Phototherapy using blue light (400-420 nm) has been shown to be effective at improving acne symptoms in many individuals. Most of the improvements are relatively moderate and correspond to the frequency and intensity of treatment. Superior improvements are often observed when using blue and red combination phototherapy and/or photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Before and After Images of Blue Light Acne Phototherapy
Below we have compiled a collection of before and after pics from some of the research studies done using blue light phototherapy to treat acne vulgaris. Most of the published studies indicate that blue light phototherapy is effective at reducing the severity of acne symptoms. However, it is important to note that most of these reported results utilized high intensity blue light sources and controlled exposure. Also, as you can see from the images below, the results are positive, but it’s not really a complete cure.
Before and After Images of Acne Patient After Blue Light Phototherapy (Kawada, et al)
Before and After Blue Light Acne Therapy in Female Patient (Arruda, et al)
Research Summaries of the Effectiveness of Blue Light Phototherapy in Acne Treatment
Research studies are rarely based on just the one or two patients for whom you see a before and after photo. In this section we present some of the summaries of results from research studies on the efficacy of blue light therapy in treating acne.
Blue Light Phototherapy Decreases the Amount of P. acnes Bacteria Growing in the Skin (Kawada, et al)
Summary of Reduction in Acne Lesions after Blue Light Therapy (Kawada, et al)
Results of Blue Light Study - Decrease in Number of Acne Lesions (Morton, et al)
Patient Review of Blue Light Phototherapy
Perhaps one of the most important factors in the success or failure of a treatment is how it is perceived by the patient. The questions is not only the overall effectiveness of the treatment, but whether the treatment was tolerable. Here is a summary of patient perceptions of blue light phototherapy in treating acne vulgaris.
Patient Assessment of Blue Light Acne Phototherapy (Gold, et al)
References and Sources
Acne phototherapy with a high-intensity, enhanced, narrowband, blue light
source: an open study and in vitro investigation.
Kawada, et al. 2002. For article abstract, click here.
An open study to determine the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of
mild to moderate acne.
Morton, et al. 2005. For article abstract, click here.
Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne.
Gold, et al. 2009. For article abstract, click here.
Topical ALA-Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Hongcharu, et al. 2000. For article abstract, click here.
A prospective, randomized, open comparative study to evaluate safety and efficacy of blue light treatment versus topical benzoyl peroxide 5% formulation in patients with acne grades II and III.
Arruda, et al. 2008. For article abstract, click here.
Related Posts @ The Science of Acne
In Depth: Blue Light Phototherapy
Overview: Light and Laser Therapy for Acne
Frequently Asked Acne Questions
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