What is LED Light Therapy
LED therapy devices send light of different wavelengths deep into the skin to trigger natural intracellular reactions. LED targets the light receptors on our cells which then converts the light into energy. The cells are then fuelled with all the energy that they need to be able to function at optimal ability. Depending on the light, your skin is going to respond differently.
Blue light
* reduces activity in the sebaceous glands, which are small oil-producing glands in the skin. This reduction in activity causes the glands to produce less oil, possibly improving acne symptoms. Blue light may also kill a type of bacteria that contributes to acne by causing inflammation.
Animal research indicates that blue light can improve the healing of third degree burns.
Yellow light
* enhances wound healing, collagen induction, skin hydration, reduces rosacea & redness, and promotes skin rejuvenation and overall health of the skin.
Red light
* improves scarring and signs of aging, such as blemishes, stretch marks and wrinkles. It may do this by acting on fibroblasts, which are skin cells that are responsible for collagen production.
Collagen is a protein in the skin and other connective tissues. It plays a role in skin healing. Other benefits may include:
• Reduced pain, inflammation and swelling of the skin
• Accelerated cell regeneration
• Increases lymphatic activity
• Strengthened the immune system
• Increased circulation
• Speeds healing of acne and rosacea
• Fades scars and stretch marks
• Prevents hair loss & can stimulate regrowth
What to expect
Eye protection is used as the lights are quite bright. LED treatments take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on face or whole body application; and up to 10 sessions may be necessary. At first, it feels warm, but patients report really liking the feeling of relaxation. Loose fitting clothes with hair pulled back is perfect for Facial LED Treatment. For Whole Body Red + NIR Red LED treatment, customers are encouraged to minimise clothing worn to maximise light exposure to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits.
At-home LED devices may be more convenient because no appointments are necessary. However, they may be less effective than professional treatments.
After this, a person may need to return periodically for maintenance sessions.
When using an at-home device, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These devices typically come in the form of a mask that a person applies to the face for several minutes or a wand that they use on the skin.
Uses and benefits
LED light therapy can help treat a variety of skin problems, including:
• acne
• dermatitis
• dull skin
• eczema
• psoriasis
• rosacea
• scarring
• signs of aging, including wrinkles and age spots
• sun damage
• wound healing
• other inflammatory skin conditions
Does it work?
Research indicates that LED light therapy can be effective for musculo-skeletal injuries, wound healing and other types of skin damage.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, a review of several studies indicates that LED light therapy devices can improve a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis and mild-to-moderate acne; but patients should not expect all acne to clear.
It is necessary to have several treatment sessions before noticing an improvement in skin appearance. People usually see the best results several weeks after their last treatment.
It may also be necessary to have follow-up sessions to maintain these results.
Home devices are usually less effective than professional treatments.
Safety and side effects
One of the main benefits of LED light therapy is its excellent safety record. It does not contain UV rays, which can be harmful to the skin. LED light therapy is suitable for use on any body part, including the face, hands, neck, and chest. LED therapy is suitable for regular use. Unlike chemical peels or laser therapy, LED light therapy is non-invasive and does not cause burns. The treatment is also safe for all types and colors of skin. Following treatment, no recovery time is necessary.
Short-term side effects are rare. When they do occur, they may include:
• inflammation
• rashes
• skin redness
• tenderness
Experts caution however that the long-term effects of these devices remain unknown.
Contra-indications
The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye (such as diabetes) and the use of photosensitizing medications (i.e. isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne, lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics and certain antibiotics). People with a history of skin cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus should also avoid this kind of treatment.
People with skin conditions should speak to a dermatologist before using LED light therapy.
