LED Light Therapy is a skincare treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue. Red is primarily used for anti-aging while blue is used for acne treatment.
The Procedure
There are different frequencies, or wavelengths, used with LED light treatment. These include red and blue light frequencies, which don’t contain ultraviolet rays and are readily absorbed into the skin. You simply lie down directly under the lights.
Red light
Red, or infrared, light is used for treating the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. When the light is applied to your skin, the epidermis absorbs it and then stimulates collagen proteins. In theory, more collagen means that your skin will look smoother and fuller, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Red LED light is also thought to reduce inflammation while improving circulation, which can give you a healthier glow.
Blue light
Blue LED light therapy, on the other hand, targets the sebaceous glands, which are also called oil glands. They’re located beneath your hair follicles. Sebaceous glands are necessary for lubricating your skin and hair so that it doesn’t dry out. However, these glands can become overactive, leading to oily skin and acne. The theory is that blue LED light therapy can target these oil glands and make them less active. In turn, you may see fewer acne breakouts. Blue light can also kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin, which can help treat severe acne pimples, including cysts and nodules.
Oftentimes, Blue LED light is used in conjunction with Red LED light to:
- Help treat acne
- Decrease scarring
- Promote anti-inflammatory effects
Duration of LED Light Therapy
On average, an LED light therapy treatment lasts about 20 minutes. You’ll likely need up to 10 treatments total, depending on the results you’re looking to achieve.
Safety Record
LED light therapy does not cause burns. The treatment is also safe for all types and colours of skin.
Other uses
- Treating skin dermatitis
- Treating dull skin
- Treating eczema
- Treating psoriasis
- Treating rosacea
LED Light Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is LED Light Therapy?
LED Light Therapy is a skincare treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light. Usually near-infrared, red, yellow, green and blue or combinations of these, depending on your skincare concern.
2. What can LED Light Therapy do?
LED Light Therapy commonly aids in:
- Increasing blood circulation
- Stimulating collagen production
- Assisting to heal wounds
- Helping to repair damaged skin
- Increasing RNA and DNA synthesis, helping damaged cells to replace more promptly
- Stimulating fibroblastic activity
- Killing bacteria that cause acne
- Comfort sore muscles, aches and pains
- Increasing oxygenation and restoration of the skin’s natural cellular activity, which keeps the skin renewed and fresh.
3. Is LED Light Therapy safe?
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment which, when correctly used, medical studies show to have no adverse side-effects. It has been used effectively for more than 15 years for both aesthetic and medical applications.
Unlike other types of light therapy, LEDs produce a pure light wavelength and do not contain ultraviolet rays. This means they are safe for regular use and cannot cause sunburn or tanning of the skin.
4. What is the difference between red light and near-infrared?
Red light targets the dermal layers, providing excellent results in collagen and elastin synthesis. Near-infrared is a frequency of light just below the visible spectrum and is able to penetrate even deeper into the dermis. It can reach the subcutaneous layer of skin and the muscle to enable deep tissue repair and cellular regeneration.
5. Is LED Light Therapy suitable for me?
LED Light Therapy is suitable for all skin types and colours. It assists the skin’s own ability to rejuvenate itself by boosting collagen synthesis and stimulating wound healing.
6. Who shouldn’t do LED Light Therapy?
- Do not use LED Light Therapy if you’re taking Accutane or any medicine that makes your skin sensitive to sunlight such as some antibiotics.
- Do not use LED Light Therapy if you are pregnant.
7. What do I need to do to prepare for my LED Light Therapy treatment?
Be well hydrated when you arrive for your treatment. If possible, arrive without makeup or sunscreen on. For best results, exfoliate the night before your treatment.
8. What does LED Light Therapy feel like?
Undergoing treatment feels like lying on the beach and basking in the sun – but without the harmful UV rays! Your skin should get no more than slightly warm, but the “glow” sensation can last hours after your treatment.
9. What will I look like when I leave the clinic?
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment with few, if any, risks. There will be no redness or swelling when you complete your treatment session leaving you free to resume normal activities.
10. How long is a LED Light Therapy treatment session?
Because of the power of these machines, treatment time does not exceed 20 minutes. Sessions are therefore 30 minutes in length including preparation time.
11. What do I need to do to care for my skin after LED Light Therapy?
We recommend that you apply a sunscreen immediately after your treatment session. It is okay to reapply makeup immediately. There is no “downtime” after LED Light Therapy, but it is best not to undertake exercise until the following day.
12. What results should I expect after my first treatment?
LED Light Therapy is incremental and builds on the work of previous treatments. This means you should expect results from your first treatment to be relatively minor, but improvement should increase significantly with each further treatment. Improvement to your skin should even continue after your last treatment.
13. How many treatment sessions will I need?
A course of LED Light Therapy is usually 10 sessions spaced at weekly or twice weekly intervals. Expect your skin to continue improving for several weeks after your final treatment.
14. When I have completed all my treatment sessions, how long will the effects last?
The effects of LED Light Therapy are not permanent. This is because your skin cells are constantly being shed and renewed. Expect to have follow-up sessions in around 4 to 6 months.
