LED Light Therapy – Types and Benefits

LED light therapy, among other options like Cryotherapy, has become immensely popular in recent years, and many older adults are finding it useful. You can get the therapy at a dermatologist’s clinic, but there are also easy-to-use devices made for home use. This safe option supports clearer, healthier skin, helps with breakouts, and improves overall skin health. If you’re looking for a non-invasive skin rejuvenation option, LED light therapy is worth exploring.

Before choosing this skin regimen, it is best to learn a few things, particularly how it treats acne and boosts overall skin health.

Types of LED light therapy

There are two primary types of light therapy in a clinical setting.

Blue Light Therapy

This light therapy can help reduce acne breakouts. This happens due to the blue light wavelength’s antimicrobial effect that eliminates various types of bacteria. If this is left unchecked, these bacteria may accumulate in your pores and oil glands, leading to breakouts and causing your skin to lose its suppleness.

Additionally, blue light therapy conditions the skin by eliminating free radicals that can oxidize and age the face. The therapy also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which help decrease other symptoms of acne, such as redness. As for its authenticity, a study indicates that among individuals with acne treated with blue light therapy for five weeks, 77 percent noticed improvement.

Red Light Therapy

While this does not have the same antimicrobial effects as blue light therapy, it can still be effective. An expert may use red light therapy to promote healing and reduce the visibility of acne scarring. Additionally, this therapy has anti-inflammatory capabilities and works deep below the surface of the skin to help repair tissue. It works as an excellent option for individuals with acne that results from a chronic skin condition.

In addition to these light therapy options, an expert may also recommend –

• Yellow light – A slightly more powerful option than blue light, which penetrates the skin deeper.
• Near-infrared light – It has the highest concentration. In skincare, this method can speed up your skin’s natural healing process.

Also, remember, an expert may combine different light therapies to treat a specific skin condition. So, it is advised to seek a doctor’s approval before opting for these advanced skin improvement therapies.

The Benefits

Considering the information mentioned above, here’s how light therapy can benefit your skin’s health, based on the type of therapy selected by you or the doctor (a dermatologist or esthetician). You can also opt for light therapy and follow other skin care tips to benefit from anti-aging effects like reduced wrinkles.

Anti-Aging Effects

LED Light therapy, like red light therapy, can have an anti-aging effect on your skin, and here’s how. As you age, your skin’s collagen production takes a hit, resulting in the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin. Here, red light therapy can stimulate fibroblast cells, which accelerates collagen production. An increase in collagen helps keep your skin firm and supple. Regular use of light therapy treatments can lead to a noticeable reduction in the depth of wrinkles on your skin. Moreover, LED therapy requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for long-term skin maintenance.

Reduces Acne

While many acne treatments contain chemicals that can strip away the upper layer of your skin or lead to dryness, LED light therapy provides a gentle alternative without causing any skin irritation or harmful side effects. Experts often utilize blue light therapy to treat acne at its source by eliminating bacteria and reducing oil production.

Furthermore, when blue light therapy is combined with red light therapy, it can effectively reduce skin inflammation and promote faster healing. Dermatologists usually recommend LED therapy if you have persistent breakouts, but your skin cannot tolerate concentrated topical treatments.

Skin Rejuvenation

Another benefit of LED light therapy is that it can increase blood circulation and promote cell turnover. With regular therapy, you may notice a more even-toned and brighter skin complexion. Red light therapy is particularly helpful in fading age spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, which are major concerns for older adults. So, by stimulating the skin’s natural healing process, this method reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration over time.

Things to Consider Before, During, and After LED Light Therapy (Clinic)

Several types of advanced therapies can work for your skin, but before each therapy, you need to know what happens before, during, and after treatment. Here’s what you should know about LED Light Therapy.

Before Treatment

• The expert will first assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. They will explain the type of light that will be used and the number of sessions you can expect.
• You may need to attend multiple light therapy sessions ,and you might have to avoid retinols and other skin care products on the skin before the treatment.

During Treatment

• Blue and red light therapy sessions typically last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes.
• During the session, you will have to place your head in a special device designed to keep your face still.
• A trained professional will then apply pulses from a light therapy device to different parts of your face, working in a circular fashion. This process will be repeated several times, after which the session is complete.

After Treatment

• After undergoing light therapy, your skin may appear pink or red, which is normal. Sometimes, you may even notice mild peeling in the treated area.
• The treatment may also make your skin more sensitive, so you may have to skip your regular skin care regimen. It is suggested to follow the expert’s instructions.
• Although LED light therapy requires no recovery time, experts recommend being careful about sun exposure for at least 48 hours before resuming your routine.