Understanding Phototherapy: Clearer Skin, Naturally

What Is Narrowband UVB Light Therapy?

Phototherapy or narrowband UVB (often called NB-UVB) is a type of light therapy that uses a very specific wavelength of light to gently reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. It helps slow down the overactive skin cell growth that causes flares in eczema and psoriasis.

Unlike the broad rays of sunlight, NB-UVB focuses only on the healing part of the light spectrum—so you get the benefits without the burn. It’s safe for all skin types and has been used for decades as one of the most effective, non-drug treatments for chronic skin conditions.

What to Expect During Treatment

Phototherapy sessions are typically done two to three times per week. During each visit, you’ll stand in a specially designed light unit that looks like a vertical booth. The treatment lasts only a few minutes, and you’ll wear protective goggles while any sensitive areas are covered.

NB-UVB therapy is painless—you may feel gentle warmth, and mild pinkness or dryness can occur as your skin adapts. Most people begin noticing improvement after 6–8 weeks, with continued clearing over several months of steady treatment.

Safety Guidelines & Monitoring

Narrowband UVB is one of the safest forms of light therapy when used under medical supervision. It delivers a controlled wavelength of light that helps calm inflammation without damaging the skin. Because the exposure is carefully measured and limited to the healing UVB range, the risk of burning or long-term UV damage is extremely low.

It’s also important to know that narrowband UVB is not the same as tanning bed light. Tanning beds use UVA light, which penetrates deeper into the skin and has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Narrowband UVB, on the other hand, is designed specifically to treat eczema and psoriasis safely and effectively.

Your Zest care team will help you start at the right dose, monitor your progress closely, and adjust as needed—so your treatment stays both safe and effective.

Results You Can Expect

Most patients notice their skin feels calmer and less itchy after just a few weeks, with visible clearing by two to three months of regular treatment. Over time, many can extend the space between sessions or even reduce other medications—all while maintaining control.

When paired with Zest’s personalized approach—addressing triggers like stress, sleep, and nutrition—NB-UVB becomes part of a comprehensive, long-term plan for clear and confident skin.

Transitioning from a Biologic to Phototherapy

For many people, biologic medications provide excellent control—but they aren’t always needed long term. Once your skin is clear and stable, you may choose to transition from a biologic to narrowband UVB phototherapy to maintain results with less medication.

There are several reasons you might consider making this shift:

• Family planning: Phototherapy is a safe, non-drug option during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  
• Frequent infections: If you’re catching colds more often or feeling run down, phototherapy can help you manage inflammation without affecting your immune system.
  
• A desire for fewer medications: Light therapy supports your skin’s healing naturally, making it a great option if you’re looking to reduce your reliance on prescriptions.
  

Phototherapy can help maintain your skin’s balance and control inflammation while giving your body a break from systemic medication. With the right guidance and monitoring, it’s a safe and effective step-down strategy that supports long-term, whole-body health.

How to Know If You’re Ready to Step Down

Everyone’s skin journey is different, but there are a few signs that you may be ready to move from a biologic to phototherapy:

• Your skin has been clear and stable for several months with little to no flare activity.
  
• You’ve reached your treatment goals and want to maintain results using fewer medications.
  
• You’re feeling well overall and want to take a more natural, non-drug approach to skin maintenance.
  

At Zest, your care plan adapts with you—we help you identify the right time to step down and introduce phototherapy safely and effectively.

The goal isn’t just to come off medication—it’s to stay clear, feel confident, and support long-term skin health in a way that fits your life.

Insurance Coverage & Expense

The good news: narrowband UVB phototherapy is often covered by insurance when prescribed for conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Coverage can vary depending on your plan and whether treatments are done in a clinic or at home, so your Zest care team will help you understand what’s included and what to expect before you begin.

For many patients, at-home phototherapy is a one-time financial investment that can actually be more affordable over time than ongoing in-office treatment or higher-cost biologic medications. The goal is to help you get effective, evidence-based care that fits your life and your budget.