BIO-LIGHT D&PS Special Feature Dr. Gu So-Yeon, Director of Dongang Center Clinic, Cheongdam Branch

Beautech
BIO-LIGHT / ACNE PDT LED
Written by Dr. Gu So-Yeon (Director of Dongang Center Clinic/Cheongdam Branch)

The use of light in acne treatment has evolved significantly over
the past decade, with the initial broad-spectrum light therapy (such as those using fluorescent or halogen lamps) now largely replaced by single-wavelength LED light therapy. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) devices, which once used light sources like fluorescent or halogen lamps, are now rare in the market, with most acne treatments relying on LEDs as the light source. As the effectiveness of LLLT has been demonstrated, consumer-grade devices are now available for home use, making these therapies more accessible. However, the term "LLLT" (Low-Level Laser Therapy) is now being used for general advertising purposes, with many LED devices marketed as LLLT to target the consumer market.

I personally started using LLLT with expensive foreign devices in the early days. Now, due to the significant reduction in prices, the perceived cost-effectiveness for patients has increased, which may lead to potential side effects. Fortunately, the output and wavelength accuracy of consumer-grade LED devices are generally lower than that of clinical devices, which can mitigate some risks. The BIO-LIGHT 435nm and 660nm laser diode PIT device from Butech is one such example.

Safety from UV-related Side Effects

The main photosensitizers used in PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) are of two types: ALA-based, which works best with a 435nm wavelength, and chlorophyll-based, which works with a 660nm wavelength. The concentration of the active ingredients in the photosensitizers, incubation time, and exposure duration all play significant roles in the effectiveness of the treatment, which can vary depending on the patient's condition. Post-treatment side effects are also a crucial factor in patient satisfaction.If folliculitis or tanning occurs at the site of an extraction, the patient's evaluation of the treatment may be significantly lower.

BIO-LIGHT, with its 435nm and 660nm wavelengths, is relatively safe from the common UV-related side effect of tanning. Additionally, it operates within the visible light spectrum, not the infrared (IR) range, meaning it generates little heat in the skin, theoretically reducing the risk of inflammation. 

While the wavelengths promoted by the manufacturer suggest that no side effects should occur, LED devices can rarely provide a completely pure single wavelength. There is always some degree of error, and LEDs with a large margin of error could lead to unexpected side effects. However, BIO-LIGHT, which has been on the market for over a decade, has been marketed as a replica of Canadian-made devices from the start. Its LED performance, particularly the accuracy of the wavelength, appears to have been well received. Personally, I have not experienced tanning with the BIO-LIGHT device, so I am satisfied with its wavelength accuracy.

Effective Post-Treatment for Acne

When using the 660nm wavelength, no heat appears to be generated by either the patient's skin or the LED light source, suggesting a low margin of error in wavelength. For areas with no open wounds or concerns about inflammation, infrared wavelengths might be more effective for regeneration. However, if there is a risk of inflammation after treatment, infrared light might actually be counterproductive.

Acne treatment can be approached in several ways, such as with medication, extractions, high-frequency treatment, or laser cauterization, among others. The effectiveness of a treatment depends more on the selection of the correct method for the patient's condition than on the price of the device used. It is safe to say that there is no "magic device" that can replace all existing acne treatments. It is not wise to blindly follow the claims of high-tech devices without proper verification. Moreover, patients who seek out a clinic based solely on the latest device ads may not remain loyal. In such cases, the skill of the practitioner—such as how the extraction is performed or the words spoken by the physician during the BIO-LIGHT treatment—can be more important than the cost of the equipment itself.