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Blue Light Acne Phototherapy Scientific Research

July 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

J Dermatol Sci. 2002 Nov;30(2):129-35.

Acne phototherapy with a high-intensity, enhanced, narrow-band, blue light source: an open study and in vitro investigation.

Kawada A, Aragane Y, Kameyama H, Sangen Y, Tezuka T.

Source

Department of Dermatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Ohno-Higashi 377-2, Osaka-Sayama city, Osaka 589-8511, Japan. kawada@med.kindai.ac.jp

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of phototherapy with a newly-developed high-intensity, enhanced, narrow-band, blue light source in patients with mild to moderate acne. An open study was performed in acne patients who were treated twice a week up to 5 weeks. Acne lesions were reduced by 64%. Two patients experienced dryness. No patient discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. In vitro investigation revealed that irradiation from this light source reduced the number of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), but not Staphylococcus epidermidis that were isolated from the acne patients. Phototherapy using this blue light source was effective and well tolerated in acne patients and had an ability to decrease numbers of P. acnes in vitro, suggesting that this phototherapy may be a new modality for the treatment of acne.

 

 

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Sep;7(3):180-8.

An assessment of the efficacy of blue light phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Ammad S, Gonzales M, Edwards C, Finlay AY, Mills C.

Source

Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. s_ammad@yahoo.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects 8 out of 10 people. It varies from mild to severe, and different treatments target various aspects of the disease. Propionibacterium acnes, one of the culprits involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, is the main target of all major medical treatments used. Studies conducted in recent years have shown favorable effects within the visible light spectrum for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE:

In this study, we have evaluated the use of intense blue light within the spectral range of 415-425 nm (peak 420 nm) in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

METHODS:

Twenty-one patients with mild to moderate facial acne were treated with blue light phototherapy. All patients were given 14-min treatment sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Acne severity was assessed using the Leeds Technique for grading and lesion counts. Disability was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In addition, standard digital and cross-polarized light photographs were taken and graded by a blinded evaluator. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and cultures for P. acnes were carried out before starting the treatment and upon completion of the treatment.

RESULTS:

Significant improvement was achieved in the Leeds Acne Grade (P = 0.001). The inflammatory (P = 0.001) and noninflammatory (P = 0.06) lesion counts also improved significantly. A similar change was noted in the DLQI (P = 0.001); a degree of significance was also achieved in the patients’ and the investigators’ VAS scores (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). P. acnes colony counts failed to show a significant decrease at the end of the treatment and remained almost constant (P = 0.660).

CONCLUSIONS:

We believe that blue light does appear to have some role in the management of acne and may be beneficial for the treatment of a select group of mild to moderate acne patients.

 

 

 

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2003 Jun;5(2):111-7.

The effective treatment of acne vulgaris by a high-intensity, narrow band 405-420 nm light source.

Elman M, Slatkine M, Harth Y.

Source

Beit Harofim Holon, Israel.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Available topical treatments are slow and frequently irritating. Oral therapies may be associated with increased bacterial resistance (antibiotics) or possible severe side effects (oral isotretinoin). In vitro and in vivo exposure of acne bacteria to 405-420 nm ultraviolet (UV) free blue light results in the photo-destruction of these bacteria through the effects on the porphyrins produced naturally by Propionibacterium acnes. A novel, high-intensity, narrow band 420 nm UV free blue light has been shown to decrease inflammatory acne lesions after eight bi-weekly treatments.

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the effects of high-intensity, narrow band 420 nm UV free blue light (ClearLight) on inflammatory acne lesions.

METHODS:

Three studies were carried out to examine the clinical effects of high-intensity, narrow band blue light on papulo-pustular acne: the split-face dose-response study, the full-face open trial and the split-face, double-blind controlled study. The studies enrolled 10, 13 and 23 patients respectively.

RESULTS:

The data show more than an 80% response to 420 nm acne phototherapy with a significant reduction of 59-67% of inflammatory acne lesions after only eight treatments of 8-15 minutes. The reduction in lesions was steady in the follow-ups at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the end of therapy. Prolonged remission was evident in the 8 weeks after the end of therapy. No adverse effects or patient discomfort were noted in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Acne phototherapy by high intensity, narrow band 405-420 nm light is proven to be an attractive, fast, effective, non-invasive alternative to current topical and parenteral anti-acne remedies.

