LED Light Therapy, Fake News, & Misconceptions

It is well known that LED therapy using light energy in the blue light range of the electro-magnetic spectrum (400 nanometersto 500 nanometers) is very effective in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris.When P.acnes bacteria is exposed to blue light energy, a photo-toxic event is created, resulting in the death of the bacteria.Specifically, LED systems utilizes the mechanism of endogenous photodynamic therapy where bacterial porphyrins, which are produced as part of the normal metabolism of P. acnes, act as natural photosensitizers. When they absorb light, preferably wavelengths in the blue and red-light range, the resultant photodynamic reaction produces singlet oxygen species and reactive free radicals, which destroy the bacteria themselves.Essentially, the P. acne bacteria commits suicide.

Pam Cushing is a registered nurse with over 35 years of experience in emergency medicine. She has worked in the field of aesthetics for over 15 years, full–time for the last five years. Cushing holds a degree at the master’s level, with commendation, as well as a post–graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine, with merit.Sheis an independent nurse prescriber in the United Kingdom. Cushing is a consultant educator for a couple of companies educating in injectables, skin resurfacing and chemical peel, microneedling, and LED. She thrives on being able to educate, motivate, and encourage others to grow and develop professionally. She is passionate about skin and the benefits of aesthetics in improving the confidence and quality of lives. Cushing believes our key role is to educate the consumer on appropriate treatment modalities with the focus on maintaining skin health.