LED Light Therapy has become so popular and we can see why this not-so-new fad is exceedingly generating so much love and attention across the globe.
Before we dive into what LED Light Therapy is all about, let's look at the difference between LED and infrared therapy. They can often be confused as the same thing, but they work quite differently.
LED facial at Lis Beauty salon, Brisbane
LED & Infrared Therapy, what is the difference?
LED Light Therapy is a non-thermal therapy and is considered to be safe and less invasive than other therapies. Unlike LED, infrared therapy involves the use of infrared radiation to produce local heat. Therefore, it is more likely to cause side effects such as thermal burns to the skin, due to overheating from the use of thermal energy.
While LED therapy works with wound healing and targeting skin concerns, Infrared assists in the relief of pain and stiffness, as well as other common health issues.
The most studied mode of LED skin therapy is infrared light therapy. While it is mostly favoured for aesthetics, it is also a relatively new go-to treatment for humans and our beloved animals that might suffer any forms of pain or injury.
According to professionals, LED light therapy can really transform your skin and allow for a really beautiful and youthful glow.
While both are two very different forms of energy, they do have an abundance of skin and health benefits.
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED Light Therapy is a highly attractive and non-invasive treatment that you can have to treat numerous skin conditions on various types of clientele.It can be performed professionally at a beauty salon with your favourite skincare facial, or an add-on treatment to a vast variety of available beauty services the salon might offer.
With the FDA approving some LED products for home use, it can also be done in the comfort of your own home a few times a week.
Being around since the 60's, LED Light Therapy has only just recently been used as a skin treatment. Since being discovered it has shown promising results in human tissue growth and wound healing.
LED light therapy skincare facial at Lis Beauty salon, Brisbane
The most common skin conditions that can be treated include:
- sun damaged skin
- acne
- wounds
- wrinkles
- Skin redness
- scarring
- dark spots
- inflammation
- eczema
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- dermatitis
- Tired and dull skin
LED stands for "light emitting diode". It was originally discovered by NASA in plant growth experiments on shuttle missions, with studies showing great evidence of wound healing.
How does LED work?
It works to treat unwanted conditions by triggering the skin's natural healing process by using the varying wavelengths of light. These wavelengths of visible light penetrate the skin at different depths. The most common lights used to promote LED skin treatments are red & blue.
What colour LED light do I need?
Red & blue are the most popular choice when it comes to LED light therapy, but there are other coloured LED Lights that you can use that also want their claim to fame for their added skin benefits? We've listed some of the different types of LED Light Therapy that is available and what each colour represents.
Red LED Light Therapy - Skin Rejuvenation:
Experts believe that the red light acts on cells known as fibroblasts which are responsible for the production of collagen, therefore working on skin healing and reversing the signs of photoaging.
Red LED light penetrates the skin deeper than the blue light, which is why it is commonly used to treat & reduce the signs of photoaging skin. The increased collagen works to shrink pores and reduce those unwanted fine lines and wrinkles, showing off smooth, supple, youthful skin.
There have also been studies to show that red light therapy has assisted in the restoration of hair loss with people that have androgenetic alopecia, and male & female pattern hair loss.
Red light therapy is said to be the best and fastest for skin wound healing.
Blue LED Light Therapy - Skin Clearing:
Blue light therapy targets the top layer of the skin, and is most commonly used to treat skin conditions like acne.
The blue light actively reduces activity in the sebaceous glands and helps kill bacteria to improve acne symptoms. This nasty bacteria is called Cutibacterium acnes, which is caused by elevated production of sebum within the sebaceous glands.
The bacteria in acne contains porphyrins, and when it compiles within the pores, it causes havoc such as breakouts and inflammation. Porphyrins are light sensitive and are killed both below and above the skin. The blue light will not only eliminate bacteria, but will also work to leave you with a clearer and brighter complexion, reducing the signs of acne, redness and inflammation of the skin.
Studies conducted also showed the effects that the blue light has on the healing process of third degree burns.
Yellow LED Light Therapy - Skin Calming:
Yellow light therapy stimulates circulation and triggers the lymphatic system, therefore improving the cells ability to eliminate toxins by increasing the exchange of oxygen within the skin cells. By increasing toxin elimination it's said to help generate a beautiful hydrated, glowing skin complexion. It is said to benefit in reducing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, heals & tones the skin creating an enhanced skin firmness with an improved skin texture. Targeting overall health of the skin, that pick me up glow sounds pretty damn fabulous to us.
