iPhone app for acne?

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

Here is a novel invention by dermatologist, Dr. Greg Pearson. He has made an iPhone app that is supposed to help fight acne! The iPhone app works by making the iPhone LED screen emit both red and blue light at a specific wavelength. Although it seems slightly unusual, there is actually a scientific basis to it all. LED phototherapy for acne is a known technique of treating this problem. It uses red and blue LED light to treat acne – and this has been emulated by Dr. Pearson’s iPhone app. Blue light can help to reduce counts of the bacteria, propionibacterium acnes, that cause acne, and red LED light can help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

One major difference between the LED treatment from the iPhone app, and dedicated LED phototherapy LED lights is of course the later is much more powerful. From a clinical perspective, I don’t know whether the LED lights of the iPhone will be strong enough to make a difference, but the principles are sound.

For more information on LED phototherapy, visit our webpage on the topic (see left hand side menu bar)

[youtube src=www.youtube.com/embed/PlOBlQ97M4s]