Does LED Light Therapy Really Work For The Skin?
LED Light therapy has grown very popular over the years and is favored by estheticians and skin enthusiasts because it is known to accelerate skin healing. If you’re someone with acne, inflammation, texture, dullness, and anti-aging concerns, light therapy might be something to consider during your next facial or for an at-home skin care routine booster. Keep reading below to learn what light therapy is, the difference between red light and blue light, how they work, and some of my personal favorite skin care devices.
What is LED light therapy?
Low-level-light therapy is based on Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology and is the application of light energy to the body for therapeutic benefits. It promotes a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynthesis. Before the widespread use of light therapy for humans, NASA was using light therapy to help grow plants in space which progressed to discovering the many skin, mood, and wellness benefits we appreciate today.
The energy delivered by the LEDs has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism, accelerate the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, and even stimulate the production of collagen — the foundation of healthy, smooth skin. Research has shown that LED light therapy may help smooth skin texture, improve skin firmness and resilience, increase lymphatic system activity, restore skin’s natural cellular activity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and superficial hyperpigmentation. The treatment is for generally for all skin types, and is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime.
What does red light therapy do?
Red light therapy uses light energy in the electro-magnetic spectrum around 640nm. Fibroblasts make collagen fibers, so it stands to reason that the more, and healthier, fibroblasts we have in the skin, the more and better collagen fibers are made. Red light has been shown to stimulate fibroblast growth factors to encourage collagen production. It has proven to be an effective treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, skin elasticity, texture, inflammation, and healing resulting in a more plump, smooth and glowing complexion.
What does blue light therapy do?
Blue light therapy uses light energy in the electro-magnetic spectrum of 400-500nm and works by killing acne-causing bacteria at the source, deep beneath the skin’s surface. As more people are searching for more natural, chemical-free alternatives to traditional acne solutions, blue light therapy can be a perfect non-invasive tech-boost for acne control. Blue LED light therapy emits specific, clinically-proven wavelengths of light to trigger an all-natural effect in human tissue, killing acne-causing bacteria, decreasing inflammation, and improving skin tone, texture, and clarity from the inside out.
What Do I Use In My Facial Treatment Room?
I love working with Celluma in my treatment room because of Celluma’s unique C-shape design and ability to mold close to the facial area during facial services better than other options. This helps improve cellular performance on a microscopic level, skin cells are able to absorb even more light energy in less time, speeding up the acne elimination and skin healing process.
OTHER LIGHT THERAPY BENEFITS:
Cell generation to replace old cells (mitosis)
Reduction and prevention of cell death (apoptosis)
Neurogenesis (new neurons)
Development of new capillaries (angiogenesis)
Increased blood flow
Increased lymphatic system activity
Omnilux Contour Mask
Light therapy Q&A:
Q: Does light therapy hurt?
A: No. Light therapy is non-invasive and is painless when used as intended.
Q: Does light therapy use UV light?
A: No. light therapy utilizes a combination of blue, red, and sometimes near-infrared (not visible to the naked eye) light emitting diodes (LEDs) only.
Q: How long does a session last?
A: During a facial a light therapy session can range from 15-30 minutes. For at home use, a session might be 10-20 minutes at a time.
Q: Do I need to be close to the light therapy device?
A: Light therapy should be in close proximity to the area being treated. Skin should also be free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that may deflect light away from the skin.
Q: Do I need to remove makeup and have fresh skincare done?
Many makeup formulas contain minerals that may deflect light. Clean, bare skin is recommended for best results.
The final takeaway:
Led light therapy masks can help promote glowing healthy skin. Although most say the results can be fantastic, they need to be maintained with regular use and should not be seen as the only solution for all skin concerns, nor be a substitute for professional care. Light therapy also isn’t a must-have skin care item, think of it more as a complement to give an extra boost to your current skin and self care routine.
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, skin care products or starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
