LED stands for light-emitting diode. First used by NASA in the 1960s, this non-invasive technology has become a beloved skin treatment for acne, sun damage, wounds, and other indications.
A comfortable experience with zero downtime, LED light therapy emits specific wavelengths of light to trigger the skin’s natural healing response. Benefits include a boost in collagen, reduced inflammation and a clearer complexion.
Below, we explain how LED light therapy works, its different types and their many advantages. Keep reading to discover whether this treatment may be the right way forward for your skin.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that sends various wavelengths of light-emitting diodes into the skin for a glowing and plump appearance.
While LED light therapy can be applied anywhere on the body, it is usually used to treat skin indications on the face, including signs of sun damage, ageing and acne.
How does LED light therapy work?
LED light therapy emits beams of light that penetrate deep into the skin, where they elicit beneficial processes such as collagen production and wound healing.
A typical session lasts about 30 minutes, depending on your treatment goals. During this time, you will either lie beneath the LED light source, or your therapist will use a device such as a mask or a wand to target a more specific area.
Importantly, there are various wavelengths of the visible light spectrum, which have their own colours and penetrate the skin to different depths to achieve distinct results.
Below, we explain how the most common types of LED light treatment work.
Red LED light therapy
Red light is visible in wavelengths from 620 to 750 nm. This type of LED light therapy treats the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis.
When this layer of skin absorbs red light, the fibroblast cells in charge of collagen production are stimulated. This boost in collagen can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking smoother.
As well as enhancing skin tone and texture, Red LED light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation.
Blue LED light therapy
While some bacterial growth is important to healthy skin, others can cause excess oil production and blemishes. With a wavelength of 405nm to 420nm, blue light therapy can treat acne by killing harmful bacteria.
Essentially, the light activates chemicals within this bacteria, rupturing the cell’s outer walls and destroying its ability to contribute to skin issues.
Blue light can also target oil glands deep within your skin to reduce sebum production and, in turn, the likelihood of clogged pore that lead to acne.
Overall, LED blue light therapy benefits include keeping breakouts at bay, reducing inflammation and accelerating the skin’s healing response. Moreover, it is often used to help treat malignant or premalignant skin cancer growths.
Yellow LED light therapy
Yellow or amber LED light therapy refers to light with a wavelength from 570nm to 620nm. While its relatively shallow penetration level makes for a milder skin treatment, this form of LED light therapy brings many benefits – especially for skin concerns revolving around redness and inflammation, such as rosacea, broken capillaries and irritation.
Yellow LED light stimulates red blood cell production and circulation, in turn strengthening your skin’s ability to remain hydrated and heal. It also activates the lymphatic system, helping to flush toxins from the body.
In sum, yellow LED light therapy is chosen for its soothing effects, which can result in calm and clear skin.
6 benefits of LED light therapy
1. Fewer breakouts
LED light therapy is a wonderful treatment option for acne-prone skin. As explained above, this light helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and control sebum production to prevent clogged pores.
It is often used in conjunction with red light therapy, which soothes skin inflammation, and yellow LED light therapy, which reduces.
2. A more even complexion
Regular exposure to the sun and its UV rays can spark a suite of skin concerns, such as pigmentation and premature ageing.
Using a combination of blue and red LED light therapy, you can address these issues to achieve a brighter and more balanced complexion.
3. Increased collagen production
Collagen is a protein that plays a key role in skin healing and rejuvenation. Over time, our body produces less collagen, which causes our skin to appear less plump.
LED light therapy is often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For example, research suggests that red LED light therapy can help to tighten and smooth the skin. It may do this by stimulating fibroblast skin cells, which are responsible for collagen production.
4. Quicker healing
Collagen is vital to wound healing. As LED light therapy increases collagen production, it helps to accelerate your body’s natural recovery response. This therapy supports blood circulation, pain relief, and skin rejuvenation.
5. No pain or downtime
LED light therapy is a relaxing, non-invasive treatment with practically no downtime. Many of our clients describe the warm, pleasant sensation as feeling similar to laying out in the sun.
To top it off, this treatment often garners instantly-noticeable results, with skin appearing more radiant and rejuvenated from day one.
6. Suitable for most skin types
With no harmful UV rays present and a pristine safety record, one of the main LED light therapy benefits is that it can be used on all skin types.
While side effects are rare and short-term, they can include redness, inflammation, tenderness and rashes. Additionally, you should avoid LED therapy if you are taking acne medications like isotretinoin (Accutane), or use topical treatments that heighten skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Therefore, please seek specialist advice before undergoing LED light therapy. At Laser Skin And Vein, we are always happy to help you determine whether this is the best treatment for your skin goals.
Book a consultation for LED light therapy in Adelaide
LED light therapy is a firm favourite in the skincare industry, thanks to its collagen-boosting and wound-healing effects.
This non-invasive cosmetic procedure can be used to address a variety of skin indications, from acne, rosacea and sun damage to dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
At Laser Skin And Vein, we offer personalised LED light therapy in Adelaide to help you achieve your desired complexion.
If you’re ready to discover LED light therapy benefits for yourself, begin the journey to a more even, supple and clear complexion with our highly-trained team. Book a consultation today to find out more.
