If you struggle with acne, please don’t despair—we have solutions. Two options we are really excited about are LED light therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Here’s how they work…
LED Light Therapy
A great adjunct to traditional therapies, we are excited to offer LED light therapy to our acne patients. LED light therapy helps minimize current breakouts and prevents the development of new lesions.
LED light utilizes blue light (415nm) to target P. acnes, the bacteria associated with acne. P. acnes is not bacteria that spreads from one person to another—it’s actually part of our normal skin flora and contributes to the inflammation associated with acne lesions.
Blue Light LED Therapy Facts:
- FDA approved for acne.
- Safe and effective for all skin types, even during summer months.
- No side effects, no downtime.
- Non-invasive.
- Pain-free.
- Cost effective.
- Quick—20 minute treatment.
- A great option for chest and back acne.
We recommend 8 treatments—twice a week for 4 weeks. The cost is $100 per treatment or $600 for series of 8.
PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)
Another great adjunct to traditional therapies, photodynamic therapy (PDT) also utlilizes blue light to treat acne. Now more mainstream, PDT is being recognized as a very effective treatment for acne. It can be alternative for patients who don’t want to take oral antibiotics or Accutane.
PDT uses a solution called levulan to further activate P. acnes (the bacteria associated with acne) and also targets the sebaceous (oil) gland. Levulan is applied to the face one hour prior to the treatment (you can check email, surf the web, or watch a movie/show on an iPad). After the solution is rinsed, you sit under the blue light for a few minutes.
PDT Facts:
- Strict sun avoidance for 24-48 hours is necessary following PDT.
- May have some post-treatment redness, warmth, tingling.
- A great option for chest and back acne.
- A good treatment for the reduction of pores, oily skin, and overall skin rejuvenation.
We recommend 3 treatments—once a month for 3 months. The cost is $350 per treatment.
To make an appointment, please call us at 310.546.1188 or request one online.
