If you have ever googled anything to do with acne you have likely seen a blue light device – usually a hand-held device that emits blue light. Research has shown that blue light can actually prevent and reduce acne lesions – but at what price? That’s right – there is a serious downside to blue light that you have probably not heard about before.
What is blue light?
Blue light is part of the UV light spectrum and it is needed for good health: It boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function and elevates mood. It also regulates circadian rhythm – the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle – when we are exposed to it during the day.
Blue light is also emitted from computer screens, smartphones, television, fluorescent lights and LED lights. In our modern society, we are exposed to blue light a LOT.
Blue light and Acne
There is some positive research that says that blue light can help reduce acne. Blue light does not penetrate very deeply into the skin at all, and this surface penetration allows it to kill bacteria that can promote acne. Using a blue light device does help reduce blemishes and prevent new ones from popping up – although it does have to be directly applied to the blemish for 15-20 minutes each day.
However, there is also a dark side to blue light therapy. Research has also shown that blue light causes cell shrinkage and cell death, and it can also make your skin more prone to hyper-pigmentation. This means blue light can actually speed up the aging process and it can trigger more brown spots and acne marks.
Another downside to blue light is that it stops melatonin production in the body. The ideal time for blue light exposure is during the day but when we start exposing ourselves to blue light in the late afternoon and evening, it can shut down our melatonin production, which prevents us from sleeping and disrupts our circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm disruption can indirectly lead to more inflammation, dysregulation and acne in the body.
Recommendation
Blue light is not addressing the root cause of acne which means it is not solving your acne for good. It is only a band-aid solution. In order to really get rid of your acne permanently you have to address the imbalances that are within your body. Blue light can be used for a spot treatment periodically. I never ever recommend full face blue light, especially multiple treatments. I want my patients’ skin to be healthy, vital, and as ageless as possible.
There is another wavelength of light that I actually recommend to my patients over blue light which is red light. Red light wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin. They reach the dermal layer and stimulate the mitochondria in the skin to become more active. This actually reduces the signs of aging and increases skin health. I therefore highly recommend using red light therapy as an entire facial treatment as it improves the overall health of the skin, which can improve acne symptoms tremendously. Red light also prevents the signs of aging.
In order to heal your acne permanently you have to address the root imbalances of acne within your body. This includes levels of inflammation, hormonal imbalances, diet, gut health, insulin levels and your ability to detoxify. To learn more, check out my Clear Skin Masterclass.
I’m here to help you on your clear skin journey. My goal is to help my patients eliminate their acne permanently. I am over spot treatments that don’t work or have side effects. Let’s treat your acne correctly!
