light therapy is the ideal wavelength to treat acne breakouts. Why? Its 415nm wavelength reaches the skin’s surface to kill acne-causing bacteria and act as an anti-inflammatory.

You can also treat your acne breakouts with red light therapy. This 630nm wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin helping to regenerate tissue.

The ability of this light combo to improve skin condition is outstanding and can improve your skincare routine.

Blue Light Therapy Benefits

- Blue light is anti-inflammatory

- Kills acne causing-bacteria in pores

- Reduces acne breakouts

- Soothes and calms the skin

Is Blue LED Light Harmful to the Skin?

Blue light therapy is a painless and non-invasive treatment FDA cleared and safe to use on all skin types. However, like any skin care product, it is important to read all warnings, precautions, and contraindications stated in the user manual to prevent any adverse reaction.

At-Home Devices That Will Help You Get Rid of Acne Breakouts

TOUCHBeauty light therapy devices were specially designed for safe use at home. To give you most of the treatment options, most of our devices feature more than one light therapy wavelength.

- TOUCHBeauty TRIFECTA is a complete device that will give you toned, clear, and smooth skin. The light therapy attachment brings you the power of 3 different wavelengths: red, blue, and yellow light. You can easily change between blue and red light therapy to treat your acne breakouts.

TOUCHBeauty TRIFECTA - Microcurrent & Light Therapy Treatments At-Home

- This on-the-go light therapy system gives you targeted treatments for wrinkles, acne, and dull skin. Blue light therapy easily treats specific areas of your face no matter where you are.

What Else Can I do to Deal with Acne Breakouts - DO’S & DONT’S?

Using blue light therapy should be part of your consistent skincare routine, but not the only solution to deal with breakouts.

DONT’S

DON’T pick on your skin: picking on your skin with your fingers can cause scarring and serious infections.

DON’T use harsh facial cleansers or exfoliating scrubs.

DON’T eat salty and oily foods.

DON’T apply heavy makeup to conceal your acne. Doing so may block pores leading to more breakouts.

DO’S

DO cleanse your skin with a gentle and mild facial cleanse.

DO keep your skin moisturized.

DO go see your dermatologist if you have severe acne breakouts and cystic lesions. DO use blue and red light therapy to treat acne breakouts. However, if you take over-the-counter treatments, be sure to read all contra-indications. Some topical medications can make your skin sensitive to light.

How to Use at Home Light Therapy Devices

If you get one of our devices, thoroughly read the user manual on how to properly use it.

You will find that each device has a precise treatment cycle that tells you how long each treatment should last.

Be sure to use LED light therapy treatments on clean, dry skin. Do not apply any skincare product right before you start using your light therapy device. Ideally, you start your treatment after washing and drying your skin.

STEP 1: Turn on the device.

STEP 2: Place the light therapy head surface in contact with your skin or 1 cm away from your skin (we always advise you to check user manual guidelines) and move the device evenly across your skin to allow the light to penetrate the skin.

STEP 3: Turn OFF the device and follow your normal skincare routine.

START TODAY LED Light Therapy Treatments

Blue light therapy is a treatment that will help to improve acne breakouts by killing acne causing bacteria on the skin’s surface, especially mild to moderate acne. However, If you have severe and cystic acne be sure to visit your dermatologist.

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