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Question

LED treatment for discoloration from Acne?

I understand that blue light can be used to reduce inflammation and kill Acne-causing bacteria. Will it also help with discoloration from Acne?

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Asked by: mmcc4137
San Francisco

Answers (2)

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1
December 1, 2008

LED not intended for acne scarring

Lori Haney, RN
Lori Haney, RN

We currently keep our three Blu-U light machines very busy for our acne patients.  We are pleased with the effective outcomes when combined with other modalities such as class IV medical lasers, chemical peels, and skin care products.  Although generally realiable in the treatment of acne, this technology is designed for active acne and the inflammation associated with acne - not for acne scarring.  Sometimes the redness associated with acne is the inflammation that will calm and resolve as the acne improves.  As Dr. Williams suggested, much discoloration (red and brown) may fade as time goes on.  Generally, what remains after six months is now considered scarring.  In our practice, we receive good outcomes using class IV medical lasers (very different than LED technology) to address both red and brown-based acne scarring as well as improving the texture/smoothness of the skin.  Most of the time, acne scarring is being treated concurrently with the treatment of active acne.  However, our primary focus is the treatment and control of active areas in order to prevent continued scarring. 

Because LED technology is not the same as class IV medical lasers, the benefits are limited.  Lasers are precise, effective, and powerful in the treatment of acne scars for all skin types.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer

www.celibre.com

 

Web reference: http://www.celibre.com/Celibreblog/post/2008/10/brown-red-acne-scar-removal.aspx
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2
November 29, 2008

Usually not

Steven H. Williams, MD
Steven H. Williams, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

The discoloration in your skin is likely secondary to scar tissue and deposits (like hemosiderin) in the dermis itself. While LED light has been purported as a treatment for acne (with mixed results), it is likely not useful to lighten to treat scarring from acne.

You would probably need to look at peels or laser resurfacing to treat some of those areas of discoloration. If the areas are deep or dark enough or if your skin is dark it may be difficult to resolve these discolorations.

In addition, it is important to know that some of these marks can continue to fade over time on their own. Typically a good guideline is waiting about 6 months. There have also been anecdotal reports of topical scar medications like Mederma or ScarGuard being effective but it is possible these treatments may worsen your acne.

I hope this helps.

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