NEW Dr Kern Beauty Skin Acne Light for Beautyskin

The BeautySkin lamp has six 15 watt fluorescent lamps three blue and three red lamps. BeautySkin is based on the positive effect that light of certain wavelengths has on human skin.

Blue light penetrates the skin to the bacteria (proprionibacterium acne) which causes pimples and blackheads. The blue light has an antibacterial effect and prevents the further development of pimples and blackheads. The red light soothes skin inflammations and relaxes and stimulates the skin in a positive way. The combination and the simultaneous application of both color types of light create the special effect of BeautySkin and the BeautySkin works without UV radiation.

Those of us with mild to moderate acne can benefit from the BeautySkin Lamp. The unit provides for the cosmetic treatment of mild to moderate acne.

BLUE LIGHT (415nm)

It has long been known that sunlight (UV) can improve acne, although some of the effect is due to superficial camouflage. However, because of photo ageing and medical side effects, Generally UV radiation is not recommended as a safe treatment for acne.

More recently, a peak wavelength of 415nm, which is outside the UV range, has been found to be effective at treating acne (1). It is known that Propionibacterium acnes (P. acne) produce porphyrins during their normal life cycle (2). Porphyrins absorb light energy at the near UV and visible blue light spectrum. The irradiation of P. acnes with blue visible light (415nm) leads to photoexcitation of bacterial porphyrins, singlet oxygen production and eventually bacterial destruction (3).

RED LIGHT (660nm)

It has been found that exposure to 660nm low-level wavelengths release cytokines. Cytokines stimulate fibroblast proliferation and the production of growth factors, thus influencing the inflammatory process, healing and ultimately wound repair (4, 5, 6, 7,) and has been found to significantly improve postoperative open wounds.

red/blue light treatment

In the first study of its kind, conducted at Hammersmith Hospital, Dr Chu et al evaluated the use of a mixed blue and red light (peaks at 415nm and 660nm) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. 107 subjects were randomized into four treatment groups. 1. Blue light. 2. Cool white light (placebo) 3. 5% benzoyl peroxide 4. Mixed blue and red light.

Treatment consisted of 15-minute irradiation in front of a portable light unit each day. (With the exact, special spec, tubes utilized by BeautySkin).

The red/blue mix had significantly better results than the other treatment groups. Improvements were clearly noticeable after only 4 weeks. After 12 weeks, the blue/red treatment achieved a mean improvement of 76% in inflammatory lesions and a mean improvement in comedones of 58%, which exceeded any of the other treatments.

the researchers concluded

"We propose that blue light and red light acts synergistically in improving acne by combining anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory action, rendering phototherapy with blue-red light an effective and safe treatment for acne vulgaris".

By utilizing the red/blue peak light-wave technology (Patent No: WO 00/32272, US 6, 183, 500 B1, EP 0 884 066 A2 ) the 'BeautySkin' is clearly proven as an effective acne treatment.

References

• M. Elman et al (2003). The effective treatment of acne vulgaris by a high-intensity, narrow band 405-420nm light source. Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy; 5: 111-116.

• Melo TB (1987). Uptake of protoporphyrinb and violet light photodestruction of Propionibacterium acnes. Z Naturforch C, 42: 123-128.

• McGinley KJ et al (1980). Facial Follicular porphyrin flourescence. Correlation with age and density of propionibacterium acnes. British Journal of Dermatology; 102: 437-41

• Yu W et al (1997). Effects of Photostimulation on wound healing in diabetic mice. Lasers Surgery med, 5: 31-9

• Abergel et al (1987). Biostimulation of wound healing by lasers; experimental approaches in animal models and fibroblast cultures. Journal of Dermatol Surg Oncol, 13: 127-33

• Iusium M et al (1992). Evaluation of the degree of effectiveness of biobeam (low level narrow band light) on the treatment of skin ulcers and delayed post-operative wound healing. Orthopedics; 15: 1023-6

• P. Papageorgiou, A. Katsambas and A. Chu (2000). Phototherapy with blue (415nm) and red (660nm) light in the treatment of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology, 142: 5. Pp 973-978.

Can the Beauty Skin cause sunburn or skin cancer?
No, it does not use the Ultra Violet wavelengths that cause damage to the skin.

Can I use the unit while taking Antibiotics?
Yes, it is quite safe to use while taking antibiotics. It should also be noted that if you stop using antibiotics after a long course (more than 6 weeks) it is advisable to gradually reduce the dose rather than stop suddenly. If you are on two tablets a day try reducing to one a day for a while then one every other day and so on...

Can I use Beauty Skin while taking Roaccutane?
No, Roaccutane can sensitive the skin to light so it would be unwise to use light therapy until 28 days after the course has finished.

Can I use it with Topical Preparations?
Yes, following a light treatment, you should have a clean skin while you are exposing it to the Beauty Skin.

Can I use it with non-prescription preparations?
Who knows? The variety of preparations produced for Acne contain all manner of things, possibly light sensitive. The Beauty Skin is designed as a treatment itself and some preparations might have a detrimental effect on its performance.

How often must I treat myself?
At the beginning, you must treat yourself for 15 minutes every day if possible, to get the  number of the P.acnes in your skin down to a manageable level.  You should see a significant change in your condition within eight weeks. After about 3 months you might be able to reduce the daily treatment but don't just stop completely, keep an eye out for signs of any increase in P.acnes activity.

Can I use the Beauty Skin more than once a day?
Yes, some people have been using it for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night to good effect, particularly at times when they are under stress.

Can it only be used on the face?
The Beauty Skin can be used on any part of the body provided that the affected area can be placed within 6" (150mm) of the tubes comfortably for 15 minutes. The 15 minute dosage is per area of skin treated, so if you have two or more areas to treat it is OK to treat 15 minutes per area per day.

Can I use the unit during childbearing period?
Yes. Beauty Skin is one treatments which are absolutely harmless during childbearing period.

What shall I do if the result is not satisfying?
If you are not satisfied with the result, it is possible to extend the time to 30 minutes, or to use the appliance twice a day.

How long do the fluorescent tubes last and can I get replacements if necessary?
Like all fluorescent tubes of this size, they should last over 500 hours, but as the treatment requires a high light output and phosphors in fluorescent tubes gradually deteriorate, we are suggesting that they are changed after 200 hours (over 2 years at 15 minutes per day).