The SoCal Cosmetic Network

Blu-U Acne Treatment: BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy is extremely safe and painless and only affects the problematic areas of one’s skin. It involves treating the affected areas of one’s skin as they are exposed to the light while the patient is wearing safety goggles.

This treatment is for individuals who have acne and or actinic keratoses (also referred to as AK’s). Actinic keratoses are caused by damage to the skin from too much sun exposure. It would look like scaly patches of slightly reddened skin that are rough to the touch. Blu-U is used together with Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl, also known as ALA) to treat the damaged areas of the patient’s face and scalp.

During the acne treatment the Levulan Kerastick is applied to the patient’s skin and it is then absorbed. Once it has been absorbed into the patient’s skin, it changes into a porphyrin, which is an anti-bacteria agent. The Blu-U system uses a high-intensity narrow band of blue light that activates the porphyrins. The porphyrins commence a chemical reaction that destroys the P. acne bacteria that causes acne. This will cause the AK’s to peel off the patient’s skin within a week or so following the treatment.

Typically, The Blu-U treatments involve a short treatment session of 16 minutes each, twice a week for about four weeks, and then once a week for four weeks. Your series of treatments should be completed, yet you may need additional treatments periodically throughout the year. Along with the Blu-U treatment, an individual can combine it with certain antibiotics taken orally or topically over the skin. You should however consult your physician.

Although the inflammation may be gone for most patients, some people may experience a residual redness where the inflamed blemish had been located. Over time, the redness you may experience should dissipate. If not, consult with your physician for additional information for treatment(s) you may require.