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Filed Under: ACNE PHOTOTHERAPY BLUE LIGHT, FEATURED

No Acne – New Book – Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples

June 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
No Acne - The Dermatologist way to clear skin. by Yoram Harth MD FAAD

Read some of the recent readers  reviews:

Review by: Matt Kelland on June 01, 2012 : star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples
Acne affects almost everyone – 85% of people will suffer from it at some point in their lives, whether in their teenage years or later. This simple, easy to read book does four things really well. First, it explains what acne is and why you get it. Second, it dispels some of the common myths about acne. Third, it outlines the common treatments available, whether they’re home remedies, OTC medicines, or require medical assistance.

Fourth, and perhaps most important, it gives you a useful list of simple do’s and don’ts. I didn’t know, for example, that shaving in two directions can break the hairs and cause a spot, or that leaving the shaving gel on for a few minutes before shaving reduces the chances of folliculitis. Even changing your toothpaste can reduce the severity of acne.

Well recommended.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Danielle Christine on May 21, 2012 : star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples
I bought this book for my teenage daughter. It is a very clearly written guide on acne and its treatment. It not only describes different methods on how to treat pimples but also goes over some common myths and tips, including info about your skin and what causes acne. I was pleased with the book and would recommend it to anyone who suffers from acne.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: MP Publishing on May 21, 2012 : star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples star No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples
This guide is for anyone – teen or adult – who suffers from acne and needs help to get clear skin. It really helped me understand what causes acne and what makes it worse. You will also get a very thorough descriptions on different treatment methods from soaps and creams to antibiotics and other medications such as accutane. Very easy to read guide written by a dermatologist that goes to the point and does not contain any nonsense.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Jeniffer on March 30, 2012 : (no rating)
I had 2 kids with acne. This book helped me a lot to understand the causes of the problem. The tips in the book are clear and super usefull. Uptodate, Clear, concise and absolutely non comercial. I finally know what to do. Highly recommended to anyone with Acne or Acne in the family.

From the Apple iBooks  store:

Buy now from Apple iTunes store (2.99 USD) 

 

badge bookstore lrg No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples

 

bookreview1 No Acne New Book Tips and Tricks to get rid of Your pimples

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Acne after the age of 20 (Adult Acne)

March 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Adult women with acne

The adult acne can be divided into a few groups.

Acne after adolescence:
Statistics show that up to 25% will suffer from acne breakouts after the age of 20. This type is different than the regular adolescent acne :
People (mostly women) older than 20 that continue have acne breakouts. This type is more common in females and may continue to the age of 30, 40 and evan 45. included in this type are women, that have acne flare ups during pregnancy. This type of acne is usually worse during the first trimester of pregnancy when levels of progesterone are highest.
Folliculitis : Man in this age may have pimples/bumps in their beard area called folliculitis . Folliculitis is caused by an infection around the hair follicle – usually by a bacteria called Staph Aureus.

Acne due to hormonal imbalance:
Rare cases of acne can be induced by high level of hormones with testosterone like activity. This includes polycystic ovary syndrome , internal diseases/tumor that causes the body to ver produces, or external ingestion of hormones such as the steroids used by professional body builders.

 

Before 20  After 20 
Comedones Many Less
Area Nose, Forehead, Chin, Cheeks Around the mouth, lower cheeks, under the jaws
Scarring May be severe Usually  less or no scarring

Treatment of post adolescent acne

First step would be to rule out hormonal imbalance, This can be done easily through a couple of blood tests.
Once the blood tests are normal – attention should be placed on cosmetics used. Everything used should be Oil free and non comedogenic.
Medications should be chosen according to the severity, starting with simple non drying topical antibiotics , combined with low percentage of benzyl peroxide, or in milder cases azelaic acid creams. In more severe cases a course of oral antibiotics may be very helpful followed by a followup prevention plan (The right cleanser and mild acne acne topical will be needed long term.) .
In the most severe cases that experience multiple relapses after antibiotics, low dose accutane combined with simultaneous blue light phototherapy will be the ideal choice.

