Blue Light Therapy In Saginaw, MI
Blue light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be used to treat skin cancer, sun damage, acne, and some other skin conditions. At All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center, our team is dedicated to providing quality dermatology and skincare services for patients of all ages. We can help you understand how blue light therapy works and why it can be beneficial for treating certain skin conditions.
Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy
Photodynamic blue light therapy is used to treat precancerous spots and certain types of skin cancer. Known as actinic keratosis, these rough patches are reddish in color and are usually caused by advanced sun damage. If left untreated, they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a more serious type of skin cancer.
To treat precancerous or cancerous spots with phototherapy, Dr. Scott first applies a photosensitizing medication to the affected areas of your skin. After it is fully absorbed, she then shines the blue light onto your treated skin for 15-17 minutes. Following treatment, the damaged skin that has been affected by the combination of the photosensitizing medication and light will become crusty or scaly and eventually flakes off.
This safe, non-invasive treatment typically causes little to no discomfort and also treats sun damage that hasn’t yet been diagnosed as actinic keratosis. Once your skin has fully healed, it will be healthier with an improved appearance.
The treated areas heal in about 7-14 days, but you will be more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn for a short period of time. It’s vital to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen and protective clothing for 48 hours immediately after treatment.
Most patients with sun damage will need multiple sessions. Photodynamic blue light therapy may not be appropriate for more advanced stages or types of skin cancer.
Blue Light Therapy For Acne
Whether you have acne-prone skin or you’re dealing with pimples and blackheads due to mask-wearing, blue light therapy can be an effective acne treatment. Blue light therapy helps manage acne by destroying the P. acnes bacteria that grows on the skin. It can also have an anti-inflammatory effect on cells in the outer layer of the skin called keratinocytes. It is sometimes used to treat psoriasis, rosacea, and fine lines and wrinkles as well. Each person responds differently to treatment, and it may take several sessions of blue light therapy to determine whether it will be effective for treating your acne or another skin condition.
Benefits of Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy offers many benefits when it comes to treating sun damage, skin cancer, acne, and other conditions. Some advantages of blue light therapy include:
- It’s safe and noninvasive
- It typically does not produce long-term complications
- It can be used on all areas of the body
- It can be used in conjunction use with other therapies
- It doesn’t cause scarring
Although blue light therapy is safe for most people, it isn’t appropriate for those with photosensitivity disorders (sensitivity to sunlight).
What To Expect After Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy usually has few side effects. However, you may experience redness and/or dry, flaky skin. When used as part of photodynamic therapy for skin cancer or sun damage, blue light therapy can cause irritation that feels much like a sunburn. Applying a cool compress and a gentle moisturizer can help ease discomfort. Treated areas will become crusty or flaky, but will peel away, leaving healthier, fresher skin. Again, photodynamic blue light therapy causes skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight, so staying out of the sun, covering up, and using sunblock for at least 48 hours after the procedure is essential.
If you have sun damage, precancerous sun spots, acne, rosacea, or another type of skin condition, blue light therapy may be right for you. This safe, non-invasive treatment is an amazing tool for reducing the risk of cancer and enhancing the look of your skin.
Contact Us To Learn More About Blue Light Therapy
For more than 40 years, our team at Seasons Skin & Surgery Center in Saginaw, MI has provided quality dermatology and skincare services. Our patients’ health and well-being are our top priorities – we are dedicated to providing the compassionate, quality care you deserve and helping you find solutions to achieve your desired results. To learn more about blue light therapy and the other services we offer, contact us online or call us at 989-797-7546 today. We look forward to serving your dermatology and skincare needs.
Schedule a Consultation
At All Seasons Skin & Surgery Center, Dr. Constance Scott and her team can help with all of your dermatology needs. We proudly serve clients across Saginaw, Michigan. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments and preventative care.