Blue Light Therapy
Blue wavelengths range from 450 to 500 nanometers (nm).
In terms of skincare, narrow-band blue light can be an effective treatment for surface skin conditions such as acne and solar keratoses, among many others.
Blue Light Therapy for Mild to Moderate Acne
One of the main benefits of blue light therapy is that it can kill acne-causing bacteria, which makes it a popular way of treating this chronic condition. Blue light may be used in conjunction with other therapies as well, as a non invasive treatment.
One acne study involved 18 female and three male participants with an average age of 15 years. The study found that LED blue light therapy effectively treated mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne on the face.
Another small study on acne followed 28 participants who applied blue LED light in conjunction with a foam cleanser and a skin rebuilding serum. The study showed that by week eight, nearly all participants reported improvements in their skin's overall appearance, and most were satisfied with the treatment.
Finally, a small study conducted in 2010 suggests that blue LED light therapy is safe and may promote biological effects similar to UVA light, which has been used as an acne treatment and to treat chronic skin conditions such as rosacea, and psoriasis.
This is far less exposure to blue wavelengths than the average person receives in a normal week, especially if they work in locations with fluorescent lighting or if they often use electronics after sundown.
Other Uses for Blue Light Therapy
Aside from being a popular treatment for certain skin conditions, blue light therapy benefits include boosting mood and reducing anxiety and depression.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University tested bright blue light treatments in a long-term care facility for dementia patients. Preliminary results indicated that blue light therapy raised activity levels during the day.
So What’s the Verdict on Blue Light?
While effective on its own, blue light therapy is also a welcome supplementation to red light therapy.
Dermatologists and oncologists use blue light treatment in clinical practices.
Many of these therapies also use photosensitizing agents to stimulate the destruction of bacteria and malignant cells. In these scenarios, blue light can be beneficial.
