LED Light Therapy for Skin
Move over serums and toners - did you know that light can actually brighten up your skin, improve its overall appearance and increase collagen production? Celebs are endorsing it, YouTube and Instagram are all lit up with the trendy new technique of LED light therapy for skin. But does it really work? And if so, how can you get the maximum advantage out of it?
In this blog we’re breaking it all down for you – what is professional LED light therapy, is light therapy safe for skin and what are its many benefits in giving you a youthful, healthy, and bright glow. Keep reading to get all your questions answered.
What is LED Light therapy for skin?
Contrary to popular belief, LED light therapy is nothing new. LEDs (or Light Emitting Diodes) have been in existence for a long time, but only recently have they become the innovative new buzz in the beauty industry.
LED light therapy is a painless and non-invasive treatment that naturally rejuvenates damaged skin. It consists of exposing the skin to light in different wavelengths that can penetrate deep into the layers of your skin and trigger a natural intracellular process to heal and repair it naturally.
When it comes to LED light therapy benefits, researchers and professionals agree that the right course of LED light treatment can help with:
Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines
Improved skin texture
Treatment of long-term acne and acne scars
Brightening of skin
Treating inflammation, rosacea and dermatitis
Reduced appearance of acne causing bacteria
Improved circulation
Natural stimulation of collagen
How does LED Light Therapy work for skin?
When it comes to the benefits of LED light therapy for your skin, the beauty is (pardon the pun!) there are no artificial chemicals or harsh treatment involved – it is a few panels of micro LED light bulbs throwing a bright light onto your skin.
As we age, healthy skin cells are unable to rejuvenate themselves on their own and renew themselves, which leads to blemishes, inflammation, wrinkles, and sagging.
When used correctly, LED light therapy can renew these damaged skin cells, kill bacteria, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and treat conditions like rosacea, acne, and dermatitis.
Light is made up of different wavelengths and is a natural source of energy for the skin. Each of the different wavelengths, when put on skin in varying levels of intensity, can result in different benefits for your skin.
Red light therapy skin benefits include promotion of blood circulation and reduction of oil secretions from skin glands, improved skin healing and firmer, plumper skin.
Blue light reduces bacteria that causes acne and breakouts.
White light or Infrared light stimulates skin cells and provides an anti-inflammatory effect.
Amber light stimulates collagen to give your skin a brighter, more youthful appearance.
LED Light therapy was initially developed for medicinal purposes. In the 60s, it was used by the US navy to intensify the healing process of wounds and injuries. It was also used by astronauts in space to speed up the healing of any cuts and bruises in the absence of natural factors like oxygen and sunlight.
Researchers noted the skin regeneration properties and healthy repair of cells that LED light therapy offers and introduced it for aesthetic purposes in the beauty industry to deal with common concerns like inflammation, wrinkles, and acne.
Who can get LED light therapy?
You must be wondering if LED light therapy is safe for your skin. The answer is a big, resounding YES! This is a safe, non-invasive procedure that is good for all ages and all skin types.
Even if you don’t have any specific conditions like rosacea or eczema, LED light therapy is generally a safe and reliable treatment that can give your skin a natural boost and healthy glow. It is often paired with a skin peel, or facial for maximum results.
What should you expect during a LED Light therapy session?
Treatment is always recommended on clean, makeup-free skin. A gentle exfoliator is used to cleanse the pores before starting the treatment. You may also be given safety goggles to wear so your eyes stay protected throughout.
The treatment is simple – LED panels are placed a few inches away from your skin and the bright light penetrates the skin at a specific angle for about 15-20 minutes. The feeling is warm and soothing and does not make you uncomfortable or hot.
Is light therapy safe for your skin?
There is no UV light so there is no risk of burning or tans, skin damage or pain. The process doesn’t hurt, in-fact most people report they feel a calming and comforting warmth on their skin during the treatment. If you are taking any specific medications that result in increased sensitivity of the skin, it is prudent to get an opinion from your beauty therapist or dermal clinician.
How long does it take to see results?
The great thing about LED light therapy is that you will be able to see a difference after your first session – your skin will feel refreshed, calm and radiant. The best results are of course achieved after a series of sessions and a professionally devised course of treatment. Professionals suggest at least six sittings for tackling specific skin concerns.
LED light Therapy is often used in combination with other aesthetic treatments.
Can you do LED light therapy at home or only in the clinic?
There are a lot of at-home LED light therapy devices available now, giving you the option to do the treatment at home at your own convenience too. However, when it comes to results, a session at a beauty or skin clinic offers more intense and targeted treatment, under the watchful eye of a professional. Similarly, if you are a beginner, you might not use the equipment properly on your own, resulting in a waste of your time and resources.
Can you get the same results with any type of LED device?
This depends on the type of LED device you are using. One factor to look out for is the amount of ‘joules’ of energy the device is emitting – joule is a unit of measuring energy.
At-home treatment systems are generally not as advanced as those used in the clinics, which mean a prolonged course of treatment and more sessions are required at home before you see any visible results. Also, a trained professional will probably use a device that is approved by regulatory authorities and has proven clinical trial results, which means you get a better promise of quality in a shorter amount of time.
In a nutshell, LED light therapy is a great pain-free and non-invasive way for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin. LED light therapy is safe for sensitive skin too and is a great add-on to your existing treatments for specific skin concerns. Feel free to get in touch for a personal consultation where we’ll create a customised course of action for you!
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