What Is UVB Light Therapy and How Can It Help Your Skin?
If you suffer from a chronic skin condition such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, or acne, you’ve likely explored various treatment options — from creams and medications to dietary changes and clinic visits. But one highly effective, clinically backed option that’s often overlooked is UVB Light Therapy.
At Skin Matters Bristol, we specialise in delivering this powerful treatment directly to your door. But what exactly is UVB Light Therapy, how does it work, and who can benefit from it?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is UVB Light Therapy?
UVB Light Therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses a specific wavelength of ultraviolet B light — typically between 311 and 313 nanometres — to treat inflammatory skin conditions. It has been used in NHS hospitals and dermatology clinics for decades, with consistently high success rates and minimal side effects when used correctly.
Unlike UVA (which requires a photosensitising drug like psoralen), UVB treatment does not involve any oral medication. It targets the skin directly and is considered safe and non-invasive when administered in a controlled manner.
How Does It Work?
In conditions like psoriasis, the skin cells multiply too quickly, causing a build-up of plaques, redness, and itching. Similarly, vitiligo involves the immune system attacking the pigment-producing cells in the skin.
UVB Light Therapy helps by:
• Slowing down cell turnover
• Reducing inflammation
• Stimulating Melanocyte activity (for Vitiligo)
• Suppressing immune system responses in affected areas.
Essentially, the treatment calms the skin and encourages it to behave more normally, resulting in clearer, healthier-looking skin over time.
What Skin Conditions Can It Help With?
The most common conditions treated with UVB Light Therapy include:
• Psoriasis – One of the most researched uses of UVB light. It helps reduce scaling, itching, and plaque formation.
• Vitiligo – The treatment can help stimulate re-pigmentation in areas of depigmented skin by encouraging melanocyte growth.
• Eczema – It soothes inflammation and reduce itchiness, helping to improve skin barrier function.
• Acne – Though less commonly discusses, UVB light can help reduce inflammation in acne-prone skin, especially where standard treatments have failed.
Patients often notice significant improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity and consistency of treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Home UVB Therapy?
While UVB Light Therapy is widely available in hospital dermatology departments, waiting lists can be long, and frequent appointments can become time-consuming. That’s why more people are turning to home-use phototherapy options — such as those provided by Skin Matters Bristol.
Benefits of home UVB treatment include:
• Convenience – Treat your skin on your schedule, without travelling.
• Privacy – Manage your skin condition from the comfort of your own home.
• Flexible hire – Rent a machine for the period you need, with support throughout.
• Clinical standard equipment – Our machines use Philips TL01 narrowband tubes, the same as those used in hospitals.
With expert guidance from our team, you’ll receive tailored advice to ensure safe and effective treatment every step of the way.
Is UVB Light Therapy Safe?
Yes — when used correctly and under proper guidance, UVB Light Therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Unlike broadband UVB or UVA treatments, narrowband UVB significantly reduces the risk of burning and long-term skin damage.
At Skin Matters Bristol, we provide:
• Detailed usage instructions
• Supportive aftercare
• Quality-assured equipment
We’re here to ensure you feel confident using the machine and achieving the best results possible.
If you’ve been struggling with a skin condition and feel like you’ve tried everything, UVB Light Therapy could be the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s trusted by dermatologists, supported by scientific evidence, and — thanks to modern technology — now available for use in your own home.
At Skin Matters Bristol, we’re committed to helping you regain control of your skin, your comfort, and your confidence. Whether you’re dealing with flare-ups or ongoing symptoms, we’re here to support your journey to healthier skin.
If this is something you could benefit from, then please feel free to get in touch with us, we’re here to help!