Acne is a common problem for many people, from teenagers to people in their forties. Acne is not only embarrassing, but can cause severe scarring. As more and more research is done, they are finding more productive ways to treat acne. Light therapy for acne is a promising treatment. In order to understand how this works, an understanding of what causes acne is needed.

Acne And Its Causes

Acne can occur on the face or sometimes even the body. Everyone has glands right below the surface of their skin called sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for secreting oils onto the skin through the hair follicle tubes found on the skins surface.

These hair follicle tubes can become clogged; as the glands continue to produce oil, the combination results in a pimple. For some, it can just stop there, for others the problem continues when a bacteria known as Propionibacterium, becomes involved. This bacteria is commonly found on the skin, but it uses sebaceous to grow. People with acne have an overabundance of Propionibacterium.

Since bacteria is involved, white blood cells are attracted and cause a breakdown on the skin, which results in the red blotchy inflamed skin associated with acne.

Light Therapy For Acne As An Alternative

Light therapy for acne has shown to be a promising break through. Light therapy for acne works by using a blue or a red light wave. The FDA has approved this process for mild to moderate acne. Light therapy for acne, involves exposing the skin to the light for about 20 to 30 minutes. Light therapy for acne uses a blue ray to destroy the bacteria Propionibacterium. The red light used in light therapy for acne, helps with the swelling and inflammation caused by the white blood cells. Some patients do have some mild pain after using the light therapy for acne.

Light therapy for acne treatments are sometimes offered through a dermatologist center. This process can take monthly treatments as acne is an ongoing problem for many. There are hand held devices that can be purchased for the home. A discussion with a doctor regarding these and which would work the best is recommended.

Although approved by the FDA, there have been no long term studies as to any damage caused by light therapy for acne. For many, the benefits brought about by light therapy for acne are a testament to the success of the process.