From teenage breakouts to adult acne, this is a skin condition that effects up to 80% of people in varying degrees at some point during their life.

 

Acne is an inflammatory condition and occurs when the oil-secreting sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed or infected due to a blockage in the hair follicles. The infected glands can appear on the face, neck, back and body which cause blemishes such as black heads and spots to appear on the surface of the skin. If left untreated, acne can often leave scarring.

 

Overactive sebaceous glands are stimulated by a change in hormonal levels and this can be triggered by a number of factors including age, genetics, stress, lifestyle or dietary changes. The increase in oil production combined with a build-up of dead skin cells block the pore and create the perfect oxygen deprived environment for the P.acnes bacteria to thrive.

 

There are two main types of acne, non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. The first is a mild form typically characterised by white heads which are closed plugged oil glands and blackheads, which are open plugged oil glands. Inflammatory acne presents as pustules, which are red inflamed, infected plugged oil glands. In severe cases, cysts (large fluid-filled bumps) may develop under the skin.

 

How does LED Phototherapy treat Acne?

 

It has long been known that exposure to sunlight can improve acne and blemishes however we also know that ultraviolet light which forms part of sunlight is harmful to the skin. Visible blue light at 415nm, which is outside of the UV range, is clinically proven to kill acne bacteria and is therefore safe for treating all types of acne and problem skin. Essentially visible blue light provides all the antibacterial benefits associated with UV but without the harmful and damaging rays.

 

With acne, the sebaceous glands and hair follicles become dilated and obstructed due to genetic or hormonal influences. This obstruction leads to the increased production of bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acne) within the sebaceous glands.

 

P.acne bacteria naturally produce porphyrins (Coproporphyrin III) which absorb light energy at the near UV and blue light spectrum. Exposure to blue light at 415nm excites the P.acnes bacteria making it very photosensitive. A chemical reaction occurs in which highly reactive free radicals are generated resulting in bacterial destruction and in turn reduction in acne lesions and blemishes. Furthermore, the immune system stops producing inflammatory chemicals to kill bacteria because the bacteria are already dead.

 

Blue light can successfully treat all grades of acne without irritation and is an effective alternative for clients who do not respond to other acne treatments or have become antibiotic resistant. It is particularly suitable for darker skins, teenage skin and stubborn cystic acne.

 

Dermalux Treatment Recommendation

 

Mild to Moderate Acne: 12 combined Blue, Red and Near Infra-Red LED treatments, up to 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks followed by once weekly.

 

Maintenance treatments are recommended once a month or as required.

 

Moderate to Severe Acne: 12 Blue, Red and Near Infra-Red LED treatments, up to 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks followed by once weekly.

 

For severe conditions and oily skin, begin with 3 Blue LED treatments only.

 

Maintenance treatments are recommended twice a month as required.