Clear Blue
Blue-Light Therapy for Treating Acne – Terrible or Terrific?
Contemplating how to get that clear beautiful complexion? The latest advance in laser technology could make this more than a pipe dream for acne sufferers. The technique is called BLU-U for short, basically because it involves the use of visible blue light.
How does blue light affect acne?
To answer this question let us briefly recapitulate what acne really is. Acne is simply the term used to describe the clogged pores (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or lesions) that occur on your face or on other parts of your body. The cause of acne comes from a disorder of the skin’s oil glands. These oil glands produce a substance called sebum, which is constantly secreting through openings in the skin.
In some cases cells that are too close to the openings of these oil glands actually end up in the way and block the opening. As a result, oil builds up underneath the skin and provides a wonderful feeding ground for the nasty bacteria that simply multiply and cause acne.
What the blue light does is trigger the proliferation of photo sensitizers (so called porphyrins) in the acne causing bacteria. This creates a toxic environment, which destroys the acne bacteria themselves, thereby eliminating a major culprit in the process of producing acne.
What happens during a treatment session?
Blue-light therapy typically requires 16 minutes per treatment session. Patients sit in a chair while the therapeutic light is applied. Apart from an occasional, slight warming sensation, BLU-U light treatments are described as easy, even relaxing.
Typically, blue-light treatments are given twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for four weeks. Experts in photodynamic therapy generally recommend that patients do not miss any treatment appointments in order to see maximum results. BLU-U effectively clears 70% of moderate, inflammatory acne in 4-8 weeks, and best results are achieved when used with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics.
BLU-U is FDA approved and is considered one of the safest acne treatments available. It has no known side effects. Some health care professionals like to say that teenagers can expect results to last for a year, while many grown-ups can expect them to last a life time. However, varying results should be expected from one person to the next and your skin type will play an important role in determining the results of blue-light treatments.
Can blue light cure severe acne as well?
In most cases of moderate to severe cystic acne the blue light itself is not enough to treat the condition. In those cases a prescription solution of a photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid) is applied to the affected skin. After the solution has been allowed time to absorb into the skin (it typically takes from 1-2 hours) the patient sits under a Blu-U light which activates the Levulan. The result is a reduction of acne lesions and oiliness and in turn produces skin rejuvenation.
This sounds exciting, and it is. However, do not forget to be critical. First of all, according to the FDA, a Levulan/BLU-U treatment does have some potential side effects. These include, but are not limited to: a tingling, stinging, prickling, or burning feeling of the treated areas. These feelings should improve at the end of the blue light treatment and should end within 24 hours.
Following blue light treatment, the surrounding skin, will redden. Swelling may also occur. These changes should reach a maximum the day after BLU-U treatment. However, these changes are temporary, should improve markedly by the end of the first week, and should be completely gone by 4 weeks after treatment. Other side effects at the treatment sites may include: scaling, itching, and changes in skin color.
Second, ask critical questions when you talk to your health care provider about Levulan/BLU-U. For example, the treatment regimen dramatically decreases the production of sebum, but is this really good for your skin overall? It may help relieve acne, but what if sebum is important for your skin in other respects? Does sebum help keep the skins elasticity? Does it play an integral role in the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of the skin? Does it prevent your skin from becoming to dry? Does it help protect your skin from the sun? Ask questions, and expect thorough answers. After all, it’s your skin on the line.
An addition to the arsenal
Blue-light therapy, both by itself and in combination with Levulan, is a very exciting new approach to treating acne. Regardless of skin type or lifestyle, approximately 80% of the population will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. Acne is common in both teens and adults, and effective treatment solutions are in great demand.
BLU-U/Levulan is an exciting addition to the arsenal of those who battle acne regularly. At this point, however, it should not be considered the be all and end all of acne treatment, and both medical and alternative treatments should be considered as well.
About the Author
Martin Hansen is the author of one of the most up-to-date
acne treatment
review
sites on the Internet today. Find new ways to battle your acne and possibly ban
it forever at http://www.myacnetreatmentreview.com/.
