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Pulsed Light Therapy & Acne

Overview

Acnenet, a Web page on the skincarephysicians.com website that is dedicated to providing information on acne, describes acne as a skin condition characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cysts on the face, neck or upper body area. According to dermnetnz.org, it is frequently caused by the bacteria P. acnes. The Acne Resource Center Online reports that 60 million Americans have acne; it is the most common skin condition in the United States. One method of treating acne is is called Pulsed Light Therapy.
The Facts

According to the Intense Pulsed Light FAQ, the non-invasive technology was developed by Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr. The therapy uses flashes of light that can reach the second layer of skin. Dermnetnz.org explains that skin cells absorb the light, which then becomes heat energy. The result is the destruction of the P. acnes bacteria. Acnenet also notes that Pulsed Light Therapy reduces the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands; this reduction also helps to treat acne.

The Procedure

Yestheyrefake.net, a cosmetic surgery and beauty website, describes the treatment as follows: You will first have a test session to determine any potential negative skin reactions, which can include light or dark patches of skin, blisters, rashes or red spots that don't go away. If your skin doesn't react negatively, you will proceed. A gel is then applied to the affected area of your skin. Then a filter is placed on the area. Finally, a flash of light is passed through the filter. The pulsed light session lasts about 20 minutes, and the usual treatment period is two treatments per week for a month. While your skin may be pink or red following the pulsed light therapy, there is no pain. Some patients may feel warmth, and others may feel a stinging sensation.
Effects

Acnenet reports about a June 2004 study in the "Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery" which found that 19 patients with mild to moderate acne who received eight Pulsed Light Therapy treatments saw marked improvement in the condition of their lesions. The results were even better after one month. However, the website for Smooth Exposure, a Northern Virginia skin care clinic, notes that because acne can reappear, a follow-up treatment every 60 days is recommended to keep the condition from returning.
Advantages

Smooth Exposure's website notes that the procedure may be superior to antibiotic treatment because medications can have side effects. In addition, P. acnes can become drug resistant. The clinic's website goes on to explain that because they only clean the top levels of skin, cleansers formulated for acne-prone skin are only somewhat helpful in treating acne. These cleansers do not rid your skin of the acne-causing bacteria found beneath the top layer of skin. In contrast, Pulsed Light Therapy affects the bacteria that cleansers cannot reach. Finally, Pulsed Light Therapy can be performed on a lunch hour, and there is no downtime for patients.
Considerations

Acnenet cautions that light therapies such as Pulsed Light Therapy are not yet common acne treatments. And as a still-new treatment (as of 2009), insurance probably will not cover it. The site also warns that more studies are needed to ensure there are no long-term effects. Additionally, for Pulsed Light Therapy to be effective, the therapy must affect the cause of the acne; if there is another cause, the problem may persist.
Warnings

Some people cannot have Pulsed Light Therapy to treat their acne. According to yestheyrefake.net, these include those with keloids or light or dark spots on the skin, those who are dark-skinned or very tan, and those whose skin is sensitive to burns. Diabetics who take insulin and people with blood clot disorders cannot have the procedure because they may not heal well. The website also lists certain medications and supplements which cannot be taken 10 days before a session: gingko or gingko biloba, selenium, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, cayenne, papaya and bilberry. Antibiotics must be discontinued before receiving Pulsed Light Therapy, and Accutane in particular must be stopped at least six months in advance.