Study on Blue Light Therapy for Acne

Prevalence of Acne in the United States

In the United States, approximately 50 million individuals are affected by acne, making it one of the leading reasons for consultations with general practitioners and pharmacists. Traditional treatments often involve oral and topical antibiotics, retinoids, and topical benzoyl peroxide. Increasingly, light therapy treatments, including blue light therapy, are gaining attention as potential acne solutions.

Overview of the Study

A recent review article published in the Annals of Family Medicine investigates the efficacy of blue light therapy for acne. This study serves as a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, encompassing fourteen trials with a combined total of 698 participants.

Findings on Treatment Effectiveness

Out of the controlled trials analyzed, only three reported a professional assessment indicating an improvement in acne severity post-treatment. Additionally, four trials highlighted positive patient assessments. However, the researchers noted that methodological and reporting limitations in previous studies hinder the reliability of these findings. The duration of the controlled trials was deemed insufficient, and the participant numbers too low to draw definitive conclusions. Moreover, certain trials failed to disclose crucial information.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The authors of the study emphasize that “clinicians and patients should, therefore, consider the balance between its benefits and adverse events, as well as costs.” They advocate for further research to validate the effectiveness of blue light therapy for acne.

About the Author

This article was written by Laura Laroche, HBASc, Medical Writer.

References

Scott, Anna Mae, PhD., et al. “Blue-Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Annals of Family Medicine. November/December 2019, 17, (6). Online.
Does blue light therapy help acne? Efficacy and evidence is lacking. 2019, https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-11/aaof-dbl111219.php, assessed 21 Nov. 2019.
Image by Kjerstin Michaela Haraldsen from Pixabay.