Birth control pills for acne ?
Birth control pills are not a treatment for acne. The estrogens in the pill suppress the levels of testosterone in the circulation , decreasing its effect on the sebaceous gland and by that decreasing sebaceous gland enlargement and sebum secretion. These should be taken only if the women is sexually active. The pills may calm acne breakouts but a rapid relapse is expected when they are stopped. The best pills for acne will be the one that have minimal androgenic (testosterone like) effect . Examples will be Seasonale, Desogen, levlen. Two types of birth control pills have useful non hormonal ingredients that can further reduce the hormonal trigger of acne. Jasmin contains a non hormonal compund similar to spironolactone t and Diane (approved in Europe) a chemical called cyproterone both directely suppress androgen activity.
For the right contraceptive pill consult your Gynecologist…

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Diet and Acne – How to Prevent Acne with Proper Food.

December 31, 2010 by 1 Comment
Nutrition for better skin skintricks.com

Research conducted primitive tribes in Southeast Asia showed that teenagers fed on a basic diet of meat and grain gathered in nature almost never suffer from acne. It seems that sugar, white flour and cow milk  are among the factors that can exacerbate acne. It  is  well known salt contains small amounts of iodine. Since iodine is one of the factors known to worsening acne Yishai claim should reduce the eating of very salty foods.

Eliminate: food that contains lots of sugar, cakes, sweets and ice cream. The  worst  are  baked goods like cookies and white flour,,
white bread and  other sweets.

Eliminate sugary drinks, cola and fruit juices. You should switch to drinking water,
herbal teas and drinks with artificial sweeteners.

Eliminate eating nuts. Nuts contain a large amount of fat in addition to large amount of salt.

Eliminate as  much as possible cow milk.  . Most of the  cows that  give us  milk , are pregnant during milking. The  milk of  these  cows contain a large amount of progesterone like  hormones. These   hormones  have   a    Dihydroxy testosterone (DHT) activity  that  makes  acne  worse.

A study of 47 thousand women (!) In the U.S. showed that women who drank more than two glasses of milk a week was 44 percent more risk of getting acne than women who drank one glass of milk or less. Not found substantial difference between regular   or skim milk. It is  believed that unsweetened soy milk can be a good replacement. It was also found that women who reported eating more than her day of cottage cheese, cheese spreads over 30% fat, milk-based drinks being teenagers – had  more  severe  acne. (The risk was 63 percent higher  than for the  women who reduced these foods).

It is dvised to avoid large quantities of vitamin B6 and B12. Using  large amounts of both these vitamins
have been shown in some cases to cause worsening of acne.

What  you should eat?

It is advised to eat more fish (salmon, tuna, sardines). These fish contain such important fatty acids Omega-3 may also benefit the skin and overall health. It s also possible   to  take capsules containing these acids (fish oil).

It is recommended to drink plenty of water. You should start the day drinking water  and continue to drink
at least 8 cups of additional water during the day.

Is chocolate bad for your acne?

Cocoa itself does not  make  acne worse. Nevertheless the sugar and milk in it  can.
If you want chocolate, look for low sugar chocolate containing a high percentage of cocoa (70%).

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Acne Treatment With Blue Light Phototherapy – The Six Most Important Benefits

September 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Acne Photherapy
  • Faster results within one month
  • No side effects, painless procedure
  • No downtime -After treatment you immediately return to your daily routine
  • No exposure to antibiotics or other medications
  • Suitable for all body areas, including the sensitive beard, and large areas such as back and chest
  • Avoids  the  use  of  risky and less effective lasers or intense pulse light devices.

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Acne Rosacea Treatment – Best Practical Advice

September 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
acne clothing, acne home remedies, acne medication, acne scars, acne shop, acne treatment, baby acne, back acne, back pimples, best sunscreen, cancer, cure acne, cystic acne, dry skin, el acne, environmental working group, honey for acne

What is  Rosacea?

Rosacea: is sometimes called adult acne adult. Rosacea is  most common in people with light skin usually appears after the age 30. The patients often have redness on the cheeks, forehead and chin. Later in life small acne-like pimples  can develop in those areas covered   with  enlarged capillaries (Cuprose).

What are the signs of  Rosacea?

Frequent  or  constant  flushing and redness of skin  is common. At the beginning of the disease the  flush  appears and disappears. Later it becomes a permanent with  red cheeks, forehead and chin.

