In the market today, there is a lot of beauty trending tools that don’t deliver what they promise from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and zapping those zits. Fortunately, there are tried and tested solutions to help keep your skin healthy, glowing, and youthful.
LED light therapy has been the ultimate game-changer in changing your skin. Using LED lights is a popular non-invasive skin care treatment for acne, sunburns, wounds, and many other kinds of skin problems. The treatment triggers the skin’s natural healing process by using different wavelengths of light. To see results, you will need to undergo multiple treatments.
In this article, we are going to learn more about LED light therapy, the uses of different wavelength colors and benefits, and what to expect.
Definition of LED light therapy
LED is short for light-emitting diodes. LED light therapy is a non-invasive and painless skincare treatment that uses infrared lights in different wavelengths to penetrate deep into the skin.
A NASA study in the 1990s examined the effects of LEDs on wound healing in astronauts by promoting the growth of cells and tissues. To rejuvenate damaged skin, it triggers natural intracellular processes. Because of LED light therapy, cells and tissues are regenerated and repaired.
In today’s world, dermatologists and estheticians use LED light therapy to treat a range of skin conditions. To achieve the best results, skin specialists often combine LED light therapy with other treatments, such as creams, ointments, and facials.
LED light therapy can also be used at home through LED masks and other devices.
Benefits of different color wavelengths
LED light therapy is a revolutionary treatment that can address a variety of skin concerns. Besides red and blue, several other colors in LED light therapy are also beneficial. Here we’ll discuss all the colors, what they do, and how they can be used.
- Red light or near-infrared light (630nm) is most widely used because they penetrate deeply into the skin and affect it at the cellular level. It travels further into your skin than blue and yellow. It is used for anti-aging, the production of collagen, and acne.
- Blue light (415nm) is commonly used in our spas. It affects the uppermost layer of your skin, is more superficial, and is known as the antibacterial frequency that encourages bacteria to destroy themselves. It reduces oil production, prevents breakouts, and treats eczema and psoriasis.
- Green light (520nm) penetrates further past the epidermis and reaches the papillary dermis. Green LED light therapy can be used for age spots/dark spots, hyperpigmentation, discolorations, and sun damage instead of lightening creams. It gives the feel and appearance of softer, brighter, more radiant clarity.
- Yellow light (580nm) is like red light and penetrates deeper than blue light. It reduces the appearance of redness, swelling, and inflammation. The color of light in this spectrum is beneficial for treating skin conditions such as rosacea and sunburns.
- Cyan light (490nm) Known as blue-violet light, cyan light is effective for treating mild-to-moderate acne. Besides killing acne bacteria, cyan light therapy can reduce inflammation and redness in the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Purple light (400nm) increases the regeneration of cells. The procedure transforms the cell into a stem cell (a brand new cell) by reducing the telomeres of its DNA. It reduces the appearance of acne-related scars and facial inflammation.
- White light (3500k) is the most powerful wavelength. It tightens the skin and accelerates the growth and healing of skin cells. White light therapy is the most deeply absorbed wavelength that targets inflammation, speeds up tissue healing, and reduces scarring.
What to expect after the therapy
Since LED light therapy is noninvasive, there is no recovery time required. Upon completion of your treatment, you should be able to resume your usual activities.
In-office LED light therapy typically requires 10 sessions spaced about a week apart. As soon as your first session is over, you may start seeing minor results. Once all your treatments have been completed, the results will be more dramatic and noticeable.
It’s important to note that your results aren’t permanent after you’ve reached the recommended number of sessions.
During skin cell turnover, you may start to lose collagen and see signs of aging again. Acne breakouts may also occur. Therefore, you should undergo maintenance treatments every few months or as your provider recommends.
In-home LED light therapy, light frequencies aren’t as high as in professional treatments. If you are not sure what to do, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the recommended frequency of LED therapy?
It is recommended to use your device between two and five times a week, depending on its capabilities. Within three to four months, you should start seeing results. Once that point has been reached, you may be able to reduce your maintenance frequency.
Who is it for?
It’s pretty much for anyone who wants better-looking skin! Since LED is the least invasive high-tech beauty treatment, it’s suitable for everyone (even acne-prone teenagers).
Is there a need for downtime?
Not at all! LED therapy is extremely gentle, which means you can administer LED during your lunch break. It feels soothing and calming on the skin throughout the whole process.
Can you tell me how long each session lasts?
It depends on how large your device is. In general, the smaller the surface area, the longer the session will be. If you want to be safe, make sure to read the instructions on your home device.
How long will it take for me to see a result?
The longer you use the device the better the results. Here, it’s all about the long game. For full results, regular treatments will need to be undertaken for approximately one month.
Is there any side effect?
With LED light therapy, it is rare to experience side effects, but they may include redness, inflammation, and rashes.