| Blue light works as an acne
treatment because blue light has an antibacterial effect
on the skin. When blue light shines on skin with acne,
it kills the bacteria that causes the acne. Yet blue light
does not alter DNA, as is the case with UV light. Blue
light does not disrupt the ability of cells to carry-out
the natural process of cell division. Blue light acne
treatment is considered a type of acne laser treatment.
How then, can blue light serve as a source of acne
treatment? It works primarily because of its wavelength,
415 nm.
The bacteria called P. acne produces a chemical that
has the structure of a porphyrin. Certain elements of
a porphyrin molecule (particularly the oxygen) can be
easily removed, under the right conditions.
The blue light excites the porphyrins in the bacteria
and causes the release of oxygen atoms from the porphyrin
molecule. Two atoms of oxygen make the oxygen molecule
which is essential to most living creatures. Singlet
oxygen offers fewer benefits to a living organism. In
fact singlet oxygen can damage living cells. Single
oxygen molecules damage bacteria, causing it to die
or stop reporducing.
The use of blue light acne treatment guarantees two
important benefits. The blue light is safe. As mentioned
above, it does not alter the cells’ DNA, as does
UV light. In addition, the use of blue light treatment
has not been linked to any sort of side effects. Still,
blue light therapy is not an ideal acne remedy for every
acne patient.
An online search for information about blue light treatment
reveals one drawback to this treatment type. It appears
that a large percentage of treatment locations are in
places with considerable wealth and affluence.
Further, most insurance companies will not cover the
cost of a blue light treatment, partly because it is
so costly. A patient with limited means may not be able
to pay for a blue light treatment. Looking at natural
acne scar treatment
may be the only option for some
people.
Patients who feel that they could derive great benefit
from blue light treatment may ask their doctor about
the possibility of making a series of small payments
for the treatment (rather than a large, single payment).
Some physicians even offer literature on plans that
facilitate the making of such payments. If not, a patient
should ask their doctor about other ways to get rid
of acne.
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