Light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy has recently garnered significant attention in healthcare. More medical offices are incorporating this therapy into their services, and the availability of devices has also made it accessible for at-home use by consumers.
LED light therapy primarily focuses on skincare, boasting anti-aging effects and a notable reduction of inflammation. The claimed advantages include an enhanced production of collagen in the skin, which can effectively diminish the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Beyond that, LED light therapy finds applications in treating various skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, scarring, and sun damage.
The different wavelengths of the visible light spectrum correspond to distinct colors, with each depth of penetration into the skin leading to specific benefits. It is believed that the varying levels of skin penetration achieved by LED light result in diverse therapeutic outcomes, making it a versatile and promising option for improving skin health and appearance.
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is a non-invasive and versatile treatment that harnesses different wavelengths of infrared light to address a wide range of skin issues, including acne, fine lines, and wound healing. Initially developed for clinical use by NASA in the nineties to aid astronauts' skin wound healing, the research supporting its numerous benefits continues to grow.
In LED light therapy, infrared light with specific wavelengths penetrates the skin to varying depths, exerting a biological effect. The efficacy of this method lies in the diverse wavelengths employed, as they target different cellular components to facilitate skin repair and improvement.
By altering the activity of skin cells, LED light prompts various favorable outcomes, contingent upon the color of light used, with multiple colors available—all without harmful UV rays and, therefore, without any risk of causing cancer.
This technology's capacity to target specific skin concerns with different colored lights makes LED light therapy a safe and effective approach to achieving healthier, more radiant skin. As research in the field advances, LED light therapy's potential applications and benefits are likely to continue expanding.
Colors
LED light therapy offers a range of benefits to the skin, in part due to the different colors and their unique impacts. Often colors will be used in tandem to target multiple skin issues, like using blue light and red light to help with acne and inflammation.
Red
Red or infrared light is harnessed for treating the skin's outer layer, known as the epidermis. When this light is applied to the skin, the epidermis absorbs it, subsequently triggering the stimulation of collagen proteins.
An increase in collagen production could help promote smoother and fuller-looking skin, thereby diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the application of red LED light is believed to reduce inflammation and enhance circulation, contributing to a healthier and more radiant complexion.
Yellow
Yellow or amber LED light has not received as much extensive research as its counterparts, but it does exhibit promising potential in certain skin applications. One of its notable benefits is the possible reduction of redness and accelerated healing time.
What makes yellow LED light intriguing is its ability to penetrate the skin deeper than other colors. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms, some studies have already indicated its effectiveness as a complementary treatment alongside red LED light, particularly in the fading of fine lines.
Blue
Blue LED light therapy specifically focuses on the sebaceous glands, also known as oil glands, located beneath the hair follicles of the skin. These glands play a vital role in keeping the skin and hair adequately lubricated to prevent dryness. However, they can produce excessive oil when they become overactive, resulting in oily skin and acne breakouts.
The concept behind blue LED light therapy revolves around its ability to target and regulate these overactive oil glands. Reducing their activity may lead to a visible reduction in acne breakouts. Moreover, blue light possesses the ability to eliminate acne-causing bacteria lurking beneath the skin's surface, making it effective for treating severe acne pimples, including cysts and nodules.
Frequently, blue LED light is used in combination with red LED light to achieve comprehensive outcomes, such as: treating acne, reducing scarring, and promoting anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate redness and swelling.
Green
Green and red LED light therapy are highly effective treatments for addressing broken capillaries, as they not only aid in reducing visible signs of skin aging but also stimulate the production of new collagen beneath the skin's surface.
The collagen-boosting properties of these LED lights make green LED therapy particularly beneficial for promoting smoother and more even skin texture and tone. By encouraging collagen growth, green LED light can help improve the skin's overall appearance, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking to even out their skin tone.
Type of Treatments
LED light therapy treatments for the skin can be received through various methods, with at-home masks, wands, and other devices readily available for a few years. However, it's essential to note that these products are not considered medical-grade and may not offer the same intensity as professional treatments.