Purple LED Light Therapy - Double Acting:
The purple LED light is a combination of both the red & blue wavelengths. Consequently it offers both of the red & blue LED light therapy benefits of skin clearing and anti ageing.
Purple LED light also increases cell regeneration, bringing them back to a stem- cell like state so that they can divide and create new cells. It does this by decreasing the telomeres of DNA in the cells, therefore slowing down cellular ageing.
Purple LED light therapy with Luviri co-founder, Lis
Green LED Light Therapy - Skin Brightening:
The green light therapy is a great treatment to promote a skin firming complexion and youthful appearance. It is also used to welcome the treatment of hyperpigmentation, age spots and freckles. It claims to do this by breaking down clusters of melanin, which are responsible for skin discoloration. With research that has been conducted it has given evidence that its valuable properties help reduce the relief of pain, depression, skin improvements, promotes sleep, dark circles, broken capillaries, and calms irritated or over stimulated skin. The green light causes the small blood vessels that are located just beneath the skin, to close down and disappear.
While it's still in the early stages of research, studies by Dr Rami Burstein supports the use of green light therapy to treat those that suffer from migraines and light sensitivity. Not just from the soothing green glow it emits, but by using the green's narrow band (520nm +/-10).
Did you know that green light is said to create calmness and be beneficial for stress and anxiety?
Orange LED Light Therapy - Skin Revitaliser:
By having the combination of both red and yellow, the orange LED light benefits from both. Together they are said to assist in post laser healing, reduce signs of redness, bruising or swelling, improving overall skin texture, minimising fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing any inflammation. If you’re wanting that perfect glow just before your special occasion then this would be your top pick. If you suffer from eczema or rosacea you will love the benefits of the orange light, as it not only reduces redness and inflammation, but it also boosts collagen production and helps to soothe irritated skin.
It is believed by most skincare professionals that a combination of LED light colours will and can give you the best possible skin targeted outcomes.
Is LED Light Therapy safe?
Because they don't require a lot of power led light therapy has been listed as relatively safe. LED light therapy is painless and doesn't require the use of chemicals, so it’s a really relaxing and comfortable treatment with no downtime.
LED light therapy does not contain harmful UV rays, so it has been deemed safe to use and safe to use regularly. It is also suitable for all skin types.
That being said, it is important to wear protective eye goggles during your light therapy. This is to protect your eyes from being damaged by the exposed lights during treatment. Prolonged exposure can be harmful to your eyes without the proper protective eyewear. The use of the blue light without protective goggles can be harmful to your retina.
When you shouldn’t do LED Light Therapy:
Although it is a safe treatment to have done, health professionals have advised that you shouldn't have LED Light Therapy if you are taking accutane or any other medications that may cause you light sensitivity, or experiencing any skin rashes.
What to expect:
It is necessary to have multiple treatments. Some clientele have noticed more visible results several weeks after their last session. Follow up sessions are required and also highly recommended to help maintain those beautiful results. The LED sessions will generally last for 20 minutes with an average of 10 or so sessions being needed. Results are not always permanent which is why the follow up treatments along with a great at home skin care routine are highly recommended.
Costs:
The cost to have one of these treatments at a professional beauty salon can range anywhere from $25 - $250. This depends on where & which clinic or salon you're going to, and also what treatment you are adding your LED Light Therapy onto.
This treatment can be done on its own, and you might find it typically listed on the salon's service menu as an "LED facial." You can customarily add it on to your favourite skin treatments, which can encompass a variety of salon facials, skin peels, and also after cosmetic tattooing and post laser.
At home LED face mask, light therapy in the comfort of your own home.
Summary:
At home devices are less effective than professional LED lights, so the results might not be as dramatic as you would expect if you were using a salon professional LED light. This is because the home devices use a lower frequency than the professional lights do.
Any skin conditions should always be checked by your doctor and you should not rely solely on LED light to cure all problematic skin conditions or to permanently remove all targeted skin concerns.Always check with your health professional such as your doctor or dermatologist.
LED light therapy is a fantastic, non-invasive treatment that can be used to target a number of skin concerns. If you are looking for a way to achieve radiant, glowing skin then LED light therapy may be the perfect treatment for you! Don't forget to drop your comments below.
Luviri Co-founders
Lis & Kirby x
