Acne is something that most people experience in their teenage years. Eventually, we all grow out of it, but it flares up again and again. Adult acne can be annoying and difficult to deal with, especially given our busy routines.
Although it is a good solution to help mild to moderate adult acne, it is an expensive procedure. So, keep reading to find a better substitute for phototherapy that delivers impressive results!
Light therapy, a new and increasingly popular treatment, has shown promising results in the management of adult acne. This treatment approach involves using specific wavelengths of light to target and relieve acne symptoms.
Additionally, everyone experiences acne differently. For some, it can be a constant battle while for others, acne is easily controlled. Anyone with adult acne has an arsenal of skin care products like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums.
Fortunately, advances in skin care now allow you to fight acne with the right kind of light. Yes, we are talking about phototherapy.
What is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy uses two types of light – red and blue. Both of these lights have a specific purpose for improving the skin.
- Blue light – Kills bacteria
- Red light – Prevents inflammation and promotes healing
Blue light therapy is particularly effective as it targets acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing new breakouts. Meanwhile, red light therapy works by reducing inflammation and promoting healing, thereby improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of acne scars. In particular, these light treatments do not rely on UV rays, making them a safer alternative to traditional sunlight exposure, which can worsen skin problems.
The skin is exposed for a certain amount of time to these lights to induce healing, reduce acne and prevent skin irritation. Most phototherapy combines these two lights for maximum results.
Security – In terms of safety, phototherapy is safe for almost everyone as it has very mild side effects.
Convenience – Phototherapy is quite affordable as it is done by almost all dermatologists. So, you can easily visit any nearby dermatology clinic. You can also do this treatment at home since light products are easily available.
Cost – The cost of receiving phototherapy depends largely on the cost of living in your area. Typically, a phototherapy session can cost you between $40 and $60 per session. However, you will need several sessions to see the right results.
Efficiency – Phototherapy is considered to be a very effective method for treating and getting rid of acne lesions. It is especially useful for acne caused by bacteria and inflammation. Although not the ultimate acne treatment, light therapy is supported by significant research as an excellent acne management tool.
Is it more effective than traditional methods?
Phototherapy is useful for treating mild to moderate cases of acne. For severe acne, it is not always the best choice because you will have to undergo more treatments. While using skin care products like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums are effective, some people – based on the severity of their acne – can benefit from receiving phototherapy.
The application of phototherapy in the treatment of adult acne is a convenient and non-invasive method. Treatments can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home using specially designed devices. A typical session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes and is usually recommended several times a week for optimal results. The procedure is painless, with most people experiencing only a mild warmth on their skin. The convenience of home phototherapy devices has made this treatment increasingly accessible, allowing individuals to easily incorporate it into their daily skin care routine.
Additionally, the type of specialty leather you are working with can make a significant difference. Their understanding of your skin translates into the results you get.
What to expect during phototherapy
You should find a good and reliable dermatologist before starting phototherapy sessions. They will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for this treatment, what light they will use, what to expect from it and how many sessions you will need.
You are expected to avoid the use of various skin care products, including retinol, for at least two weeks prior to the start of your sessions. You’ll also need to tell your dermatologist about any medications or drugs you may be using, especially anti-inflammatory medications. You will also need to avoid tanning beds and other unprotected and prolonged sun exposure a few days before your treatment.
A blue or red light therapy session usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to lie down and place your head in a special device designed to keep your face still. A trained phototherapy professional, such as a dermatologist or nurse, will apply pulses from a phototherapy device to different parts of your face in a circular fashion. The treatment is completed after multiple repetitions of the process.
Light therapy is not very effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and nodular acne. it is more suitable for those who experience mild to moderate acne. Also, light therapy does not involve a single treatment. you will need to have at least two to three treatments per week, over a period of four to six weeks to get started. So if you don’t have the time or patience for these sessions, this treatment is not for you.
Your skin will be red or pink after a session and you may even experience some mild peeling in the treated area. Skin sensitivity is another side effect of this treatment. So, you should probably go about your normal skin care routine for a few days and especially avoid using scrubs, exfoliants, and topical vitamin A. You should also apply sunscreen religiously every day until your skin recovers.
Additionally, after your treatment is complete, you will need to maintain your skin through occasional follow-ups every two months, which will cost you an average of $50 per session.
Although phototherapy is great, it does come with some inconveniences that you will need to deal with.
Clinical studies and patient testimonials have confirmed the effectiveness of light therapy in the treatment of adult acne. Patients often report a significant reduction in acne severity and an overall improvement in skin clarity and texture. While light therapy can be effective on its own, dermatologists often recommend combining it with other treatments, such as topical creams or oral medications, for enhanced results.
However, it is important for individuals to consult a healthcare professional before starting light therapy, as certain skin conditions or medications may affect its suitability or effectiveness. As research continues, light therapy is a promising, gentle and innovative approach to the management of adult acne.
So what should you do?
Choose the right vitamin C serum!
Why vitamin C for skin is still the best choice
Phototherapy is effective but also has minimal results. It is also very new compared to vitamin C skin care products. For starters, the benefits of vitamin C facial serum for the skin are widely documented and proven. Apart from this, the following are some more reasons why it is still the best choice for acne treatments:
- More accessible – Vitamin C serums are affordable and come in different price ranges. In comparison, phototherapy procedures can run up to $500 per session. At-home phototherapy kits are more affordable, but their results aren’t always the best.
- Improves skin health – all-natural vitamin C serum enhances collagen production in the skin, has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to improve skin tone and texture and can fight acne at the cellular level. Light therapy should be used with caution, and sensitive skin can get sunburned from exposure.
- It’s Skin Food – Our skin benefits the most from vitamin C serums because they are packed with the ingredients they need. A vitamin C serum may contain a mixture of other beneficial vitamins, such as vitamin B3, B5, E, hyaluronic acid and others. This blend can deeply nourish, restore and improve your skin.
In our opinion, phototherapy is not worth it given the cost alone. $500 per session can be a huge expense to shoulder, especially if you need multiple treatments. Well, we’re going with vitamin C serums.
Looking for an effective vitamin C face serum that works? Take a look at antiaging vitamin C serum by ML Delicate Beauty. Don’t take our word for it. Our positive reviews speak for themselves!
So what’s your secret weapon for fighting adult acne? Let us know if you’ve ever used phototherapy or if you’re a fan of vitamin C facial serums!
RELEVANT ARTICLES:
- List of benefits of a good anti aging skin serum
- List of the 5 Best Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
- Fighting oily skin the natural way
- 6 Benefits of using facial serums
About the author:
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and esthetician loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also reviews store beauty products, with fairness and a real point of view. She is known for creating products for specific skin types, especially for those with extremely sensitive faces.
Follow her Twitter and Instagram