At-Home LED Masks
These are wearable masks equipped with LED lights of different colors, such as red, blue, and yellow, designed to target specific skin concerns. Red light helps stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, making it suitable for individuals with acne-prone skin. Yellow light assists in improving skin texture and reducing redness.
LED Wands
LED wands are handheld devices that allow for targeted treatment of specific areas. They are convenient for spot-treating blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. LED wands often come with interchangeable light heads, allowing you to switch colors for versatile skincare benefits.
Light Panels
These larger devices emit a more extensive coverage of light, making them suitable for treating larger areas of the face or other parts of the body. They can be mounted on a stand or placed on a flat surface for easy use.
Facial Rollers
Some devices combine the benefits of LED therapy with facial massage. LED rollers have lights embedded within them and help enhance blood circulation while providing the skin with the therapeutic benefits of light.
LED Spot Treatment Devices
These compact devices are designed to target specific problem areas, such as individual blemishes or dark spots. They are portable and offer a focused approach to tackling localized skin issues.
While using at-home devices, you can benefit from their gentler nature, reducing the risk of skin burns. Nevertheless, opting for professional treatments is the best strategy for more pronounced and effective results.
Skin Benefits
LED light therapy offers a versatile range of treatments for various skin conditions. While LED light therapy may not be the only treatment needed to provide the best results, it works well with various other treatments. Below are some of the skin conditions that the use of LED light therapy can help.
Acne
Blue light is commonly employed to combat acne by effectively eliminating acne-causing bacteria and regulating oil gland activity. This helps prevent clogging of hair follicles, reducing acne breakouts. Additionally, red light is often combined with blue light to alleviate inflammation and redness associated with acne.
Aging
Red light stimulates fibroblasts, skin cells responsible for producing collagen, a crucial component for skin recovery. As a structural protein abundant in our skin, collagen provides firmness, elasticity, and support to maintain a smooth and supple appearance. Our body naturally produces ample collagen during youth, contributing to a plump and vibrant complexion. However, collagen production gradually declines as we age, leading to more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Research suggests that red LED light therapy tightens the skin, diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, and enhances skin texture, making it smoother and softer. Additionally, photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and LED light has also shown promise in easing fine lines and promoting skin softness.
Wound Healing
Red LED light significantly stimulates collagen production, which is crucial for wound healing. It has been successfully used in post-surgical skin resurfacing treatments, reducing redness, swelling, and bruising and speeding up healing.
Hair Loss
For individuals experiencing male or female-pattern hair loss, red LED light therapy can help stimulate hair growth. When the visible red light laser is accurately applied to the scalp, with the right duration, intensity, and wavelength, the body can utilize this light and convert it into cellular energy. As a result, the body's natural healing process is stimulated, potentially leading to hair regrowth.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells. Individuals affected by psoriasis commonly experience painful irritation and the presence of silvery scales, known as plaques, on different parts of their bodies.
While there is no cure for this autoimmune disease, various treatments exist to alleviate psoriasis symptoms. These options include home remedies to soothe the skin, topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy. Managing psoriasis effectively can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected, helping them better cope with the condition and reduce its impact on their daily activities.
Both red and near-infrared LED light therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing redness and inflammation in psoriasis. They have also shown positive results in alleviating psoriasis pimples and plaques.
Skin Cancers
Photodynamic therapy with red and green LED lights has been utilized in treating skin cancers such as Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma lesions. Studies indicate that red LED light and green LED light are effective in treating Bowen's disease and removing basal cell carcinoma lesions, though red LED therapy had a higher success rate.
Better, Brighter Skin
Overall, LED light therapy is safe for the skin and its tissues when used alone, without the need for sensitizing medications or creams. The non-invasive nature of LED light therapy makes it a promising and widely embraced treatment option for various skin conditions.
