But all these misconceptions stem from incomplete information about this treatment, where blue light is universally considered harmful and potentially damaging to your skin. We really need to differentiate between uncontrolled blue light exposure, like that from digital devices, and the controlled use of blue light in therapeutic settings.
And this is what we're going to talk about in our article. You'll find out about the controlled potential of blue light when administered at specific wavelengths. Plus, we've briefly explained blue light therapy's benefits for acne and acne scars.
You'll learn more about how a common negative perspective about blue light has overshadowed its broader applications. So, let's read this article till the end.
What is Blue Light Therapy?
Blue light therapy offers both cosmetic and therapeutic effects. It's a non-invasive, non-thermal LED light treatment that uses comparatively shorter wavelengths of light (400–500 nm) for skin and is specifically used for acne and high-pigmented skin conditions.
The shorter the wavelength of light, the greater its effects against acne-causing bacteria because of the higher energy, of course. However, if you're looking for blue light therapy for wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects, you should go for devices that emit higher wavelengths of blue light (almost near 500 nm), as this penetrates deeper into the skin and is better at promoting skin healing.
So, it's best to understand the kind of results you're looking for and customize your treatment for optimal results. Read more about blue light therapy and its effect on acne-causing bacteria here [1].
Different Benefits of Blue Light Therapy
Although acne treatment is the most talked about advantage of blue light therapy, it offers benefits beyond that. And we've talked about all of them. So, without ado, let's explore the different benefits of blue light therapy.
Reduces Oil Production
Since blue light therapy is mainly a superficial treatment, it acts on your sebaceous glands and reduces oil production in your skin, which results in less clogged pores and clearer skin. So, it's an effective treatment for people with oily skin and acne breakouts.
Destroys Acne-causing Bacteria
According to DermNet[2], shorter wavelengths of blue light can kill acne-causing bacteria, such as P. acnes, by damaging the porphyrins released by the acne-causing bacteria.
It's when porphyrin absorbs a high-intensity blue light source, and free radical damage is produced, eventually killing acne-causing bacteria and protecting the skin from future breakouts.
Improves Your Mood and Sleep Cycle
Unlike the negative narrative about how blue light disturbs your circadian rhythm and eventually your mood, many studies[3] have proved to be the opposite of that. And as per those studies, this is not a fair representation of blue light; in fact, blue light has more positive effects than negative.
For instance, it has been reported to elevate your mood and eliminate major depression symptoms. More, it enhances your cognitive performance and also your sleep cycle.
However, all of this is directly related to the blue light exposure of the eyes rather than the skin. And improvements in mood and sleep patterns are typically achieved with specialized blue light devices, such as light therapy lamps, which are carefully calibrated for specific wavelengths and intensity levels.
Help with Wound Healing
This light wavelength offers healing properties for your skin, helping any lesions, scars, or wounds to heal. Plus, it is supposed to treat various other skin conditions as well, such as eczema, psoriasis, and even Vitiligo [4].
Effects of Excessive Use of Blue Light Therapy and Some Guidelines
Researchers have put a lot of strain on the controlled exposure of skin to blue light, indicating the negative effects of excessive exposure. For instance, overuse of blue light therapy devices can lead to dryness and sensitivity, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
So if you're wondering whether or not you should purchase blue light therapy devices for sensitive skin, you should at least once consult your physician. Plus, avoid using a blue light therapy device near your eyes without protective goggles. Do not extend your session more than 10 minutes.
It's best to test it on a small area of your skin first and then go for your face. And space out your sessions equally, no more than three times per week. Plus, avoid photosensitizing products before the session.
Final Thoughts!
People really need to re-consider blue light, as its controlled exposure to your skin and eyes does more good than bad. And it has been evident from the studies as well.
With blue light therapy, you'll get clearer skin, better sleep, enhanced alertness, and increased cognitive response. Plus, there's not enough evidence of the effect of blue light on your eyes. So you can't really say it's affecting your eyes.
Sources and References:
- Gold MH, Andriessen A, Biron J, Andriessen H. Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 Mar;2(3):44–50. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2923954/#B4
- Ngan, Vanessa. "Blue Light Acne Treatment." DermNet, 2007, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/blue-light-acne-treatment#:~:text=How%20does%20it%20work?,reaction%20for%20a%20few%20days.
- Silvani, MI. Werder, R. Perret, C. "The Influence of Blue Light on Sleep, Performance, and Wellbeing in Young Adults: A Systematic Review." Front Neurosci, 2022 Aug 12;16:930256. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9424753/
- Bae JM, Jung HM, Hong BY, Lee JH, Choi WJ, Lee JH, Kim GM. "Phototherapy for Vitiligo: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." JAMA Dermatol. 2017 Jul 1;153(7):666-674. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36575871/