LED (light-emitting diode) light treatment is used to treat acne, fine wrinkles, and psoriasis, among other skin disorders. It is available in a variety of forms, including red light LED therapy and blue light LED therapy, which are sometimes combined.
What is LED light therapy, and how does it work?
LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive skin-improvement treatment that penetrates the skin’s layers.
NASA began researching the effects of LEDs in improving wound healing in astronauts by supporting cell and tissue growth in the 1990s.
LED light treatment is now widely used by physicians and estheticians to treat a variety of skin conditions. To achieve the best results, skin specialists frequently combine LED light therapy with other treatments such as lotions, ointments, and facials.
LED light treatment is now available in a variety of at-home devices, such as LED masks.
What is the purpose of LED light therapy?
LED light treatment can help with a number of skin issues and conditions, including:
Eczema.
Hair loss is a common occurrence.
Acne that is mild to moderate.
Psoriasis.
Precancerous skin patches that are rough, scaly, and itchy (actinic keratosis).
Rosacea.
Damage caused by the sun.
Wounds.
Wrinkles.
LED light therapy may be used to treat tiny and superficial basal cell carcinoma in some circumstances (BCC). BCC, or basal cell carcinoma, is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting around 3.6 million people each year.
Is there a difference between LED light therapy and other types of light therapy?
LED light treatment utilizes a spectrum of wavelengths that match to various visible hues. Each color has an unique level of penetration into the skin.
The uppermost layer of your skin is affected by blue light.
Yellow light has a greater penetration depth.
Red light penetrates your skin more deeply.
Near-infrared light is the most effective at penetrating deep into the body.
Different LED colors have various functions. Experts believe, for example:
Red LED light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost collagen formation, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that shrinks with age.
Acne-causing bacteria may be destroyed by blue LED light therapy (P. acnes).
Skin experts may use a combination of lights to tackle your unique problem during therapy. Colors can also be mixed in home devices.
Is it true that LED light treatment is effective?
LED light treatment has been shown in studies to help lessen and improve a variety of skin diseases and concerns. However, regular treatments are required to observe improvements in your skin.
LED light treatment in-office is more powerful than at-home devices, making it more effective. LED masks and other portable gadgets are unlikely to provide significant anti-aging or acne-reduction benefits. However, you may notice minor changes in the appearance of your skin.
What isn’t treated with LED light therapy?
The following conditions are not treated by LED light therapy:
Acne cysts (are a type of acne.)
Blackheads.
Whiteheads.
Blue light therapy may also contribute to aging by promoting free radical damage to the skin, according to some research.
How long does LED light treatment take to work?
A series of in-office treatments is usually required to notice meaningful results. It’s possible that you’ll have a treatment once a week for roughly a month. Then you may require monthly or bimonthly maintenance treatments.
Some at-home devices may also take a significant time investment. For four to five weeks, you may need to use your gadget twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes each time. Other devices only require a few minutes per day to use.
Who isn’t a fit for LED light therapy?
LED light treatment isn’t right for everyone, especially those who:
Take some drugs, such as isotretinoin and lithium, that make them more sensitive to sunlight.
Have a family history of certain disorders, such as skin cancer and inherited eye diseases.
What should you do before LED light therapy?
You must have a clean, makeup-free face prior to any in-office or at-home treatment. Additional treatments, such as a facial, may be provided before LED light therapy at a spa or dermatologist’s office. To protect your eyes from the bright lights, put on safety goggles.
What occurs during LED light therapy in the office?
Lay on your back with your goggles on as your healthcare professional sets the LED light therapy equipment above your face. As the device works, remain completely still throughout the therapy. The treatment lasts roughly 20 minutes on average.
LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment. You may feel warm but not uncomfortable during therapy.
How do you use a device that you have at home?
There are a variety of at-home gadgets available, including masks, wands, and other hand-held devices. The instructions change depending on the device you purchase.
Wearing LED masks on your face for a few minutes each day, for example. With these, you can sit upright or lie down. Hand-held devices should be held 6 to 12 inches away from your face for 10 minutes.
Whatever device you use, make sure you carefully follow the instructions.
After LED light therapy, what happens next?
You can resume your normal activities after receiving LED light therapy in the office or at home, with one exception: Stay away of the sun for at least a few days and use plenty of sunscreen.
What are some of the advantages of LED light therapy?
LED light treatment has the potential to:
Acne treatment.
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Help with the healing of wounds.
LED light therapy is suitable for people of all skin types and colors. Because LED light treatment does not use ultraviolet (UV) light, it does not cause skin damage or burns.
What are the possible side effects of LED light therapy?
LED light therapy is a reasonably risk-free and safe therapeutic option. If you’re considering purchasing a home mask or device, be sure it says “FDA cleared” or “FDA authorized.” Also, put on eye protection like sunglasses or goggles and read the directions carefully to ensure you’re operating the gadget correctly.
LED light therapy rarely causes negative side effects. If there are any negative effects, they may include:
Inflammation has increased.
Rash.
Redness.
Pain.
While LED light treatment appears to be safe in the short term, experts warn that there is less knowledge on its long-term safety.
How can I be certain that LED light treatment is appropriate for me?
Consult a dermatologist before visiting a spa for LED light treatment or purchasing an at-home machine. This will allow you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your skin problem. It’s possible that what appears to be aged, blemished skin is actually skin cancer.
A dermatologist can also confirm whether LED light therapy in the clinic or at home is a good treatment option for you.
If you have decided that at home treatment is the right option for you, here is a list of devices that you can choose from.
How long does it take to recover after LED light therapy?
LED light therapy does not require any recovery time. You can resume your normal routine after 48 hours, with the exception of being cautious of sun exposure. There is no skin harm, unlike other skin treatments such as a chemical peel.
When should I consult with my doctor?
Contact your healthcare physician if you observe any of the following symptoms after using LED light therapy:
Hives.
Inflammation.
Pain.
A rash or a reddish skin.
LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment for a variety of skin issues and disorders. This treatment can be done at a spa, at your dermatologist’s office, or at home with an at-home device. While LED light therapy is generally safe, you should contact with your dermatologist before using it. LED light therapy isn’t for everyone, and specialists aren’t sure what the long-term ramifications are. However, a healthcare expert can help you figure out if it’s the proper treatment for you.