Pregnancy Test
|
|
1 New Anthropologie handle Drawer pulls cabinet pull handles * YOUR CHOICE 4″ $14.97 |
|
|
Clear Blue Goldfish Bath Glass Vessel Sink Faucet Combo $109.99 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $4.50 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $4.50 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $4.50 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $4.50 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $4.50 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Facet cut Drawer knob Pull 6 colors Pink Blue Clear Green $3.50 |
|
|
Blue Clear Crystal Door Handle Pull Knob 31.5x31mm $8.71 |
|
|
Crystal Glass Acrylic Flower Daisy shape Drawer knob Pull 5 colors pink blue $4.50 |
|
|
COBALT BLUE GLASS DOOR KNOB CUT TO CLEAR $13.50 |
|
|
CLEAR BLUE PLASTIC-VINYL SHEET/SHEETING 36″ X 10 yds $36.00 |
|
|
New 16 1/2″ Bathroom Tempered Vessel Glass Sink ~Clear Blue Computerized Look~ $89.99 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Glass Vessel Sink, Chrome Finish Faucet (a19) & Drain Combo $129.99 |
|
|
NEW Blue Clear Round Cabinet Drawer Crystal Glass Knobs 30mm $0.99 |
|
|
CLEAR BLUE PLASTIC-VINYL SHEET/SHEETING 36″ X 5 yds $23.00 |
|
|
6pcs Blue Clear Round Cabinet Drawer Crystal Glass Knobs 30mm $9.99 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Bathroom Glass Vessel Sink, Brushed Nickel Faucet (a19) Drain $134.99 |
|
|
Blue Clear Ceramic Tile Filter Faucet Water Purifier $7.01 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Glass Vessel Sink, Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet (a19) Drain Combo $139.99 |
|
|
New 16 1/2″ Clear Blue Round Style Tempered Glass Vessel Sink Bowl – 12mm Thick $84.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #20 Faucet & Drain $159.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #20 Faucet & Drain $149.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #20 Faucet & Drain $154.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #19 Faucet & Drain $159.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #19 Faucet & Drain $149.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink #19 Faucet & Drain $154.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink Waterfall Faucet Drai $164.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink Waterfall Faucet Drai $154.99 |
|
|
Clear Blue Oval Glass Vessel Sink Waterfall Faucet Drai $159.99 |
|
|
Ceramic Tile Water Purifier Faucet Filter Blue Clear $6.39 |
|
|
Kraus Clear Glass Irruption Blue Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome $239.95 |
|
|
Kraus Clear Glass Irruption Blue Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome $239.95 |
|
|
Kraus Clear Glass Irruption Blue Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome $239.95 |
|
|
Kraus Clear Glass Irruption Blue Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome $239.95 |
|
|
COBALT BLUE GLASS DOOR KNOB CUT TO CLEAR $13.50 |
|
|
31.5x31mm Plastic Crystal Door Pull Knob Blue Clear $6.21 |
|
|
Double Layer Bathroom Tempered Glass Vessel Sink Bowl – Clear Blue Pattern Style $99.99 |
|
|
NEW BATHROOM MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LED LIGHT FOR CLEAR OR FROSTED VESSEL SINKS $49.00 |
|
|
NEW MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LED LIGHT FOR CLEAR OR FROSTED VESSEL SINKS $49.00 |
|
|
31.5x31mm Plastic Crystal Door Pull Knob Blue Clear $5.85 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.89 |
|
|
Ceramic Tile Water Purifier Faucet Filter Blue Clear $7.07 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.90 |
|
|
Bathroom Clear Blue Tempered Glass Vessel Sink $88.00 |
|
|
Kraus Blue Storm Clear Glass Vessel Sink Antique Brass GV-430-AB $134.95 |
|
|
Kraus Blue Storm Clear Glass Vessel Sink Antique Brass GV-430-AB $134.95 |
|
|
Kraus Blue Storm Clear Glass Vessel Sink Antique Brass GV-430-AB $134.95 |
