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Blue-light therapy has shown significant success in managing acne, though its long-term impacts remain uncertain.
Photo courtesy Dr. Jack G. Jones, M.D., Inc. and Photo Therapeutics, Inc. 2008Acne is a widespread issue, affecting around 80 percent of individuals globally at some stage [source: Kansas City Skin Care Center]. It arises from overactive sebaceous glands producing excess oil, which, along with dead skin cells, blocks hair follicles. This leads to irritation, inflammation, and the formation of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other blemishes. While those with oily skin are more prone to acne, it can occur across all skin types. Among the latest treatments is Blu-U, a modern approach to combating acne.
Blu-U employs blue-light therapy to address acne. The powerful blue light, paired with the topical Levulan Kerastick solution applied before treatment, targets and eliminates the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium (P. acnes). Without intervention, this bacteria can exacerbate acne by increasing inflammation and spreading the condition [source: DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]. A Blu-U session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes, and is pain-free. While side effects are minimal, ongoing treatments are necessary to maintain results. Although effective in many instances, Blu-U does not guarantee success for everyone.
Initially, acne light treatments utilized ultraviolet (UV) light. However, due to its harmful effects on the skin, UV light is no longer used. The FDA has approved blue-light therapy for acne treatment, but extensive clinical trials on Blu-U are limited, leaving its long-term effects uncertain [source: AcneNet].
If traditional acne treatments have failed and blue-light therapy seems promising, continue reading to discover the associated costs.
Blu-U Treatment Cost
Blu-U treatments are a significant investment. The primary expense isn’t just the cost per session but the total number of sessions required to effectively treat acne. Over four weeks, patients typically undergo six to eight 15-minute sessions. Each session involves applying a topical solution and exposing the skin to blue light at close proximity, which may be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia [source: DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.].
The price of Blu-U treatments varies widely, ranging from $40 per session to much higher amounts, potentially totaling thousands of dollars for a full course of eight sessions. Costs depend on the dermatologist or treatment center and the number of sessions needed. While some insurance plans may cover part of the expense, patients should be prepared to cover most or all costs, as Blu-U is still a relatively new treatment [source: Kansas City Skin Care Center].
While Blu-U comes with a high price tag, is it worth the investment? Continue reading to explore its effectiveness and potential side effects.
Blue-light therapy isn’t the only option available for acne treatment. Other light and laser-based solutions have emerged alongside Blu-U. Pulsed light and heat therapy, for instance, shrinks sebaceous glands and eliminates P. acnes. Diode lasers, on the other hand, focus on the middle skin layer’s sebaceous glands without damaging the surface. While light therapy is generally pain-free, lasers may cause discomfort, and both options can be expensive [source: MayoClinic]. For those on a budget, alternatives like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, antibiotics, or topical creams may be more accessible.
Blu-U Effectiveness
Laser and light therapies represent significant advancements in acne treatment, but their success isn’t guaranteed. During a Blu-U session, a dermatologist applies Levulan Kerastick to the skin before exposing it to specific blue-light wavelengths. This interaction activates the photosensitive solution, targeting and eliminating acne-causing bacteria.
The outcomes of Blu-U treatments vary widely. In recent studies, 80 percent of patients reported positive results, while the remaining 20 percent saw no improvement. Some even experienced worsened acne after treatment [source: AcneNet].
Even among those who benefit from Blu-U, the extent of acne improvement varies. Studies show an average clearance rate of around 55 percent, with some patients achieving near-total clearance and others seeing only minor improvements [source: AcneNet]. While reducing acne by more than half may justify the cost for severe cases, those seeking complete elimination should note that Blu-U typically manages acne rather than eradicating it entirely.
If you’re considering Blu-U for its acne-clearing potential, be aware that it may come with some side effects. Continue reading to learn how to identify and manage these potential issues.
Levulan Kerastick, composed of aminolevulinic acid, should only be applied to facial or scalp acne lesions [source: Alai]. As a photosensitive solution, it reacts with blue light and can affect other skin areas if accidentally applied. After treatment, minimize sun exposure, as your skin becomes highly sensitive to sunlight.
Blu-U Side Effects
While the long-term effects of Blu-U remain unknown, its side effects appear minimal and non-damaging. The therapy targets only acne lesions without affecting deeper skin tissues. Although the treatment is painless, some may find the 15-minute chin rest slightly uncomfortable.
The side effects of Blu-U are typically mild, such as temporary redness, pigment changes, swelling, or dryness in treated areas. These symptoms usually subside within hours, but consult your dermatologist if they persist for several days.
Before scheduling a Blu-U session, consider a few important points. The treatment is unsuitable for pregnant or nursing individuals and is designed for Acne vulgaris, the most common acne type. For those with nodulocystic acne, characterized by deep, inflamed bumps and pus-filled cysts, blue-light therapy may worsen the condition and lead to scarring [source: AcneNet].
Blu-U has also shown promise in treating actinic keratoses, a skin condition caused by sun exposure that results in scaly, dry patches ranging from pinhead to quarter size. Left untreated, these patches can become cancerous. Recent studies indicate that blue-light therapy reduces the number of pre-cancerous cells in such cases [source: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics].
