I have been using Blue LED therapy in my clinic for many years and have witnessed the healing, calming and anti-acne benefits it has had for my clients. Now with the emergence of the home BLUE LED devices, I wanted to explore more specifically what types of acne benefit most from blue light therapy.
I read a study that concluded Blue LED Therapy to be most effective on inflamed acne, but comedones which are either open (whiteheads) or closed (blackheads) where no inflammation is present there was not as much improvement.
So, if you have any inflammation associated with your acne, then the BLUE LED therapy will be of benefit to you. If you are wanting to target specifically blackheads and small whiteheads then I would encourage you to look for products that contain salicylic acid (you cannot use this BHA if are pregnant or lactating). Salicylic Acid is a fantastic ingredient that dissolves and loosens up the build-up of dead skin cells and oil, allowing your pores to not be so congested. So for example you could start by introducing a spritz into your regime such as the Cosmedix Purity Balance. After cleansing of an evening spritz a cotton round with Cosmedix Purity Balance and wipe over the skin. Follow with your serum and moisturiser.
The Purity Balance also contains Lactic Acid which is a gentler AHA that I find exfoliates the skin gently. It will leave the skin feeling soft and fresh. Tea Tree Oil will balance your skin and clarify it for clearer looking skin.
You can also visit your local Skin Care Expert and receive a treatment specially designed to combat acne breakouts of all grades. I love choosing from the many types of skin peels that I have in my treatment room such as lactic peels, glycolic, salicylic, mandelic and tartaric acids. There are blends and standalone peels and your Skincare Therapist will know the perfect one to use on your skin to reach the end goal - clear pores!
If you can find a Skin Care Therapist that is great at extractions then this is a way to speed up the process by eliminating the blockages manually so your products and device at home have a head start. I find a BLUE LED session post extractions and peel is a great way to reduce inflammation and redness.
If you have a combination of inflamed acne, red, or pussy breakouts then a combination of the BLUE LED and skincare that includes salicylic acid and other beneficial anti-acne ingredients is a great option.
Don’t go overboard with BHA as it can be very drying, start off with 1 BHA product and after a few weeks if your skin is not dry you could try a BHA serum to use once a day such as the Skin Matrix Hello.. Goodbye Blemish Serum.
Not sure where to start and what products are right for you? Complete our free online skin questionnaire for 2 free skin tips and an AM/PM skin care regime to work towards.
Reference:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7517798_An_open_study_to_determine_the_efficacy_of_blue_light_in_the_treatment_of_mild_to_moderate_acne
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