Blu-U Light Therapy For Acne, Precancerous cells (Actinic Keratoses) and Skin Rejuvenation
For those looking for an alternative to antibiotics, Blue or Blu-U® therapy is an FDA-approved gentle, non-invasive option.
Blu-U light in conjunction with Levulan (Photodynamic Therapy) is an excellent treatment for actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions).
Blu-U® Light Therapy For Acne
Blu-U® has a high-intensity, narrow-band blue light that kills the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria responsible for causing acne in skin. It uses to its advantage the fact that P. acnes bacteria naturally make a porphyrin (light-sensitive chemical). The blue light activates this chemical which kills only the P. acnes bacteria.
Blu-U can be used in conjunction to your acne regimen.
Blu-U® Light Therapy For Actinic Keratoses (Blu-U PDT)
The Blu-U is used in combination with a topical medication called Levulan Kerastick® for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK’s), which are pre-cancerous, scaly, rough lesions that occur as a result of sun damage. When there are isolated lesions it is common to treat with liquid nitrogen. However, when multiple actinic keratoses are present, it may be better to treat the entire affected area with something like Photodynamic Therapy as opposed to just spot treating multiple small areas.
Levulan (Aminolevulinic acid 20%) is a naturally occurring photosensitizing compound that is FDA-approved to treat actinic keratoses. Levulan is applied to the skin for about an hour, and subsequently “activated” by the blue light. This process of activating Levulan with light is termed Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
The Procedure
Blu-U treatment for acne is simple. First, the face is cleansed. Then the patient puts on protective goggles and sits close to the light for about 16 minutes, once or twice per week for a total of eight sessions. The process is quick, easy and not hot or painful. The blue light only destroys the P. acnes bacteria and not normal tissue. It does not contain radiation.
Some patients experience improvement in their acne for several months. The treatments must be maintained to keep the results, and the number of treatments depends on the severity of the acne.
Treatment for actinic keratosis is a bit more involved. First the Levulan is applied, then the Blu light is administered for 10-16 minutes. You may experience some burning or stinging during treatment. It is important to keep the treated area protected from light for 48 hours. Most patients experience skin redness, flaking and some swelling for a few days after treatment. Generally two treatments are done at about a month apart.
Who can do it?
This therapy can be used on all skin types from pale to tan to dark skin. But patients should talk to their doctor if they have:
- Skin sensitivity to blue light.
- Porphyria (a disorder of the blood that can lead to sensitivity to light).
- Allergies to porphyrins chemicals.
Make an Appointment
If you have moderate acne, and are looking for an alternative to antibiotics or simply wish to improve control of your acne, make an appointment to see if BLU-U is right for you.
