Everything you need to know about skin transformation with LED Lights By Taylor Shillam
The latest skin therapy tools are taking the form of bright lights, a futuristic mask, or a handheld device emitting wavelengths of light. LED light therapy for the skin may sound like an endeavor of the future, but it’s actually one of today’s most popular skin treatments, thanks to celebrities and top estheticians praising the latest treatments delivered with LED light technology.
LED (light-emitting diode) utilizes light that penetrates into and beneath the skin. This light therapy is more than just trendy: Today’s LED light therapies are non-invasive treatments often provided by estheticians and dermatologists to address a wide variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and acne, revealing a clearer, brighter complexion. It has been shown to deliver a solid defense against acne, inflammation, and signs of aging.
While LED light techniques can be used anywhere on the skin, they are most often used for facial treatments. There are also at-home treatments and devices available to incorporate LED light therapy into your daily routine at your convenience.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
LED light therapy works through light emitted at various wavelengths, which are selected based on each patient’s needs. Each wavelength corresponds to a different visible color, with varying depths of skin penetration, and a different benefit for the skin.
Red light therapy has been exceptionally popular, from its in-office treatments to its in-store beauty products. Red light therapy often promotes circulation within the skin, along with collagen and elastin production, promoting strong, youthful skin. It’s also known to help banish inflammation, energize the skin, and aid the skin’s repair and restoration process—all valuable in treating an array of conditions, from acne to psoriasis. Red light therapy is often provided in the form of a light panel, wand or face mask.
Antimicrobial blue light is known to affect the outermost layer of the skin to banish acne-causing bacteria. Yellow and green LED light penetrate deeper to treat skin sensitivity and promote even skin color.
In-Office Light Therapy Treatments
Light therapy is effective in its ability to be customized, including wavelengths used, treatment length, and light source. While in-office LED light therapies are often most beneficial, at-home therapies are available and can still be highly effective.
Preparation for your LED light therapy simply includes a gentle cleansing of the skin before performing your daily skin-care regimen, and it is important to complete the treatment before facial serums or medications are applied.
LED light therapy is often used in conjunction with other complexion-boosting treatments and products, including ointments, creams and facials, to provide best results. Often, appointments are available to combine an LED treatment alongside a facial or massage. For these appointments, eye protection is provided along with a comfortable place to lay down, relax and receive your scheduled treatments. The LED light portion of the treatment typically lasts just 20 to 30 minutes.
There’s no need to plan for downtime after your in-office therapy is complete; simply return to your regularly scheduled activities—just take extra care to stay out of the sun and apply extra sunscreen for the next few days. Because best results with LED light therapy are achieved over time, follow-up appointments may be required to get the results you desire.
LED Light Therapy at Home
Several at-home light therapy products are available to transform your skin at your convenience, including masks, portable wands, and other hand-held devices. Most at-home therapies only require use for a few minutes a day.
Popular at-home devices include the SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand, used for about five minutes a day to help banish puffiness, fine lines, dark spots and blemishes; and the LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device, recommended by estheticians as a hand-held device that combines two devices in one to fight both acne and wrinkles.
The advanced Foreo UFO 2 Power Mask and Light Therapy Device is popular due to its quick treatments that combine heating, cooling, and pulsating. The device takes just two minutes of use to provide the hydrating, soothing and firming effects you’d receive from a facial.
The Light Salon Boost LED Mask, Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD Red Light Therapy lamp and Omnilux Contour Flexible LED Face Mask are top at-home therapy choices that can be purchased from a selection of top retailers from WalMart to Nordstrom. Before you buy, research the best products for your goals and plan to incorporate your device into your daily routine for best results.
Is LED Light Therapy Safe?
For most patients, LED light therapy is considered ultra-safe. It is non-invasive, carries few risks, and can be used on skin of all types. With eye protection provided, you won’t have to worry about keeping your eyes safe from long-term light exposure. For patients with rare circumstances, such as enhanced photosensitivity or eye disorders, light therapy may not be advisable.
Whether you’re seeking LED light therapy for fine lines, acne, scarring, collagen production, or reduced skin inflammation, the good news is, this form of skin therapy is customizable enough to address it all. To get started, define your skin-care goals and consult a professional.
The best results from LED light therapy are seen over time—so whether you’re receiving a professional, in-office treatment or using a take-home product, keep in mind that results take time to achieve and maintain. Find a way to incorporate LED light therapy into your regular routine, and you could be well on your way to glowing through the spring!
Comments