Can Your iPhone Cure Acne?

By Chris Deppa

I read an article on the New York Times website about a new iPhone app. The endless string of iPhone apps is certainly impressive, and reports of people using their iPhones as survival tools in Haiti has boosted the iPhone ego.  The newest app, developed by Dr. Pearson,  is not going to save any lives but it might save a few high school reputations.

The AcneApp emits a blue light that is antibacterial alternating with a red light that is anti-inflammatory, and the light technology is believed to kill bacteria associated with acne. “This would have to go through a lot more clinical study before I can quantify its efficacy,” Dr. Pearson said. Despite the lack of clinical testing on the AcneApp it is for sale through itunes under the pretence that it can cure your acne.  Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas, a dermatologist not associated with the AcneApp, said a concern of hers is that while running the AcneApp harmful ultraviolet rays could be emitted along with the red and blue light.

Anti-inflammatory red light

The idea that you can cure your acne while chatting on the phone seems like a bold claim, and with no clinical research to back up that claim it is hard to not be skeptical. I like how the author of this article used the words of another dermatologist to show that skepticism, rather than the author letting their own feelings about the product come through. This allowed them to question the AcneApp’s validity indirectly.The author kept the story from turning into a bashing of the AcneApp, although the AcneApp may be doomed to a good bashing once some clinical testing is done.