Dealing with acne has become exhausting—why not give red and blue light therapy a try?

Staying up late

Eat hot pot

Dinner party...

Acne will all come over to join the fun.

To eliminate them

People are constantly conducting research, ranging from skincare to “cutting-edge technology.”

Skincare: There’s a wide variety of acne-fighting products available, among which medical-grade acne skincare products stand out prominently.

(Today’s topic isn’t about that, so I won’t say much more.)

Come on, let’s continue with today’s topic.

“Black Tech”: Medical Aesthetic Instrument Therapy

There are many different types of such treatments, among which red and blue light therapy—known for its relatively mature technology and safety—is particularly noteworthy. Today, let’s talk about it!
 

The principle behind red and blue light for acne treatment

Most red-and-blue light devices use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or xenon lamps as their light sources; therefore, red-and-blue light is often referred to as LED light.

The red-and-blue light therapy device uses high-purity, high-power-density red and blue light to irradiate the skin. This treatment can alter the structure of skin tissue, kill bacteria, and provide a favorable environment for new cell growth, thereby promoting the production of new collagen, elastin, and collagen fibers, accelerating cell proliferation, and helping to repair inflammatory acne.

Red light: With a wavelength of approximately 640 nm, it can penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and target deep fibroblasts, stimulating these cells to secrete collagen. This accelerates the regeneration of new skin, shortens the recovery period, reduces the formation of acne scars, and effectively fades acne marks while repairing existing acne scars.

Blue light: With a wavelength of approximately 420 nm, it targets the superficial layers of the skin, rapidly eliminating Propionibacterium acnes and exerting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It effectively inhibits sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands, helping to prevent recurrence of acne.

Red and blue light therapy is non-invasive; it uses a relatively gentle pulsed light that typically requires only 20 minutes of exposure on the skin. The treatment process produces no thermal effect, thus avoiding any thermal damage to the skin. In addition to the face, acne on the chest and back can also be treated.

Note: Due to the widespread use of red and blue light therapy, some businesses have developed home-use red-blue light devices. Typically, these home-use devices feature a single switch, emitting 12 beams of red light and 24 beams of blue light. They utilize narrow-spectrum LED light sources, which produce cool, non-thermal light and are relatively easy to operate. However, because home-use devices have lower power output, their therapeutic effects are not as pronounced as those achieved with professional red-blue light therapy units.

Contraindications for Red and Blue Light Therapy

1. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women;

2. Individuals who have been exposed to sunlight within the past 2 weeks;

3. Patients with photosensitive conditions and porphyria, etc.;

4. Patients who have been taking photosensitizing medications (such as retinoids and tetracyclines) within the past half month or are currently taking them;

5. Individuals with severe hypertension or diabetes;

6. Individuals who have been taking certain psychotropic medications for a long period of time;

7. Patients with skin conditions or folliculitis at the treatment site;

8. Individuals with hemangiomas, sebaceous cysts, and seborrheic dermatitis;

9. Individuals with a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars;

10. Individuals with blood disorders, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;

11. Individuals with infectious diseases such as hepatitis B.

Possible reactions after use

After red and blue light therapy, skin metabolism and interstitial fluid circulation are accelerated, stimulating deep-layer detoxification of the skin. Therefore, some postoperative breakouts and redness are normal, benign physiological responses.

A very small number of people may experience the following conditions:

1. Individuals with photosensitive skin may experience symptoms such as skin redness, rash, and pain. They should immediately stop using the device and, if necessary, take a tablet of Polaramine. Afterward, they should no longer use the photon rejuvenation device.

2. A small number of people may experience skin peeling 2 to 4 days later. This is a sign of dry skin, so be sure to stay well-hydrated and protect your skin from the sun.

Questions about red and blue light therapy

Q: Are there any side effects associated with red and blue light therapy for acne?

A: Red and blue light, also known as LED lights, are artificially produced light sources. These light sources themselves do not generate heat, do not emit ultraviolet rays, and do not cause pigmentation. Moreover, red and blue light therapy devices have highly precise wavelengths and target depths (directly reaching the intended tissue). The duration and frequency of irradiation are relatively limited. Therefore, when used under proper conditions, red and blue light therapy only treats acne without damaging the skin.

Q: Can red and blue light therapy completely cure acne?

A: The average clearance rate of acne achieved through red and blue light therapy is 82%. However, this treatment does not provide a complete cure, so it should be combined with medication to alleviate symptoms. In daily life, it’s also important to pay attention to diet and lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence.

Q: What should I pay attention to after undergoing red and blue light therapy?

1. As much as possible, use a facial cleanser that doesn't contain irritating ingredients. Keep your face clean and refreshed daily, and apply some medical, restorative ointment.

2. Apply strict sun protection and avoid wearing makeup;

3. Eat a light diet—avoid fatty, spicy foods and seafood; refrain from carbonated beverages. Instead, consume more fruits that help reduce sebum secretion and promote healing, such as apples, pears, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

4. Ensuring sufficient sleep and going to bed early and rising early can help the skin recover.

5. If you experience mild dryness, flaking, or crusting, do not pick at, scratch, or remove the scabs yourself. Be sure to allow the scabs to mature and fall off on their own.