Patients receive blue-light therapy in increments. Generally, eight sessions are given over a four-week period, and each session lasts about 15 minutes. Side effects tend to be mild and include temporary pigment changes, swelling of the treated areas, and dryness.  As the results from the following studies show, many patients — but not all — see noticeable improvement with about 55% clearance:

• 31 patients with symmetrical (same on both sides) facial acne received blue-light treatment on 1 side of their faces. Blue-light therapy was given twice a week for four consecutive weeks. The other side of each patient’s face did not receive any treatment so that researchers could judge the effectiveness of the blue-light therapy. The researchers concluded that blue-light therapy is an effective acne treatment unless the patient has nodulocystic acne lesions, which tend to worsen when treated with blue light. 

• 25 patients with inflammatory acne on their faces had half of their face treated with blue-light therapy (8 sessions over 4 weeks) and the other half with clindamycin (a topical antimicrobial shown successful in treating acne). Patients were instructed to apply the clindamycin twice a day for four weeks. After four weeks, the clindamycin side showed a 22.25% improvement, and the side treated with blue light improved by 39%. However, after eight weeks and without further treatment, the side treated with clindamycin was better able to maintain results. (United States)² 
  

• 10, 13, and 25 patients were enrolled in three separate studies designed to learn more about the effects of blue-light therapy on papulo-pustular (inflammatory) acne. In all three studies, more than 80% of the patients treated with blue-light therapy responded to the treatment. The patients who responded saw a 59% to 67% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions. (Israel)³ 
  

• 30 patients with mild to moderate acne were treated twice a week with blue-light therapy for up to five weeks. After five weeks, acne lesions decreased by 64%. However, not all patients saw improvement; 20% remained unchanged or experienced a worsening of their acne. 

As you can see, the number of patients involved in these studies is small. Clinical trials conducted to test new drugs generally must enroll hundreds to thousands of participants before submitting the data to the FDA for consideration. With such small numbers, statistically valid conclusions cannot be drawn. Research also is needed to learn the long-term effects. At present, blue-light therapy appears to improve acne vulgaris in some individuals. This therapy appears most effective for inflammatory acne lesions and may not be suitable for patients with cystic acne.

It is important to understand that Dr. Gary has to consult with the patient for history and examination to make sure that this would be the proper therapy for the patient and also give different options.

It is vital to undergo a full pre assessment to ensure that your skin type is fully assessed and to be  accurate about your medical history. This particular procedure might not be the right treatment for you.  It is crucial that the Doctor does a full History and Physical Examination and listens to your concerns.  It very important to understand the individual needs of each patient because one procedure could work on one patient and then not another.


Each patient’s condition is carefully evaluated and the best treatment(s) are chosen to ensure an optimal outcome. Treatments are performed by Dr. Gary who has extensive cosmetic dermatology experience and training. This allows the Doctor to offer top-quality services in every area of the cosmetic dermatology field, while ensuring patients safety and satisfaction