LED light has become a more trendy treatment that can be done at home or in a professional setting. It can help improve skin issues like acne and fine lines and reduce inflammation and pain depending on the light used. While more about LED light therapy is needed to fully understand its benefits, it has shown to be an effective treatment for certain issues. Any trending treatments should be researched before you dive in and schedule an appointment or buy a device to use at home. With new research coming out all the time, it can be challenging to know what is factual and what could be an exaggeration.
Since LED light therapy is still relatively new, and more studies are being done to understand its impact, there are a few misconceptions about the treatment. Some of these myths involve what it can and can’t treat or how it should be used. But if you are interested in utilizing LED light therapy, it’s essential to understand how it works and sort out the truth from the myths about its capabilities.
LED Light Therapy Basics
The use of LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy presents a versatile and efficient approach to tackling diverse skin conditions and concerns, ranging from acne to fine lines and psoriasis. This therapy encompasses various modalities, with red and blue light therapy emerging as prominent choices. Occasionally, these two types are combined to amplify their healing effects.
LED light therapy holds promise as a versatile method to nurture skin health and manage an array of dermatological challenges, thereby establishing itself as a coveted treatment within the realm of skincare. Notably, red light therapy is preeminent in addressing pain and inflammation. Both red light therapy and LED light therapy fall under photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy.
The Myths
With any new technology or treatment, there are bound to be misconceptions. These can develop from unproven ideas about how a treatment works or a lack of understanding of studies done. LED light therapy is especially prone to these myths because of how many types of light therapy there are and since it is a relatively new treatment option.
If you are interested in receiving LED light treatment, sorting the facts from fiction can help you learn how it could benefit you and how you can utilize it safely. Below are some common myths about LED light therapy that might be perpetuated by companies selling products or people who do not know how it works or what it can help.
LED Light Therapy Works For Everyone
LED light therapy is not a cure-all nor necessarily suitable for all individuals. While LED light therapy has shown to be very safe and involves few, if any, side effects, that does not mean it is completely free of any negative effects. Like any treatment, some people may not have positive reactions.
Certain companies assert their red light therapy/PBM devices are universally effective. They promote these devices as solutions for all health-related or beauty-related concerns. Despite the remarkable nature of LED light therapy, it's important to acknowledge that it may not suit everyone or every situation. There are factors to consider when determining if PBM is a suitable option for you:
- If you are taking medication that heightens your sensitivity to light.
- If you discover light sensitivity during a patch test.
- If you possess a darker skin tone and, although rare, you wish to avoid any potential risk of skin discoloration from the blue LED light.
- If you experience migraines or seizures triggered by intense light.
- If you have bipolar disorder, light exposure can influence this condition in certain cases.
- If you are pregnant.
While LED light therapy delivers impressive benefits and effects, it's not always universally applicable. Like any potent treatment, careful consideration is vital to ensure it's appropriate for your circumstances.
It’s Ineffective And Not Based In Science
LED light therapy and PBM, its umbrella term, have been and are being studied. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of LED light therapy as a treatment and its several benefits. Many people may view it as a passing fad, but it is based on scientific research.
During Photobiomodulation (PBM), light photons interact with the cytochrome c complex within mitochondria, creating a cascading sequence of biological events that ultimately amplify cellular metabolism. This augmentation in cellular energy metabolism reduces pain and expedites the body's natural healing process. Several factors come into play for light to reach impaired mitochondria and initiate the healing response, including wavelength, power, and minimizing undesirable absorption. The wavelength varies with the light's color and influences the treatment's effects.
Photobiomodulation therapy capitalizes on the potential of non-ionizing light sources, encompassing lasers, LEDs, and broadband light, operating within the visible (400–700 nm) and near-infrared (700–1100 nm) electromagnetic spectrum. This non-thermal process impacts endogenous chromophores, instigating photophysical and photochemical events at diverse biological levels. The therapeutic advantages of PBM therapy are wide-ranging, encompassing pain mitigation, immunomodulation, and fostering tissue regeneration and wound healing.
