Acne sufferers can spend months if not years on a mix of antibiotics, contributing to the problem of resistance and experiencing side-effects.
With endless amounts of money spent on topical acne creams, if these are unsuccessful or the benefit declines, treatment is then often escalated to include the oral antibiotic Tetracycline.
Beauty4Media reports that Tetracyclines account for about 18% of all antibiotics consumption. Reducing topical and oral antibiotics usage for acne would therefore support the international goal of reducing resistance.
The problem of acne is increasing. Dr Rakesh Patalay, consultant dermatologist, says: "Acne is not just a teenage condition. We are seeing increasing numbers of older people with the condition and persistent acne can have a large impact on your quality of life."
With very few alternatives to antimicrobials, a clinical trial by Dr Tony Chu, a consultant dermatologist in the UK, found that a combination of blue and red light was more effective than benzoyl peroxide cream, with trialists with mild to moderate acne reporting a 76% improvement in their skin in less than 12 weeks compared to 30% using benzoyl peroxide.
Furthermore, light had none of the side-effects associated with harsh cream, such as burning, itching, dry skin, redness and peeling.
Lumie Clear was developed following this research by Lumie, a light therapy company that has over 20 years of experience in producing light treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and sleeping problems.
Light therapy is promising and can be used alongside other treatments. Dr Patalay, says: "Lumie Clear can be used by anyone without prescription and is complementary to other treatments."
More people are being affected by acne; it is becoming a life-long problem that extends beyond adolescence. Some women are affected later in life and younger men have fewer options for treatment. With the increasing resistance to antibiotics the need for alternatives has a new urgency.
The home light therapy treatment can be hand-held or placed on its adjustable stand for hands-free treatment and, when used regularly for a few minutes each day, there is a noticeable difference in a couple of weeks.