Combination of a New Radiofrequency Device and Blue Light for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease treated by physicians. Current topical and oral treatments may have shortand long-term negative consequences. Since radiofrequency (RF) energy has been shown to reduce sebum production and 410-nm blue light has been shown to kill Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) cells, these modalities in combination should be a highly effective treatment of acne vulgaris with little or no downtime or risk. This case report describes the efficacy and safety of RF energy (Accent™, Alma Lasers Inc, Buffalo Grove, IL) and blue light (BLU-U®, Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Wilmington, MA) used in combination to treat grade 4 cystic acne and acne scars in an Asian woman of skin type IV. The results were considered excellent by both investigators and the patient, with improvement in the skin tone as an added cosmetic benefit.