Sierra Productions Research Division, Irvine, CA 92606

Synopsis:
In this company funded study, the leading acne treatment devices were used in separate 3 and 6 second exposures on p. acnes bacteria cultured in Petri dishes in a controlled environment. Following exposure, each sample was reviewed and photographed to determine overall reduction of p. acnes bacteria colonies. The devices utilized in the study were the CLARO by CLRS Technology Inc., Zeno by Tyrell Inc., Tanda by Pharos Life Corporation, Thermaclear by Therative, and the Marvel Mini by Evis MD. Under the conditions of the study the CLARO demonstrated a 94.8% reduction of p. acne bacteria, compared to 58.8% for Zeno, 62.1% for Tanda, 63.8% for Thermaclear, and 68.3% for the Evis Marvel-Mini.

 • Phototherapy with Blue (415 nm) and Red (660 nm) Light in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

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

Synopsis:
Study participants suffering from mild to moderate acne vulgaris were treated over the course of 12 weeks with one of four treatment protocols - blue light (415nm); mixed blue and red light (415 and 660nm respectively); white light; or a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream. Participants in the phototherapy groups used portable LED units for daily treatments lasting 15 minutes. After 12 weeks of treatment, the combined red and blue light phototherapy group experienced the most significant results with an average improvement of 76% of inflammatory lesions. Researchers concluded that phototherapy with mixed blue-red light with its combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action is an effective method of treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris with no notable short-term side effects.

 • Phototherapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris, What is its Role?

A. Charakida, E. Seaton, et al; Phototherapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris What is the Role?  American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2004; 5 (4), 211-216

Synopsis:
Authors of this review of recent studies involving phototherapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris, agree with preliminary data that suggests the combination of red and blue light can be an effective and safe choice for treating acne. Compared against photodynamic therapy and low-energy pulsed dye laser therapy, researchers regard phototherapy as an alternative or adjunct treatment for acne that removes the need for oral treatment and attendant negative side effects. Researchers recognize the combination of red-blue light as superior to blue light alone in treating acne.