PhotoDynamic Therapy can combine topical application of a natural substance (ALA/Levulan) with Blu-U Light or Blu-U can be used alone to decrease acne-causing bacteria on the surface of your skin. This therapy reduces inflammation, heals existing blemishes and helps to prevent further breakouts. Because Blu-U light alone is an external acne treatment, it has no potential side effects like those that can occur with Accutane or antibiotics.
Blue Light uses a high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne by killing p. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs. Blue light therapy can be administered alone or in combination with Levulan, a topical photosensitizing solution.
With Blu-U, a typical treatment session requires approximately one hour and 20 minutes if the treatment is combined with Levulan or 20 minutes if the treatment is the Blu-U light only. Patients sit comfortably in a chair facing the light; which produces slight warming sensation. Blu-U light treatments are described as easy, relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless.
We develop treatment plans based on individual patient needs. Typically, three to four Levulan / Blu-U Light treatments are required and spaced four weeks apart. Blu-U only treatments are given twice a week for four weeks and then once a week for four weeks. It is important to keep recommended treatment appointments in order to see maximum results.
If you choose to include Levulan with your Blu-U therapy, a nurse will apply the medication to your face and you will wait one hour, allowing the solution to penetrate.
Clinical studies have proven Blu-U with Levulan to be highly effective. However, you will have one to two weeks of redness and peeling post treatment so you must be prepared for the downtime. You must strictly avoid the sun for 48 hours after treatment.
The Blu-U alone approach is one of the safest acne treatments available. The system’s blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target, without adversely affecting surrounding skin. This treatment has no known side effects and it is FDA approved safe for all skin types.
Most people can benefit from treatment. The Blu-U has been proven to be very effective on mild to moderate inflammatory acne. The Blu-U may not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
There are no special requirements prior to treatment.
To find out more about Blu-Light and to discuss your individual needs, please call to schedule an appointment with our doctors.
