How LED Therapy Can Improve Your Skin
If you are currently at your wit’s end dealing with skin imperfections that are driving you up the wall, then brace yourself. A non-invasive solution to improve your skin does exist.
It is called LED therapy.
LED, short for Light-Emitting Diode, has evolved from NASA technology. Who would have thunk right? And It has been used in science, the military, and beauty treatments over the past few decades. However, you do not need to be a rocket scientist to fully understand how it works. All you need to know is that it is loved by many all around the globe, and with reason.
So much so, that a recent study looked at six different trials with 216 people and found that using LED therapy for about 4 to 12 weeks reduces acne by 45.3%. That is definitely a stat we can get behind. Acne aside, that is not even touching on all the other skin-rejuvenating benetis this aesthetic procedure provides.
From NASA to out-of-this-world results, join us as we learn more about how this treatment can bring back your glow.
An In-Depth Look At LED Therapy
Believe it or not, LED technology has been around since the 1960s. Think neon signs and electronic displays. But in the 1990s, NASA discovered that using red and infrared LED light helps plants grow in space. That is pretty remarkable. They also discovered that it could help astronauts heal wounds faster.
Paddabing-paddboom, of course this discovery sparked interest in its medical potential. Almost right off the bat scientists started testing LED light for pain relief, muscle recovery, and wound healing. And by the 2010s, LED therapy made its debut in skincare.
But the question remains, how does it actually work? In a nutshell, LED uses different types of light that works in different kinds of ways. These photo wavelengths are typically measured in nanometers (nm) and penetrate your skin at different depths to tackle different issues. By using almost all the colours of the rainbow, LED therapy can treat multiple skin concerns at once. Let’s break it down even further. When we look at red light therapy (measured at 630 – 700 nm wavelength within the red light spectrum), it is known to boost collagen and elastin production. This boost tackles ageing concerns, as well as making your skin firmer and reducing wrinkles. On the off chance you are not quite sure what collagen and elastin are, we got you. These two proteins are super important for keeping your skin looking youthful and firm. But as we get older, our bodies make less of them, so a little extra boost is always a good idea.
When it comes to blue light therapy (400 – 470 nm wavelength), you can count on this shade of awesome to combat some of your acne concerns. This is because blue light therapy is a powerhouse when it comes to killing Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, the bacteria responsible for the majority of acne outbreaks. It also calms inflammation, and controls your oil production to prevent clogged pores from becoming an issue.
Next on the list is the green light therapy. Clocking in at 515 – 520 nm, it helps even out your skin tone, brighten dark spots, and soothe irritation. Yellow light (570 – 590 nm) improves circulation, reduces redness, and is perfect for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Last but not least, infrared light (800 – 900 nm wavelength within the red light spectrum) goes deep into the skin to speed up healing, reduce swelling, and repair damaged tissue.
To sum it all up, the above clearly indicates that LED therapy is a FABULOUS (and painless) option if you want to reduce fine lines, clear acne, even out your skin tone and soothe inflammation.
Not to mention, unlike UV rays, which are harmful and damage the skin, the LED light used in multiple LED masks is safe. The treatment does not cause burns or irritation and is suitable for all skin types.
Fun In The Sun Aside, What About The Disadvantages?
In all honesty, the downsides are minimal. Because, one of the biggest advantages of LED therapy is that it virtually has no side effects.
Unlike other skin treatments that may cause redness, peeling or irritation, LED therapy is gentle and well-tolerated. But, if we had to nit-pick, it may not be as effective for more severe conditions. These types of conditions include deep wrinkles or significant scarring.
Another downside is that your results are temporary due to the non-invasive nature of this treatment. Meaning ongoing treatments might be necessary to maintain your results.
Lastly (because we are nit-picking here), people with certain skin conditions, such as photosensitivity, those taking medications that increase sensitivity to light, or those suffering from epilepsy, may not be ideal candidates for an LED face mask treatment.
Naturally, it is important to ALWAYS consult with a professional before booking any treatment, however, if you fall under the above category, it is even more so!
Full Circle, Here Is What You Need To Remember
LED therapy is amazing.
It is an effective treatment that combats various skin concerns without having to go under the proverbial knife. It is loved by many and is a great treatment to incorporate into your skincare routine.
According to the stats, red LED light can increase collagen production by up to 200%, which improves skin texture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Another study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed that LED therapy reduced acne lesions by approximately 30 to 50% after roughly 4 to 12 weeks of treatment.
Studies have also suggested it can reduce healing time by as much as 50% for certain types of wounds. And the cherry on top? LED devices used in skincare treatments are FDA-cleared for their safety and efficacy.
So, why not give your skin the light it deserves? These are our thoughts exactly.
