What is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy might be trendy right now, but it’s not just a passing fad.
Trends come and go, but LED light therapy is not only a non-invasive skincare treatment anyone can benefit from, it’s also effective and one of the keys to unlocking your skin’s full potential.
We’ve had more & more clients ask us about red light therapy devices, but before you pick one up, let’s dive in to all things LED light therapy for your skin.
What is LED light therapy?
Light emitting diode or LED, is a treatment used for skincare that stimulates tissue repair and reduces inflammation. It’s used to treat skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and mild acne but it can also be used to treat cuts, wounds, burns, and other injuries.
You might have seen different colors associated with LED light therapy and that’s because the way it works is that it uses wavelengths that align with a different color, with each color serving it’s own purpose. The different wavelengths penetrate the different layers of the skin.
For skincare purposes, the two most commonly utilized are red and blue light therapy.
Red vs. Blue LED light therapy
Let’s break down the difference between the two.
Red light has longer wavelengths and is able to penetrate the deepest into your skin. When doing so, it stimulates cellular activity and induces the production of collagen to smooth out wrinkles and initiate dermal wound healing for scars.
Blue light has shorter wavelengths and affects the uppermost layer of the skin. It effectively eliminates acne-causing bacteria that contribute to the initial formation of acne. Blue light has been shown to regulate sebum production, leading to less oily skin and ultimately fewer acne breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with rosacea and psoriasis.
LED Light Therapy in the Treatment Room
Due to its non-invasive nature and versatility for treating a variety of concerns, it’s a great option for just about anyone. At EA, we include red light therapy as a standard in our facial bookings due to the multitude of benefits. The powerful and trusted light we use at the spa is Celluma – an FDA-cleared device, that is all-in-one, versatile, and perfect to treat our clients’ concerns.
Can I do LED light therapy at home?
You sure can! In the spa, our trusted device has been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy to deliver the results our clients need. Here are some things to consider when picking the most effective device for your at-home use.
1. Wavelengths: Remember, LED light therapy works through the emission of wavelengths that penetrate your skin. Look for a device that emits the specific wavelengths to target your skin concern. For example, if you’re looking for a device to combat acne and oily skin, you’ll be looking for a blue light device with a wavelength of about 415 nanometers. If you’re looking for skin rejuvenation and cell repair, you’ll want to look for a device that emits red light, at around 630-660 nanometers.
2. Intensity and Power: Make sure your device emits light at an intensity that is clinically proven to be effective. We encourage you to ensure devices with higher power output come with the appropriate safety features to prevent overexposure.
3. FDA Clearance or Approval: Devices that are FDA-cleared have undergone extensive testing to ensure their safety. The approval ensures the device meets the necessary standards and guidelines reducing the risk of potential harm. So be sure to check out the product facts for this detail!
4. Ease of Use: On your search, make sure you look for a user-friendly device with helpful features like controls that are easy to navigate, ergonomic design for comfort, and most importantly, clear instructions for proper use.
5. Reviews: We love reviews here! Collectively, we know it’s one of the best ways to gauge how customers really feel about a product. When shopping around, use reviews to your advantage and to get an idea of the experience users have related to light efficiency and results. Look for reputable brands with positive customer feedback.
6. Warranty: If you’re looking to get a device to use at home, you’re investing in your skincare, so be sure to check to see if the light device you’re looking at comes with a warranty.
LED light therapy can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. But, like any new element you introduce, it's important to consult with your esthetician first. We can guide you if you’re unsure about which specific LED light therapy is the right fit for you and your skincare needs.