PBM therapy's fundamental principles are firmly grounded in research, demonstrating the significance of delivering a therapeutic dose of light to impaired or dysfunctional tissue, provoking a cellular response mediated by mitochondrial mechanisms. This cellular response has demonstrated positive impacts on pain, inflammation, and tissue repair, unveiling the immense potential of photobiomodulation therapy to reshape contemporary medical interventions.
Although further studies are required to comprehensively grasp the potential of light therapy, the current results offer an encouraging glimpse into forthcoming prospects. A comprehensive examination of photobiomodulation therapy in studies reveals numerous affirmative outcomes, including the potential use of LEDs to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment. Light therapy introduces a novel avenue for addressing various health concerns without resorting to invasive procedures. LED light therapy emerges as a multifaceted approach, offering notable benefits for skin health and presenting a valuable means to address pain, inflammation, and other issues.
Blue Light is Bad
Blue light is becoming a contemporary equivalent of UV light, generating numerous articles discussing its potential risks and advocating for its avoidance or emphasizing its potential for harm.
Here's the unembellished truth about blue light:
- Excessive exposure to blue light is detrimental to your well-being.
- An overabundance of blue light during inappropriate times of the day can have negative effects, such as before trying to go to bed.
- Vigorous blue light, akin to the intense light of any hue, isn't conducive to your eye health and might lead to harm when not using proper protection.
- While the likelihood is slim, there exists a small chance that intense blue light could cause skin darkening. Conducting a patch test is prudent before employing any light therapy or PBM on your face or in substantial quantities.
However, does this mean blue light should be entirely vilified? Not necessarily. Blue light is useful for various purposes, notably in disinfecting bacteria, regulating circadian rhythms, ameliorating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and enhancing memory. Blue light is a potent tool, requiring reasonable safety precautions when incorporated into your routine.
It Could Never Hurt Your Eyes
Using intense light as a treatment option, especially on your face, means you need to protect your eyes. Some businesses may claim that the light could help your eyes, but shining a light directly on your face for a prolonged period without the proper protection could hurt your eyes in the long run.
The majority of companies have successfully removed detrimental UV light from their products. Nevertheless, the illumination emitted by light therapy devices can still pose a risk to your eyes beyond the scope of the UV spectrum. Typically, these lights are exceptionally bright and intense. Prolonged exposure of your eyes to such intensity can potentially impair your vision.
It Only Helps Acne
Though LED light therapy is notably successful in addressing acne, its uses go beyond this particular condition. LED light therapy boasts a plethora of advantages for the skin, encompassing the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, enhancement of skin texture and complexion, and the facilitation of comprehensive skin vitality and revitalization. Moreover, its effectiveness extends to areas such as fostering recuperation and optimizing performance in athletic contexts. Additionally, it plays a role in elevating mood and contributing to mental well-being.
At-Home Devices Are All The Same And Less Effective
A prevalent misunderstanding involves equating all LED light therapy devices. While the market offers a multitude of devices, their differences encompass wavelengths, intensity, and recommended application.
The market has seen an influx of superior and subpar red light devices, spanning both at-home and professional categories. Conducting thorough research before purchasing is essential to ensure your chosen device delivers the desired quality and light type. Whether you're pursuing treatment in a professional environment or at home, comprehending the emitted light type, irradiance (light concentration), and device dimensions holds significant value. These elements directly impact the administered treatment's efficacy, prognosis, and safety. Numerous at-home devices are on par with their professional counterparts regarding quality.
Main Takeaways From LED Light Therapy Myths
The key thing to remember about LED light therapy is the importance of conducting research to understand how this innovative therapy functions. As the popularity of LED light therapy continues to rise, so does the influx of information and misconceptions.
By dedicating time to delve into the scientific foundations of LED light therapy, individuals can learn the mechanisms through which it interacts with cells and tissues. Understanding how photons influence biological processes within mitochondria, leading to enhanced cellular metabolism and potential healing effects, is a solid foundation for the therapy's potential benefits. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions and discern credible sources of information from conjecture.
Beyond understanding the science, researching the devices themselves is equally crucial. Not all LED light therapy devices are created equal, and their effectiveness can greatly vary based on factors such as wavelengths, intensity, and recommended usage. Prioritize devices proven effective through clinical studies and properly tested and cleared by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
