This FDA-approved treatment makes use of light – the kind that is narrow-banded and high-intensity, no lasers or ultraviolet light. Unlike lasers, blue light does not generate heat, so sebaceous glands are not damaged.

However, blue light, when applied to the skin, effectively fights the bacteria that cause acne without burning the skin.  The bacteria are commonly found in the skin’s sebaceous glands and are the ones responsible for break outs.  It also encourages the production of a substance that promotes the healing response of the skin, even as it kills the bacteria.  Acne Blue Light Therapy is usually targeted towards those suffering from mild to moderate acne.

The procedure itself is quickly over and done with.  You basically need about half an hour for this skin care treatment, which is relatively painless and hassle-free.  You can go back to your normal daily schedule with hardly any discomfort or pain.

You will not immediately see the results of the treatment.  It takes some time (and several sessions) for this to produce the optimal effect.  The ideal interval between sessions is two weeks.  The length of the treatment also really depends on how severe you acne problem is.  And, once you get the optimal results, you have to go back to your doctor monthly for maintenance sessions.

Blue Light Therapy also usually given in combination with a topical solution called Levulan (which is a photo-sensitizing solution).  This is applied to the skin before the blue light is used.

Some side effects you should expect after the treatment would be a burning sensation, redness and stinging.  There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to Levulan.  So it best that before having the treatment, you should consult with your doctor.  You should also take this opportunity to talk to your doctor about what areas you want treated, as well as your pain tolerance levels, although for most, the treatment produces a similar level of pain sunburn produces.  The pain and swelling could usually be treated using ointments and ice packs.  After the treatment, you should care for your face by gently washing it.

Blue Light Therapy is also a skin care treatment used to treat melasma, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, varicose and spider veins, freckles, dark undereye circles and sun spots.

Aside from the usual chemical peel and microdermabrasion, there is actually a long list of treatments you can choose from.  Let’s take a quick look at some of the treatments you can have your cosmetic doctor provide you.

Acne Blue Light Therapy This therapy, which makes use of narrow-band and high intensity blue light, is an effective solution for those who have acne but who have become resistant to other treatments such as medications and ointments.  It is safe and non-invasive and nips acne right in the bud since it kills the bacteria that cause acne.

Laser Skin Tightening Laser has been found to have many cosmetic applications.  For this treatment, infrared light is applied to the skin to tighten it and thus remove the wrinkles.  The laser reaches deep down – below the top surface of the skin.  The laser encourages the skin to produce more collagen so that the skin is filled up and tighter.  What’s great about laser skin tightening is that you don’t have to suffer through a long downtime and pain that you will have to experience with the traditional face lift.

Plasma Skin Regeneration This anti-aging skin care treatment uses nitrogen plasma that promotes the regeneration of the tissues of the skin.  The treatment is quick and easy but shows obvious improvements on the texture of the skin, as well as skin tone and pigmentation.  Wrinkles are also visibly reduced.  These effects also last for quite some time.

Thermage This treatment uses radio waves to heat the lower layers of the skin so that more collagen is produced.  The skin becomes tighter, smoother and renewed.  The effects of this non-invasive treatment are also long-lasting.

These are just four of the popular skin care treatments you can avail of.  Other treatments you may want to consider include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Separately, you might want to learn more about mens skin care.