This treatment is usually recommended once or twice a week for a period of several weeks. The blue light activates porphyrins in the hair follicles, which causes destruction of the bacteria, thought partially responsible for acne, within the hair follicle itself.

College understands that blue light therapy is expensive and demonstrates only a moderate improvement for mild acne. For patients with more severe acne, there are safe and effective treatments widely available and patients should speak to their GP or dermatologist about these options.