Using LED lights to improve skin well-being has been on the rise in the last few years. And many people have taken to the idea with enthusiasm, opting for the popular technology to improve their skin.
But just how effective is it? And how does it work? We’ll look into this phenomenon and try to answer these questions.
But before we go any further, here is some background information on LED light therapy.
What Is LED Light Therapy?
LED therapy works by using a series of lights to alter the natural circadian rhythm. The lights mimic sunlight, and when you are exposed to them for extended periods, your body will get used to them, and your natural biological rhythms will become more synchronized with the light cycle.
Currently, dermatologists and estheticians use the technology to treat acne, psoriasis, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, rosacea, eczema, and hair loss.
How Does It Work?
LED light therapy works by simply exposing your skin to the lights for a prolonged period.
The lights are usually blue or red, and they deliver a specific wavelength of light absorbed by the epidermis.
The result is that your body’s natural cycle becomes synchronized with the frequency of the lights, which will improve cell regeneration and stimulate collagen production.
LED light therapy uses a wavelength that matches different colors to penetrate the skin at different depths.
The following representation categorizes these colors:
- Blue light only affects the uppermost layer of the skin.
- Yellow light is capable of penetrating deeper.
- Red light penetrates further deep into the skin.
- Near-infrared light penetrates deepest.
According to experts, different LED colors or different wavelengths perform different functions as follows:
- Red LED light therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein responsible for the youthful looks of the skin. It diminishes with age.
- Blue LED light therapy can destroy acne-causing bacteria.
During treatment, dermatologists may combine different lights to achieve desired results.
Does LED Light Therapy Actually Work?
There is no doubt that LED light therapy is one of the more impressive skincare technologies. However, results may vary from person to person.
According to experts, it is most effective when used with other treatment options such as topical creams or chemical peels.
This makes LED light therapy a very convenient option for those patients who don’t have time to go through extensive skincare regimens.
For many people with more moderate skin conditions, such as those with acne or rosacea, but nothing more than that, LED light therapy may improve their condition sufficiently. They will only need fewer topical medications or even go medication free for some time.
More severe conditions like vitiligo or basal cell carcinoma may be more difficult to improve with LED. However, the results may be better than no treatment at all, and the patients may still get good enough effects that they can go on to manage the condition with phototherapy.
We have also seen many cases where LED light therapy has improved dry or sensitive skin enough to allow people to use moisturizers that they would not otherwise be able to tolerate.
Conclusion
LED light therapy is a convenient and effective way to improve the quality of your skin. It helps to rejuvenate it by allowing you to synchronize the artificial rhythm of your body with nature in the form of natural sunlight. It can also help to reduce inflammation and acne, as well as reduce wrinkles and sun damage.
However, it is essential to note that routine treatments over a long period may be necessary to get better results from LED light therapy.
