Dr. Sax Blog

Acne is a skin condition that affects many individuals and not just teenagers. Patients of all ages suffer from acne due to many different causes. Over 50 million Americans deal with acne each year, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. Many people try topical or prescription treatments without any relief. This is where the innovative BLU-U acne treatment can be beneficial to treat your acne without lasers, drugs, or antibiotics.

In this article we will discuss what causes acne and why it affects so many people. We will also talk about how BLU-U can help to treat your acne in a few short sessions. Keep reading to learn more about this effective treatment to help you get the complexion of your dreams.

What Causes Acne?

Although we usually think of acne only affecting teenagers, this skin condition can occur at almost any age and on multiple areas of the body. Common places for acne to appear are the back, neck, arms, buttocks, and face. It appears when pores become blocked by oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This is usually caused by hormones or genetics.
A change in hormones is why acne is often seen in teenagers. This is due to the increase of hormones during puberty. The specific hormone responsible for acne is a rise in androgen hormone levels. Oil levels increase, causing the cell walls to rupture, and become a perfect site for acne to grow as the hormone levels increase. While the excess oil tries to push out of the pore, it will attach to the surrounding bacteria and dead skin, resulting in a pimple.
Genetics also play a role into why some people get acne and some do not. Patients that have a first degree relative that has suffered from acne will increase their odds of getting acne by four times. Skin sensitivity is also passed through genes as well. Acne prone skin is more susceptible to inflammation from irritants and bacteria than those who do not suffer from the skin condition. The bacteria that often causes acne is known as Propionibacterium acne or P. acnes. This bacteria forms within the oil glands and causes breakouts.

Acne is a very common skin condition, that can be treated in many different ways. Some patients try antibiotics, topical treatments, and other prescription drugs, but find that their results are not satisfactory. This can sometimes be due to your body becoming used to treatments and building up a tolerance to certain medications. BLU-U is a great option for those that are unhappy with their current acne treatments and want to try something that does not involve drugs.

What Is BLU-U?

BLU-U is a non-invasive, pain free way to help treat acne. The machine uniformly emits fluorescent, blue light that kills the acne causing bacteria, P. acnes, on the skin. BLU-U uses high intensity and narrow band blue light to treat cases of mild to moderate acne. This treatment does not use UV lights, lasers, or other invasive procedures. BLU-U can be used alone or with a solution known as Levulan to be a part of a blue light photodynamic acne therapy.

How Does BLU-U Work?

BLU-U works by using focused blue light on the infected areas of the face. Once the light penetrates the epidermis of the skin, it is able to attack the acne causing P. acnes bacteria from within. The bacteria are very sensitive to blue light and it actually shuts down their metabolism, effectively killing it. The amount of light that is emitted during your session is adjusted by the machine automatically to give you your best results.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

This innovative acne treatment takes less than 30 minutes per session. Each treatment will begin with the skin being cleansed. This will remove any excess oil, makeup, or other debris found on the skin that may affect the penetration of the blue light. You will also be given special protective eyewear to put on before your treatment. This will ensure that no damage will be done to your eyes. Then, the light will be turned on and left close to your face for up to 17 minutes at a time. These sessions are done in the office by a qualified healthcare professional.

How Many Treatments Are Needed to See Results?

Patients will need multiple sessions to see optimal results. You may come in for treatments once or twice a week for up to five weeks in a row. Often, returning for touch up treatments is recommended to achieve the best results. The amount of sessions needed will be determined during your consultation. During this time your skin will be analyzed and you can discuss how many treatments you will need for your desired results. The more severe your acne is, the more sessions you will most likely need.

Possible Side Effects

After your BLU-U treatment your skin will be much more sensitive to bright indoor lights and sunlight for the first two days. It is important to limit the amount of time that you will spend in the sun as sunscreen will not effectively protect your skin during this period. Some patients may notice redness, peeling, or a change in skin texture for up to a week after their treatments. Patients have also reported that their skin is drier after their sessions. This can be treated with the use a proper moisturizer. Your doctor may recommend a specific one for the course of your treatments. Following your doctors other after care instructions is also essential for optimal results.

BLU-U is an effective and noninvasive way to treat acne without the use of lasers, antibiotics, or topical medications. This innovative treatment kills the bacteria that causes acne, which helps to get rid of current breaks outs and aids in preventing new ones from forming. Are you interested in learning more about how BLU-U can help treat your acne? Give our office a call today and schedule your consultation.

Dr. David S. Sax

Dr. David Sax is a board certified dermatologist in sarasota and an expert in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. He is dedicated to bringing you clinical excellence, highly personalized treatments, and accessible and efficient service. Whether you need treatment for a medical skin condition, or want to achieve a more youthful look with cosmetic or spa services, you’ll find state-of-the-art solutions right here.

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