SKIN's Blu-U Treatment offers effective, non-invasive and pain-free treatments for moderate to severe acne vulgaris, a condition affecting millions of adults, teens and children. The Blu-U light is not a laser. It emits safe, cool visible blue light to provide an effective solution for acne. It is important not to ignore acne as the scars from acne are often permanent.

How Does Blu-U Phototherapy Work?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of light. These treatments also remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines and blotchy pigmentation are improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatments. ALA/PDT treatments also have the unique ability to: minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea; and improve the appearance of some acne scars. Levulan has been used safely and extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions, and it is approved by the FDA and Health and Welfare Canada for the treatment of sun damaged skin.

What is Levulan?

Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), which is a natural substance found throughout your body. A precursor for hemoglobin synthesis, ALA enables your body to produce red blood cells to carry oxygen. It is therefore a "natural" product found in all humans.

The Treatment

Once the Levulan is applied and has remained on the skin for 30 minutes, the treatment continues with the Blu-U light session which lasts approximately 8 minutes. It is during this period that acne bacteria are destroyed. The special wavelength of light provided by the Blu-U system activates porphyrin production in the acne bacteria, which subsequently kills the bacteria, thus reducing the acne lesions. Any skin type can be treated with no side effects.

The number and frequency of the treatments required is dependent on individual acne characteristics and response to treatments, which will be discussed during the client's initial assessment. Usually, up to four treatments are required at one-month intervals. SKIN's PDT Acne Management Program will sometimes include topical and oral prescription medications, as well as other classical treatment options, such as topical retinoids, benzyl peroxides, or alpha hydroxy acids.

Post-Treatment Expectations

After treatment is completed, patients may experience some temporary reddening and minimal swelling of the acne and surrounding skin. Generally reddening and any swelling will disappear after a few days. The skin is very sensitive to sunlight for 24-48 hours after treatment. For the first 24 hours, patients should remain indoors. Topical acne lotions can be used between your Levulan teatments once the redness has settled down.

Benefits

Most clients enjoy a dramatic improvement in their acne. Prior to this revolutionary technology, the only treatment to show such good results in clearing acne was Accutane, which has many limitations, including systemic side effects. Clients will typically see a gradual, rather than sudden, improvement and clearing of the treated area. Unlike systemic antibiotics, which produce an effect on the entire body, the acne light is specifically targeted to the acne lesions themselves. The Blu-U Light causes no damage to human skin. There is absolutely no pain or discomfort.