How DOES LED light therapy work?
The way LED light therapy works on skin, and why it works, is a wonderful reminder of how amazing and complex our bodies are. Remember back in grade school, when we learned that plants get energy from the sun, while animals get energy from plants (or other animals that eat those plants?
That’s not the complete story. It turns out, our cells also absorb energy from the sun. And that means we can give our skin cells an extra boost of energy using LED light therapy.
How was red light therapy developed?
Years ago, it was NASA that first came up with the idea of using red LED (light-emitting diode) lights — which it had been using onboard spacecraft to help plants grow — on the human body to help astronauts heal. Within a range of wavelengths, the red light delivered energy to the cells without damaging heat. That energy triggers a process that allows cells to regenerate faster.
At the other end of the light spectrum, blue light can stop some growth in its tracks — in particular, it can kill bacteria. So, poetically we have light giving life and taking it away.
What does this mean with regard to LED light facials? It means LED light is an effective therapy for a number of different skin issues. Here’s why and when we recommend using it in our Hydrafacials.
Blue LED Light Therapy for Acne
You probably think of blue light as the glow emitted from your phone and computer screens that causes eye strain and keeps us up at night. Maybe so, but it can be a good thing too. When blue light is directed at the skin through a device like our Hydrafacial handpiece, it can reach down to the pores of the skin. Without damaging other cells the way ultraviolet rays do, the blue light kills bacteria and slows the production of oil, thus eliminating two causes of acne at once.
Red LED Light Therapy for Acne
After receiving blue light therapy, it may be best to follow it up with red light therapy as well, That’s because the red LED light signals cells to grow and multiply, and your acne-damaged skin can heal.
Does Red Light Therapy actually work for lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin?
Cell regeneration doesn’t quite sound as magical as the Fountain of Youth, but it’s pretty close. Applying red LED light therapy to the face (or elsewhere) sets off the cellular process that promotes cell turnover and boosts your skin’s collagen production. That means your skin will look smooth, plump, and glowy.
LED Light Therapy Side Effects
The downside of LED light therapy is that it can take several sessions to produce visible results. But the good news is that the therapy is painless, even soothing, and has no negative side effects. While laser treatments and peels boost collagen production faster, you may experience redness for a short time after those treatments. For many, the fact that there’s no such downtime after LED light treatment makes it well worth the wait.
What about LED light therapy at home?
You may also have seen LED light therapy masks and other devices for at-home treatment. Those are fine to use, but as with anything else you do at home, you’re not getting the same quality technology, nor the same guarantees that the machine will be emitting the right frequency of light. An in-office treatment is almost always going to be more effective.
Is LED light therapy right for your skin? Let’s set up a complimentary skin consultation and find out. If you’re looking for an LED light therapy facial, our Platinum Hydrafacial might be just the thing. Any questions? Put them in the comments section and we’ll be sure to respond!