|
|
Kraus Blue Storm Clear Glass Vessel Sink Antique Brass GV-430-AB $134.95 |
|
|
Kraus Blue Storm Clear Glass Vessel Sink Antique Brass GV-430-AB $134.95 |
|
|
Blue Clear Crystal Door Handle Pull Knob 31.5x31mm $6.20 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.54 |
|
|
Blue Clear Crystal Door Handle Pull Knob 31.5x31mm $6.17 |
|
|
31.5x31mm Plastic Crystal Door Pull Knob Blue Clear $5.87 |
|
|
Blue Clear Ceramic Tile Filter Faucet Water Purifier $7.39 |
|
|
Blue Clear Crystal Door Handle Pull Knob 31.5x31mm $5.73 |
|
|
Blue Hawk 10′ x 25′ Clear 4 Mil Heavy-Duty Plastic Sheeting $24.00 |
|
|
Blue Hawk 3′ x 50′ 4 Mil Clear Plastic Sheeting $24.00 |
|
|
Replacement Water Purifier Faucet Tap Filter Blue Clear $7.01 |
|
|
Blue Clear Crystal Door Handle Pull Knob 31.5x31mm $5.85 |
|
|
Glass Tile mosaic glass clear, frost glass mix with stone light blue, D081 $139.90 |
|
|
Glass Tile mosaic glass clear, frost glass mix with stone light blue, D081 $2.45 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.92 |
|
|
Replacement Water Purifier Faucet Tap Filter Blue Clear $6.59 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $4.46 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $4.08 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.74 |
|
|
Ceramic Tile Water Purifier Faucet Filter Blue Clear $6.59 |
|
|
CHROME LIGHTED MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LIGHT FOR CLEAR GLASS VESSEL SINKS $48.50 |
|
|
CLEAR BLUE GLASS VESSEL SINK VANITY BATHROOM V8001 $49.00 |
|
|
1 New Anthropologie handle Drawer pulls cabinet pull handles Blue green coral 4″ $19.97 |
|
|
1 New Anthropologie handle Drawer pulls shabby pull handles 3″ Green aqua Blue $19.97 |
|
|
1 New Anthropologie handle Drawer pulls shabby pull handles 3″ Green aqua Blue $19.97 |
|
|
Brita Pitcher Water Filtration System, Atlantis Model, 6 cups, Blue/Clear 1 ea $22.99 |
|
|
Blue Handle Clear Body Push Type Plastic Threaded Water Dispenser Tap $3.91 |
|
|
Pelican 1030-026-100 Blue Micro Case with Clear Lid and Carabineer $31.78 |
|
|
Ceramic Tile Water Purifier Faucet Filter Blue Clear $7.37 |
|
|
Blue Clear Ceramic Tile Filter Faucet Water Purifier $7.02 |
|
|
BOWL MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LIGHT FOR CLEAR OR FROSTED VESSEL SINKS $48.25 |
|
|
BATHROOM MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LIGHT FOR CLEAR OR FROSTED VESSEL SINKS $49.00 |
|
|
ACQUADECO BATHROOM MOUNTING RING WITH BLUE LIGHT FOR CLEAR OR FROSTED SINK $49.00 |
|
|
ATW – STL-1- STROBE; 6-14VDC-AVAILABLE COLORS; AMBER,BLUE,RED,CLEAR ***NEW*** $18.00 |
|
|
ATW -STL-35 -STROBE; 6-12VDC-AVAILABLE COLORS; AMBER,BLUE,RED,CLEAR ***NEW*** $27.95 |
|
|
Ceramic Tile Water Purifier Faucet Filter Blue Clear $7.02 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Swirl Cabinet Knob in Metallic Blue Clear Aluminum HK2008-KA $6.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Swirl Cabinet Knob in Metallic Blue Clear Aluminum HK2008-KA $6.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Swirl Cabinet Pull in Metallic Blue Clear Aluminum HK2008-PA $8.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Swirl Cabinet Pull in Metallic Blue Clear Aluminum HK2008-PA $8.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Reactive Cabinet Pull in Clear Powder Blue Aluminum HK6005-PA $10.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Reactive Cabinet Pull in Clear Powder Blue Aluminum HK6005-PA $10.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Reactive Cabinet Knob in Clear Powder Blue Aluminum HK6005-KA $8.00 |
|
|
“Hot Knobs” Reactive Cabinet Knob in Clear Powder Blue Aluminum HK6005-KA $8.00 |
|
|
Blue Clear Ceramic Tile Filter Faucet Water Purifier $6.58 |
|
|
Love Clear Wall Decor Double Light Switchplate Cover Orange Red Green Blue New $10.00 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Glass Vessel Sink, Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet (a19) Drain Combo $139.99 |
