Which light therapy is most commonly used for acne treatment?

Blue light therapy is the most commonly used light therapy for acne treatment due to its effectiveness in targeting the bacteria that contribute to acne formation, specifically Propionibacterium acnes. This type of light penetrates the skin and targets the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil, thereby reducing inflammation and excess oil production.

The blue light wavelength has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it particularly beneficial for treating active acne lesions. By using blue light therapy, estheticians can help to diminish the number of bacteria on the skin's surface, leading to a reduction in breakouts and improved skin clarity.

In contrast, red light therapy is more often used to promote healing and reduce inflammation rather than directly treating the bacteria causing acne. Green light therapy has applications in skin pigmentation and redness correction, while infrared light therapy is primarily utilized for deeper tissue healing and pain relief rather than addressing acne specifically.