Lighting the Path: Evaluating Light-Emitting Diode Therapy Versus Salicylic Acid Peel for Inflammatory Acne- A Case Series Analysis
Diogo, MLG *
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Carvalho, FGM
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Santos, RCS
Universidade Adventista de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Dourado, LF
Universidade Adventista de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Matuck, SP
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Fernandes, KPS
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Pavani, C
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Motta, LJ
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aims to assess the efficacy of red, blue, and combined red-blue light therapy versus 20% salicylic acid peel in treating Grades 2 and 3 inflammatory acne.
Study Design: Cases studies.
Place and Duration of Study: Universidade Nove de Julho, Universidade Adventista de São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil. Between March 2022 from April 2024.
Introduction: Acne is an inflammatory disorder that occurs in the pilosebaceous follicles and deeply affects the self-esteem and quality of life of individuals. Conventional treatments usually produce side effects and promote antibiotic resistance. Light therapy has emerged as a promising modality in clinical and scientific realms for acne management. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of red, blue and combined red-blue light therapy versus 20% salicylic acid peeling in the treatment of inflammatory acne grade 2 and 3.
Methodology: We divided 20 participants into four groups who used a mask of LEDs. Group 1 used a mask with blue light (470nm), group 2 used a mask with red light (660nm), group 3 used a mask with red (660nm) and blue (470nm) lights combined in the same device. The groups that used the LED masks received the treatment 3 times a week for 30 days, totaling 12 sessions. Group 4 was submitted to two sessions of salicylic acid peeling at 20%, every 15 days.
Results: Blue light (group 1) showed an improvement of 28.40% in the general skin condition. Group 4 of salicylic acid peeling had an improvement of 28.37%. The combined red and blue light group had an improvement of 26.43%, while the red light showed an improvement of 10.97%.
Conclusion: Based on the series of cases presented, all groups showed improvement, but blue light showed higher results than red light and salicylic acid. However, studies with a larger number of participants should be performed and the ideal parameters for Led use in inflammatory acne should be discussed.
Keywords: Inflammatory acne, photo biomodulation, LLLT, LED