Pimple breakouts: Over the years, people with Rosacea  may  have small red acne like  pimples). Unlike the skin with acne – people with Rosacea do not  have comedones  (black and white points) and their pimples  usually do not appear on the neck and back or chest.

Enlargement  of capillaries: People with Rosacea there usually enlarged  small capillaries mainly cheeks and chin.

Less common signs:

Red eyelids: Also known as Ocular Rosacea. Expressed a sense of constant irritation of the  eyelids with watery discharge and redness of the conjunctiva. Severe cases may  require the treatment of  an ophthalmologist.

Feeling of dry skin: facial skin burns and feels irritated.

Thickening of facial skin and nose: in more difficult cases, especially men, can develop skin thickening nose to the point called Rhinophyma.

In rare cases, the signs will also appearon  the neck,  chest and  behind the ears.

What makes  Rosacea  worse ?

Stress81%

Some cosmetic materials27%                                                                                                                                        19pdtimg11 300x216 Acne Rosacea Treatment Best Practical Advice

Hot weather75%

Certain medications15%

Spirit57%

Other diseases15%

Strenuous exercise56%

Fruit Types13%

Alcohol52%

Corned Beef10%

Hot bath51%

Certain vegetables9%

Cold weather46%

Dairy products8%

Spicy food45%

Other factors24%

Humidity44%

Hot drinks36%

Heat inside the home!41%

* Results of a study on 1066 patients with Rosea

Treatment or  Rosacea:

The first law is strict avoidance of all the factors below.

There are few treatments later dermatologist can offer:

Topical creams: it is generally assumed that some cases  the  rosacea  is  due  to  response  to a  parasite called Demodex. This  parasite populates  the  sebaceous  glands. Treatment gel that contains metronidazole may help  in these  cases.

Antibiotic treatment: different antibiotics, especially the kind Minocycline  can destroy  p acnes bacteria  and  reduce  skin inflammation in rosacea.

Laser therapy or IPL: lasers or  intense pulse light  devices (IPL)  to collapse the enlarged  blood vessels in the  rosaceous  skin and
reduce  skin redness.

Photodynamic therapy:

The most innovative treatment for rosacea  today is photodynamic therapy. This treatment was applied to the skin a substance called ALA. This material is selectively absorbed by the sebaceous  glands and some of the superficial skin capillaries. After about an hour and skin is exposed to blue light (425  nanometer  -  without UV) – which triggers  a chemical reaction in the skin – called a Photodynamic reaction. The advantage of  PDT  for  Rosacea is that it does not require expensive laser treatments, hospitalization or anesthesia. PDT   has frequently good  cosmetic results without the risk of hyperpigmentation after treatmen Acne Rosacea Treatment Best Practical Advicet.

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Shaving Problems – Nine Best Dermatologist’s Rules

September 11, 2010 by 3 Comments
giluach

Shaving  Problems-

  1. Shave after washing the face with hot water; even better, after a shower, since heat and humidity soften the beard.
  2. Shaving with a razor blade is preferable to using an electric razor.  Electric razors crush the hairs of the beard, and they may penetrate and wound the skin.
  3. Only shave in one direction, for instance, from top to bottom.  Shaving in two directions goes against the grain of the beard and can cause the tips of the hairs to penetrate and wound the skin.
  4. Change razor blades every few days for the sake of both hygiene and easy shaving.
  5. Use a shaving gel, preferably one for sensitive skin.
  6. Leave the gel (or shaving cream) on the face for four minutes before beginning to shave.
  7. Do not use after shave lotions too often, since some of them cause allergies.
  8. After shaving apply a sun block to protect your skin.
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Acne Treatment Update- Dermatologist’s View

September 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Acne treatment dermatologist advice skintricks.com

TREATMENTS FOR ACNE

In light of my experience in treating thousands of cases of acne, I would advise any young person who begins to develop acne to consult a dermatologist.  The appearance of the pustules themselves as well as the marks and scars they leave have an enormous influence on the mood and even on the social standing of a young person.

It is most unfortunate that many young people do not know that 99% of acne cases can be treated, and that proper treatment prescribed by a skilled dermatologist can greatly alleviate the suffering and symptoms.

