Acne LED treatments (phototherapy) is a well-documented treatment for many skin disorders, including acne. This treatment uses different machines to deliver specific wavelengths of light to acne lesions with the aim of destroying acne-causing bacteria.

Essentially 2 wavelengths are optimal for acne treatment – blue and red.

Blue wavelength at 405nm can be delivered via Healite or even BBL or IPL with a blue filter.

Red light, is delivered via the Lutronic Healite system or vascular lasers.

Occasional we use a highly specialised technique called PDT or photodynamic therapy, this is a superior method for delivering a special chemical called ALA into the oil gland. We then activate this chemical with either blue light of red light. PDT for acne is reserved for cases of very severe acne that cannot be treated with tablets or cream.

Kleresca is a form of PDT (with the extra surcharge for marketing & branding).

Dermatologists at the Cutis Dermatology have been involved in phototherapy treatment for the past 20 years. Our Specialist training and years of experience will guide patients to the suitability of phototherapy for acne patients.

Most patients who have acne will NOT require phototherapy, as their acne can be safely and effectively managed with creams, peels, and tablets. It is important to understand that acne phototherapy does not cure acne, but can improve the condition. It is best combined with skin directed topical therapy.

In general patients will require 4-5 sessions to see an improvement.

Sessions can be conducted weekly. As reinforced, this treatment is best for pimples & pustules. If you have a mix of these lesions with blackheads & white heads, we often perform a chemical peels (salicylic acid or retinoic acid) along with phototherapy in the same appointment.

Each acne LED treatment (phototherapy) takes 12-20 minutes to perform, shorter if we use the vascular V Beam Prima laser.

No. As phototherapy is painless using the LLED such as Healite. We also employ the V Beam Prima Laser. Laser treatment is akin to a small rubber band flick.

Red and Blue light phototherapy sessions are more affordable than you might think! Peels are $98, light therapy ranges from $90 to $198 depending on the extent & laser used.

NO REFERRALS ARE NEEDED TO UNDERTAKE PHOTOTHERAPY– Just book in directly with our dermal therapists or nurses.

In a recent study by Harvard University, this form of treatment can improve mild & early scarring. As scarring occurs in the dermal or deeper layers of the skin, red light works better than blue light in this setting. Red light can help stimulate and remodel collagen, which can account for mild improvement in early acne scars.

Red acne scars (known as macular erythema or post inflammatory erythema) respond best to a series of vascular laser treatments. A series of 3-5 sessions every 2 to 3 weeks can markedly reduce redness. Book an appointment with my clinical nurses for assessment & treatment options.

Before embarking on acne LED treatments ask the following questions-

1. Is the clinic that provides phototherapy a Specialist Clinic?
2. Does the clinic also provide medical treatments for acne & a back up plan if phototherapy fails? Phototherapy has a failure rate of 10-30% and can only be used on certain forms of acne.
3. Acne is a medical condition. Some cases can be due to hormonal imbalance- has severe or resistant acne been investigated by a medical dermatologist?
4. Have you been informed that phototherapy is a temporary treatment for acne?  in most cases acne will return after a course of phototherapy, ensure that the clinic can provide you with a long term cure for acne with medically proven creams. Most creams are on the PBS and cost less than $15 a month!

A referral is not needed to undertake phototherapy sessions. Schedule an appointment with our clinical team @cutis_dermatology. We open Saturday mornings, however bookings are limited.