Hamilton Skin Clinic

Blue Light Therapy

How Blue Light Therapy Works

What is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue light therapy involves directly exposing the entire skin area affected by acne to either a continuous or intense pulsed light which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

How does blue light technology work?
Blue light kills the acne-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P acnes, which can cause inflammation. P acnes is sensitive to blue light. Using the blue light, eliminates the bacteria found in the oil glands in the skin. The added presence of infrared light (heat) causes the oil glands to shrink in size. The result is less oil in the skin and fewer bacteria, leading to the resolution of acne in the treated areas.

Why is it effective?
Eliminating the bacteria from the skin decreases the inflammation associated with red pimples (papules) seen in acne. After a number of treatments, bacteria substantially reduce, allowing the skin to regain its normal appearance. Blue light is usually combined with other treatments, and topical and/or oral medications.

The science behind LED

Types of Acne it treats


LED therapy is gentle enough for super quick recovery but powerful enough to make a difference in your skin. More on the science behind this treatment:

  • Light and acne: Blue & red light markedly reduce acne by targeting bacteria found in acne lesions.
  • Light and collagen: Red light penetrates deeply into your skin, removing scars & remodeling collagen.
  • Light and inflammation: Red & yellow light reduce inflammation, hence improving the appearance of red acne marks & scars.

LED is best employed to reduce acne lesions, normalise colour and prevent new scars from forming.