LED light therapy is one of the latest noninvasive skincare treatments, and has been extremely popular in recent times. First developed by NASA for experiments on plant growth in space, it is now widely applied in skincare and beauty products. You must be wondering what this treatment involves.
LED light therapy utilises different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths. It rejuvenates the skin, correcting specific skin conditions and generally keeping the skin healthy. The treatment is pain-free and relaxing and thus widely utilised in beauty maintenance. This article covers how LED light therapy for skin works along with its benefits.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. These diodes emit a spectrum of light that is absorbed by the skin. Different light colours penetrate the skin at different depths, each carrying out a specific duty. First, let’s take a look at the various types of LED light and what they do for the skin:
1. Red Light
Red light can penetrate deep into the skin and is mainly used to stimulate collagen production in the human body.
Collagen will keep your skin firm and youthful. As we age, our bodies tend to have slower collagen production, which leads to visible signs of ageing such as sags, folds, and wrinkles. By improving collagen production, the best red light therapy for face helps fade fine lines and wrinkles
2. Blue Light
This phototherapy emits light that acts on the skin's surface and is especially effective for acne treatment. It kills acne bacteria, which essentially helps to clear up the existing spots and prevent further blemishes.
It has been around for many years because it offers anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness and irritation from acne.
3. Green Light:
Green light therapy is applied to even out skin tones and lighten hyperpigmentation. It targets melanin-producing cells, making dark spots appear lighter and making the complexion more luminous.
4. Yellow Light:
Yellow light therapy calms the complexion. It reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or for those prone to rosacea.
5. Purple Light:
Red and blue light combine to penetrate deep within the skin. This treatment heals the skin, lowers inflammation, and aids in the production of collagen. It is good for acne and is a natural anti-ageing treatment.
What Happens During an LED Light Therapy Session?
LED light therapy is a painless and easy process. Usually, a licensed skincare professional performs it in a spa or dermatologist's office, but at-home devices are also available for personal use.
- Pre-therapy preparation: Cleaning the skin to remove makeup, dirt, and oils allows light to penetrate effectively.
- Treatment: A device emitting the chosen wavelength of light is placed over the skin, covering the whole face or targeting particular areas. During treatment, you should probably wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from the bright lights.
- Relaxation: Sessions take about 20 to 30 minutes, and the treatment is painless, so you can relax as the light does its thing. Some patients even sleep during the treatment session!
- Post-treatment: You do not need post-treatment downtime; therefore, you can immediately return to your daily activities. Some report an immediate brightening effect on their skin, while others saw improvements over the days after treatment.
LED Light Therapy Benefits
LED light therapy is gaining popularity for a reason. The treatment offers many advantages, which explains why it is considered the best, especially for those with different skin conditions.
1. Anti-Ageing Effects
As mentioned earlier, red light therapy increases collagen production. The loss of collagen causes the skin to lose firmness, thereby losing a youthful appearance. With time, fine lines and wrinkles fade, and your skin is left much smoother and brighter looking.
Under-eye Patches for Wrinkles are a great addition to treatment for targeting the delicate skin under the eyes. These patches can be an excellent complement to LED light therapy.
Patches help hydrate and plump up the skin so that fine lines and crow's feet become faint in appearance.
2. Treating Acne and Preventing Breakouts
Blue light therapy is excellent for killing acnegenic bacteria on the skin. Reducing the population of these bacteria helps clear up existing lesions and prevent future breakouts; hence, it's a fabulous choice for people who are easily affected by acne but prefer a chemical-free, gentle approach to solving this problem.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of LED light therapy is that it is soothing and non-irritating to the skin, unlike many traditional treatments for acne. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin who can't tolerate harsher treatments.
3. Preventing Hyperpigmentation
It works on melanin-producing cells in the skin and fades dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots. Thus, it improves the general tone and clarity of the skin, giving it a more even complexion.
People frustrated with dark spots caused by acne, sun damage, or ageing have found great relief in LED light therapy in this concern.
4. Improvement of skin texture and tone
LED light therapy helps improve the texture and tone of the skin by enhancing the healing process and cell regeneration.
This process results in smooth and even-looking skin. Many people say that their skin feels softer and looks brighter or glowing after regular treatments. LED light therapy can also minimise the size of pores, resulting in finer-looking skin.
5. Soothing Sensitive Skin
Yellow light therapy especially suits sensitive skin types or even people suffering from rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory properties diminish redness and irritation, making it useful to those with sensitive or easily reacting skin.
Long-term sessions may help boost the skin's natural barrier function, meaning that the tendency to become irritated in the skin layer will be minimised in the long term.
6. Non-Invasive and No Downtime
One of the largest attractions of LED light therapy is that it is completely noninvasive. Unlike more aggressive treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy, it does not require recovery time.
You can leave a session and resume normal activities without redness, swelling, or peeling.
At-Home LED Light Therapy Devices
Even though many people are still more comfortable receiving LED light therapy in a clinical setting, it has rapidly gained popularity as an at-home device. Such devices would allow you access to all the benefits of LED light therapy in the comfortable confines of your own home.
LED eye patches are also available for those who want to target specific areas, like the delicate skin around the eyes. Patches can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, giving the under-eye area a youthful look.
It's worth mentioning, however, that an in-home system may not be as strong as professional equipment. While improvements will be noticeable, they might appear later than those realised in professional facilities.
Follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer with care, as improper use may cause side effects; some people have found themselves overexposed to the light.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
While the treatment is non-invasive painless and does not involve the use of chemicals, there are still a few potential risks and side effects. Therefore, consider the following:
- Eye Protection: Protective goggles are advised during treatment, especially when using blue or red light. If exposed to it for longer periods, extremely bright light might provoke discomfort or irritation in one's eyes.
- Skin Sensitivity: Patients might experience redness or sensitivity after the treatment, though this is relatively rare. This happens more often in people with very sensitive skin or who are prone to allergic reactions. ALWAYS patch-test any new device or treatment before applying it to your entire face.
- Not a Replacement for Medical Treatment: While LED light therapy may give you glowing-looking skin, it is no substitute for medical treatment of harmful skin conditions such as cystic acne or melanoma. If you have a serious skin condition, it's probably safe to say that you must consult a dermatologist before undergoing treatment.
Conclusion
LED light therapy is one of the latest and most effective skincare treatments, bringing with it a host of advantages, from reducing wrinkles and acne to enhancing one's skin tone and texture.
Whether you go for a professional session or invest in an at-home device, this minimally invasive treatment helps achieve healthier, brighter skin without using harsh chemicals or invasive surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I do LED light therapy?
Use 2-3 times of LED light therapy treatments per week to get maximum benefits. The frequency can be adjusted according to how your skin needs it and how it reacts to the treatments. If you use an at-home device, be sure to follow its usage instructions.
Can it be used on all skin types?
Yes, LED light therapy is proven to be generally safe and non-harmful for all skin types. It uses this gentle treatment to address several concerns without damaging or irritating the skin.
How soon will I see the effects of this LED light treatment?
Many patients notice a glow and softness to the skin immediately. The deeper effects, such as fewer wrinkles or acne, are typically apparent after a few weeks.
Can these be used with other treatments in a skincare routine?
LED light therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, or topical skincare products. Application ofLED light therapy does not affect the other treatments.
Is LED light therapy painful?
No, LED light therapy is painless. Most find the treatment relaxing and comfortable, with no discomfort during or after the session.
