Many of us are searching for noninvasive and nonablative procedures for improving the appearance and texture of our skin. LED light therapy addresses this need by encouraging the skin to activate it’s natural healing process.
LED therapy - or Light Emitting Diode therapy - is becoming more popular as a treatment option for many medical and cosmetic uses. It is listed under the blanket term of phototherapy or photorejuvenation but is not to be confused with laser - which results in “controlled damage” to the skin in order to promote healing.
LED light technology was originally discovered by NASA and used for its wound healing properties. The different colours of LED light - red, blue, green and white - indicate different wavelengths of visible light and all penetrate the skin to different depths to give different results.
WHAT ARE THE SKIN BENEFITS?
Typically red and blue lights are used in treatments.
Red light acts by stimulating cells in the skin called fibroblasts as well as growth factors. Fibroblasts help us in our production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein in the connective tissue in the skin that helps it to regenerate or heal. Simply put, it can help to improve the appearance of your skin by lifting and tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and healing inflammation and redness.
Blue light is mostly used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It is thought to do this in one of two ways: by targeting the sebaceous glands in the skin and decreasing oil production, which often clogs up the hair follicles; and indirectly killing the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acne (P. Acnes) found on our skins.
IS IT SAFE TO USE?
One of the best features of LED light therapy is it’s safety. It is gentle and does not burn the skin or damage the skin. And there are no demonstrable side effects noted in studies associated with the use of LED therapies. There is no pain, blistering or swelling.
Quote - “..., patients can have a treatment during their lunch hour and return to work immediately.” (Bio #1)
While there are definite benefits to light therapy, it does require several sessions to see results. But it can be used safely and with good outcomes in combination with other facial treatments, including topical skincare and injectables.
It is an exciting, noninvasive therapy that can have great visible results.
So… let’s get started!
Bibliography:
J. Clin Aesthet Dermatology. 2018; 11(2):21-27.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes: Treating a broad range of medical and aesthetic conditions in dermatology. Ablon, G, MD FAAD
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 50: 613-628 (2018). Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Jagdeo, J, MD, MS, Austin, E, BS et.al