Individual treatment is prescribed according to the severity and type the acne.  During the first visit at the dermatologist’s office, the doctor examines the acne, determines which factors worsen the case and explains to the patient how to avoid them.  Since most of the ointments and lotions used to treat acne dry the skin, I advise the use of a soap which cleans the skin but does not dry it.  In most cases an antibiotic liquid should be swabbed onto the skin in the morning (brand names: Acnetrim, Akne-mycin, Dalacin T), and in the evening an ointment or gel containing a substance called benzoyl peroxide (brand names: Panoxyl Gel, Oxy, Akneroid) should be applied.  These substances open the sebaceous glands and reduce the number of bacteria found in them.  If there are many blackheads or whiteheads present, it is advisable to use a preparation containing various concentrations of retinoic acid (brand names: Retin A, Locacid).  Since the use of retinoic acid can cause redness and sensitivity, it is important to protect the skin from direct sunlight during the morning and afternoon hours.

In severe and moderate cases of acne it is advisable to complement the treatment with the use of antibiotics from the tetracycline group.  Antibiotic treatment can last from four months to several years, and in most cases has no side effects.

In exceptionally severe cases, those which do not respond to antibiotic treatment, a drug called Roaccutane should be considered.  This preparation is based on Vitamin A and represents a real breakthrough in treating dermatological diseases.  It reduces the size of the enlarged sebaceous glands of people suffering from severe cases of acne and thus leads to a significant improvement in the most difficult conditions.  The course of treatment lasts three months and only in extremely rare cases is an additional three-month course necessary.  Accutane’s most usual side effect is a dryness and slight peeling of the skin around the lips and fingernails, and these disappear when the treatment has been completed.  In spite of the fact that the drug is considered safe, it is advisable to check the level of blood lipids and liver function monthly during the course of the treatment.

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely forbidden to initiate a pregnancy while this drug is being taken or until at least two months after the cessation of treatment.

Remember that at least a month to six weeks will be necessary before the influence of any acne treatment is noticed, and that the treatment must continue for a matter of months.  Sometimes the condition becomes worse at the beginning of the treatment, and for that reason it is important for the patient to schedule regular visits to the dermatologist at least once every other month, since the treatment may have to be changed as it progresses.

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Acne Flare Up – Twelve Most Common Causes

September 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
acnepic2
  1. Menstrual cycle
  2. Drugs such as corticosteroids , lithium, Vitamin B12, drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy, drugs containing iodine
  3. Muscle-building hormones
  4. Exposure of the face or body to motor oil or grease
  5. Birth control pills containing small amounts of estrogen and larger amounts of progesterone
  6. Discontinuation of birth control pills
  7. The use of greasy ointments and lotions
  8. Excessive face-washing (more than three times a day)
  9. Rubbing or scratching or “picking at” the face
  10. The use of a toothpaste containing fluoride (acne around the mouth and lips)
  11. Excessive use of hair gels and creams (acne of the forehead)
  12. Greasy foods and snacks, spicy foods (for some people only. Each person must discover for himself which foods worsen his acne.)
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Comedones And Acne Pimples – How They Develop ?

September 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Typical black Comedones

How black comedones (blackheads) develop ?

The first phase in the development of any acne pimple is the occurrence of a blockage in the opening of the follicle. The blockage is a result of dead skin cells having accumulated at the opening of the follicle. At the same time, the quantity of sebum in the gland increases, and cannot drain as usual due to the blockage. At the upper part of the gland’s opening, cells containing a pigment called melanin accumulate, giving the blackhead its dark color.

How white comedones (whiteheads) develop?

In the case of whiteheads, total blockage occurs in the opening of the follicle. All of the sebum is underneath the skin, having no contact with the air outside it.

How an inflamed pimple, or pustule, develops ?

A small quantity of bacteria is always present in the sebaceous gland, which are called propionibacteria acne, or p. acne for short. When the gland is blocked and the sebum consequently accumulates within, p. acne begins to multiply quickly. The body responds with an infection, characterized by redness, pain, and the rush of leukocytes, or white blood cells, into the sebaceous gland in an attempt to kill the bacteria. By this time, pus has formed in the sebaceous gland, in turn forming the familiar red acne pimple.

9108604 l e1338640920332 Comedones And Acne Pimples How They Develop ?

Development of an acne lesion

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