|
|
Bathroom Clear Blue Glass Vessel Vanity Sink Faucet C1 $119.95 |
|
|
Blue Clear Ceramic Tile Filter Faucet Water Purifier $7.01 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Glass Vessel Sink, Chrome Finish Faucet (a19) & Drain Combo $129.99 |
|
|
16 1/2″ Clear Blue Bathroom Glass Vessel Sink, Brushed Nickel Faucet (a19) Drain $134.99 |
|
|
DreamLine DLBG-08-BU Blue 16.5″ Glass Vessel Bathroom Sink Available in Clear $98.00 |
|
|
Wilton 570-1121 Easy Flex 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, Blue $5.91 Silicone Baking Accessories. Silicone is the Wonder Kitchen Tool: it can be used in the oven (up to 500F/260C), toaster over, microwave, refrigerator and freezer and it is virtually unbreakable. These silicone utensils are the perfect tool cold foods: Jell-O, ice sculptures, Candies and hot foods: cake, muffins, bread, pies, main and side dishes and so much more! The flexibility makes removing foo… |
|
|
PUR 18 Cup Dispenser with One Pitcher Filter DS-1800Z $24.05 Our patented, premium carbon filter makes PUR the first leading pitcher filter that removes 99% of microbial cysts. It also reduces chlorine (taste and odor) and 96% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals, giving you clean, great-tasting water. Yet it still leaves behind beneficial fluoride. Pharmaceutical reduction is not certified by NSF/ANSI or state standard. Based on manufacturer testing for ave… |
|
|
Tovolo King Cube Ice Trays Perfect for entertaining, these new King Cube Ice Cube Trays by Tovolo feature a food-grade silicone body that is flexible, allowing the cubes to pop out effortlessly after freezing. The generous 2-inch size of each cube encourages creativity in ice cube building. Great Idea: Fill with your favorite mixer or juice, and add a bit of fruit. Imagine a nice DOF glass with a beautiful jumbo cube filled… |
|
|
Cool Water $5.69 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Creedence Clearwater Revival $38.83 Popular but not hip, basic but not shallow, rooted but not retro, Creedence Clearwater Revival distinguished themselves in the late 1960s and early 1970s through these contradictions. This six-disc set is the definitive Creedence collection, offering superbly remastered versions of all of their studio and live albums and adding a disc’s worth of pre-Creedence material. The ultimate blue-collar roc… |
|
|
Is That Clear EP $4.95 … |
|
|
Clear & Present Danger [VHS] $0.77 The third installment in the cinematic incarnation of Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst Jack Ryan and the second starring Harrison Ford, this follow-up to Patriot Games is a more complex, rewarding, and bolder film than its predecessor. Ford returns as Ryan, this time embroiled in a failed White House bid to wipe out a Colombian drug cartel and cover up the mess. The script, by Clancy and John Milius (Red … |
|
|
Extinction – Exploring the Causes of the Mass Extinctions That Have Occurred Over the Life of the Planet (Evolution Series – A Journey Into Where We’re From and Where We’re Going) $45.00 Some 99.9 percent of all species that have ever lived on earth are now extinct. While cataclysmic events have pruned the tree of life, extinction also opens the door for new species to emerge and thrive. Extinction explores the causes of the mass extinctions that have occurred over the lift of the planet – and takes us to the sources of extinctions happening today. In doing so, it confronts a frig… |
|
|
In the clear blue sea … |
|
|
Weed Eater 952701594 0.065-Inch-by-200-Foot Bulk Round String Trimmer Line $3.56 .065 Round Line 200′, Replacement Coil, For Most Electric, XT25, XT200, Handystik…. |
This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 19th, 2006 at 10:26 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.