LED light therapy has surged in popularity over the past few years. A few of your favorite celebs are big fans, including Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian. Still, the procedure gets a lot of buzz mainly because it delivers on its promises against acne and signs of aging using light technology. Plus, it’s fun to look like you're in the year 2145!

But how does LED light therapy really work? What sort of skin benefits can it actually provide? And are LED light masks safe for at-home use? In this article, I’ll explain exactly what you need to know about LED light therapy.

Just What is LED Light Therapy?

LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes different wavelengths of infrared light to help treat various skin issues such as acne, fine lines, and wound healing.  It was first developed for clinical use by NASA back in the nineties to help heal astronauts' skin wounds — though research on the topic continues to grow, and support, its many benefits.

What does LED light therapy help with?

LED light therapy helps treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions, including:

• Eczema
• Hair loss
• Mild to moderate acne
• Psoriasis
• Rough, scaly, precancerous spots on the skin (actinic keratosis)
• Rosacea
• Sun damage
• Wounds
• Wrinkles

What are the different light colors?

LED light therapy uses various wavelengths that correspond to different visible colors. Each color penetrates the skin at different depths. 

• Blue light affects your skin’s top layer.
• Yellow light penetrates deeper.
• Red light travels even further into your skin.
• Near-infrared light penetrates deepest.

Different LED colors do different things. The two most popular LED light therapy colors are red and blue. Experts believe:

• Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age.
• Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).

During treatment, skin specialists may use a combination of lights to treat your specific issue. At-home devices may also combine colors.

What are the potential side effects?

Unlike more invasive procedures such as laser therapy, LEDs don’t burn your skin. They also don’t cause any pain. Since LEDs don’t contain UV rays, this is considered a safer form of light therapy that won’t cause any long-term damage to your skin. The procedure is also noninvasive, so it has very few risks.

• Accutane increases your skin’s sensitivity to light, so if you’re on Accutane for acne you may want to avoid LED lights as it may cause scarring in some instances.
• You also shouldn’t use LED light therapy if you’re using anything on your skin that makes you sensitive to sunlight.
• You also might consider avoiding this treatment if you currently have an active rash.

How do I prepare for LED light therapy?

For both LED light home masks and LED light in-office machines, the skin must be clean and without makeup. Experts indicate washing your face with a gentle cleanser that doesn't irritate your skin. You'll also be required to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the light. If you decide to get an LED treatment along with a massage or facial, you don't have to do much but lay there!

What happens after therapy?

LED light therapy is noninvasive, so no recovery time is required. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities once your treatment is over.

In-office LED light therapy requires up to 10 sessions or more, each spaced out about a week apart. You may start to see minor results after your first session. Results will be more dramatic and noticeable once you’ve finished all your treatments.

But even after you’ve achieved the recommended number of sessions, your results aren’t permanent. As your skin cells turn over, you may lose some collagen and start to see signs of aging again. You may also start to see acne breakouts. This is why it’s recommended that you go back for maintenance treatments every few months or as recommended by your provider.

It’s also worth noting that at-home LED light treatments aren’t as dramatic because the light frequencies aren’t as high. I can offer you this innovative treatment that helps with acne, fine lines, and even psoriasis.

My focus on self-renewal involves a proactive approach to living well, making LED light therapy a perfect addition to your wellness routine. Book your appointment online or contact me via text or call me at (847) 770-5950. Let’s work together to determine the proper routine for you!