LED light therapy is a new form of facial treatment that’s borne from research and technology developed by NASA!
While using LED lights to promote plant growth in space, engineers discovered that they actually have beneficial effects on our skin, including smoothing wrinkles, preventing/treating acne, and reducing inflammation in our skin.
Beauty therapists and skin clinics have since adopted the technique and begun treating patients with LED lights as part of a cosmetic service.
What to expect from an LED light facial
When beauty experts realised the benefits of using LED light therapy on their patients, they began running LED light facial treatments as part of their regular services.
Because LED light therapy doesn’t contain any UV light, it means it is safe for use on the skin in conjunction with other types of facial treatments too such as hydro facials.
Over time, adding LED light facials into your skincare routine can be a great way to reduce inflammation, prevent breakouts, and stimulate the collagen in your skin.
Appointments usually only last between 10-20 minutes and can be performed twice a week or as advised by your treatment provider.
Benefits
There are various reasons why you might consider using LED light treatment on your skin.
These mainly include reducing wrinkles and inflammation and the treatment of acne. Other benefits and treatment uses include:
- Skin irritations (dermatitis)
- Eczema and rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Acne scarring
- Age spots
- Sun damage
There are also a range of other inflammatory skin conditions that can safely be treated by LED light therapy so speak to one of our specialists and we can advise if the treatment is right for you.
Are there any dangers to LED light therapy?
LED therapy is very safe. LED lights do not contain ultraviolet (UV) light rays and so don’t burn your skin. This makes LED light therapy much more like oxygen facials vs chemical peels in terms of their side effects.
However, there is a very rare chance that LED light therapy could lead to some minor side effects. These include pain, inflammation, tenderness, and rashes. If you experience any of these, or other side effects, then get in touch with your treatment provider as soon as possible.
Light therapy for skin
The way that LED light therapy is used on our skin is by treating you with a specific type of LED light depending on what you want to achieve from your treatment.
For example, there are four main colours of LED light (representing different wavelengths) that are used and they all have different benefits.
Amber/orange LED light stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in our skin, combating signs of ageing.
Blue LED light stimulates oxygen radicals deep within the skin which then kill bacteria and treat acne.
Red LED light promotes blood circulation underneath the skin which has a whole host of aesthetic and anti-ageing benefits.
White LED light tightens the skin and reduces inflammation.
Can you use LED light for acne?
Yes, LED light therapy can be used to help treat acne.
Specifically, if you want to treat acne, you would use a blue LED light. This particular frequency of light is the most effective at treating acne because it kills the bacteria present in the skin without leaving any damage to the skin.
If you want to use LED light therapy to treat acne, then it is advised to not take isotretinoin (Accutane) at the same time.
What is blue LED light therapy?
Blue LED light therapy is used primarily to treat acne.
When operating at that specific wavelength, the light can penetrate deep into the skin and then stimulates the production of oxygen radicals. This in turn kills the bacteria that acne needs to thrive.
What is red LED light therapy?
Red LED light therapy has many benefits that relate to anti-ageing and healing.
Low level light therapy operates at a low level wavelength and when used consistently can lead to the reduction of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scarring.
Blue light vs red light therapy
You should go for whatever type of LED light treatment that suits your needs best. Although, it is also safe to use multiple forms of LED light therapy alongside each other.
If you want to prevent or treat acne, then blue light would be the best for you.
If you want to receive anti-ageing benefits then red light would be better suited to you.
LED light therapy before and after
As there are multiple types of LED light therapy on the market, you should take a look at before and after pictures that match your treatment goals.
Take a look at how blue LED light therapy was used here to treat acne and acne scarring.
After receiving LED light therapy over the course of 8 weeks, visible acne had decreased and skin complexion had improved.
Is LED red light therapy safe?
LED red light therapy is safe for regular use. This is because LED lights do not contain UV rays and doesn’t burn skin.
Because sun damage can lead to large pores, LED light therapy can treat your skin without you needing open pores treatment on top of this.
How often should you have LED light therapy?
You should think of LED light therapy as a long-term treatment. You can receive treatment twice a week, but should discuss with your treatment provider for a personalised treatment plan.
Is LED light therapy safe when pregnant?
LED light therapy is safe for use if you are pregnant.
Can LED light therapy make you feel ill?
LED light therapy can very rarely lead to some side effects. These include redness, inflammation, and pain.