Acne usually hits in the teens or early twenties although some sufferers are first affected in their late twenties or thirties. Symptoms are usually fairly mild. But when it’s a more serious problem, acne can impact on day-to-day activities and shatter self-confidence.
Acne is caused by reactions to hormonal changes and the effect of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Testosterone is the main culprit, triggering natural oil production, which prevents dead skin cells from shedding properly, clogging up the follicles and causing whiteheads and blackheads to form. This environment causes Propionibacterium acnes to multiply, triggering inflammation and red or pus-filled spots.
Treating acne with light therapy
At present there is no outright cure for acne, although there are treatments to prevent the formation of new spots and scarring. Over the counter gels and creams are messy, and contain benzoyl peroxide, which can cause dryness and itching. Prescription drugs can be very effective although some have unpleasant side effects. Oral antibiotics can be counterproductive in the long term.
Light therapy is an exciting new approach to treating acne. At the right frequencies, blue light eradicates the inflammation-causing Propionibacterium acnes, and red light heals the skin. Trials using this combination light therapy have shown over improved the appearance of skin by over 70%. The team behind the research has helped
