Beverly Hills Dermatology
Blue Light Acne Treatment in Beverly Hills
Blue light alone, without Levulan® — a gentle, medication-free in-office option for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, with essentially no downtime.
- Verified Reviews
- 792
- Overall Rating
- 4.77★
- Bedside Manner
- 4.84★
- Years in Practice
- 20+
Overview
Blue light in the approximately 415 nm range is absorbed by porphyrins produced naturally by Cutibacterium acnes inside the follicle. That absorption generates reactive oxygen species within the bacteria themselves, reducing bacterial load and the inflammation it drives. Because the light acts on the bacteria rather than on the skin, treatment is comfortable and requires no topical medication and no anesthesia.
This is the standalone version of light therapy: blue light without the Levulan® photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy. That makes it gentler and essentially downtime-free, but also less powerful. Dr. Zaks recommends blue light alone for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, for patients who want to avoid oral medication, for those who cannot tolerate the peeling associated with PDT, and as maintenance between other treatments. For moderate to severe or treatment-resistant acne, he will recommend photodynamic therapy with Levulan® instead.
Best Candidates and Targets
Mild to Moderate Inflammatory Acne
Red papules and pustules driven by C. acnes respond best. Blue light reduces bacterial load and the inflammation that follows.
Patients Avoiding Oral Medication
A drug-free in-office option for patients who prefer not to take oral antibiotics or hormonal therapy, or who cannot.
No-Downtime Requirement
Because there is no photosensitizer, there is no peeling phase. You can return to work and normal activity immediately.
Maintenance Between Treatments
Used to help hold results between photodynamic therapy sessions or while a topical regimen is being established.
Adjunct to Topical Therapy
Blue light works best combined with a prescription topical regimen rather than as a sole treatment.
The Treatment Experience
Evaluation
Dr. Zaks confirms your acne is the type that responds to blue light alone, and tells you honestly if photodynamic therapy would serve you better.
Cleansing
The skin is cleansed, but no medication or degreasing is required. You relax in front of the blue light for 15 minutes per session. A typical course is twice weekly for 4 weeks or once weekly for 8 weeks.
Light session
You wear protective eyewear while the blue light is delivered to the treatment area. Sessions are short and comfortable — most patients feel only mild warmth.
Series and maintenance
Treatments are typically repeated over several weeks. You resume normal activities and your topical regimen immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy adds Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid), which incubates for 45–60 minutes and makes the treatment substantially more powerful — and causes redness and peeling. Blue light alone uses no medication, has essentially no downtime, and is correspondingly gentler.
How many sessions will I need?
A series over several weeks is typical, and maintenance sessions may be recommended afterward. Dr. Zaks will outline a specific schedule based on your response.
Is there any downtime?
No. There is no peeling phase and no photosensitization, so you can return to work, exercise, and makeup the same day.
Does blue light hurt?
No. Most patients feel only mild warmth. Protective eyewear is worn throughout the session.
Will blue light alone clear my acne?
It works best as part of a plan. Blue light reduces bacteria and inflammation, but a prescription topical regimen is still needed to address follicular plugging and oil production.
Is it safe for all skin types?
Blue light is generally well tolerated across skin types since it targets bacterial porphyrins rather than pigment. Dr. Zaks reviews your medications for photosensitizing agents before treatment.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Blue Light Acne Treatment at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.