LED Light therapy is a non-invasive treatment used for a wide range of skin disorders. Over the past few years, more people have started using light-emitting diode light therapy.
After all, it is effective in treating several skin conditions like Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea, Cold sores, etc.
Skin specialists and dermatologists worldwide use this technology to treat patients. A lot of people have started using it in their homes.
In this post, we will learn what LED light therapy is. How does it work? What are its uses and more?
What is an LED Light Therapy?
As mentioned above, LED light therapy cures various skin problems. Numerous people misunderstand that it utilizes ultraviolet light. However, LED light therapy uses wavelengths and colors of infrared light.
It is a low level of light that is safe on the skin.LED light treatment uses Blue, Red, Green, and Amber color lights.
Sometimes, skin specialists combine this therapy with a 5-aminolevulinic acid to enhance its effectiveness. The patient might need to get multiple sittings to get desired results.
LED Light Therapy History
NASA made the first-ever clinical use of LED light therapy in the 19th century. The organization used it to treat the wounds of their astronauts.
In 1993, Barneveld, WI (Quantum Devices) developed a LED for NASA. It was an experimental project on plants’ growth. It resulted that LED wavelengths could enhance plant growth.
However, the scientist’s skin lesions started to heal faster as well. After that, NASA started studying the use of LED light to treat human cells.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
When a patient receives LED light therapy, it positively affects the function of skin cells. As a result, human skin begins producing more energy.
Different wavelengths of light react differently to skin cells. Let us learn their reactions to skin cells one by one.
Red Light Therapy
Red light is also as infrared. It treats the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. When the human skin gets a red light, it stimulates collagen proteins.
As a result, the therapy helps with wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, red light therapy also improves blood flow and decreases skin inflammation.
It is an ideal treatment for several skin disorders, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and aging signs.
Amber Light Therapy
Amber light therapy is also known as yellow light therapy. Generally, it has wavelengths between 570nm to 620nm. Similar to Red light therapy, yellow light therapy targets the epidermis. The therapy works on skin sensitivity, inflammation, and redness.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy targets sebaceous glands, generally called oil glands. These glands are below hair follicles and are responsible for lubricating the skin.
Sometimes the gland becomes overactive, resulting in oily skin and acne. Blue light treatment reduces the activity of oil glands.
As a result, the patient reports fewer acne outbreaks. It is also capable of killing bacteria causing acne underneath the skin.
Skin specialists usually combine Blue light with Violet wavelengths to cure acne.
Green Light Therapy
The therapy is capable of targeting both uppermost and deeper skin layers. It stimulates skin cells to heal it. Additionally, the treatment provides firm skin.
Skin specialist also utilizes this therapy to fix dark spots on the skin as it minimizes the production of melanin.
Uses of LED Light Therapy
As mentioned above, LED light therapy can treat several skin disorders. Some of them are as per below.
It is a kind of infection that arises when a patient exposes to the herpes simplex virus. It makes fluid-filled blisters around the lips.
It is a skin disorder in which oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles.
Psoriasis is a skin disease in which skin cells build itchy and dry patches.
In this skin condition, a patient’s skin starts losing pigment cells, resulting in colorless patches on the skin.
In addition to the illnesses described above, LED light treatment can cure several other skin disorders. However, LED light therapy does not treat skin issues like blackheads, acne cysts, and whiteheads.
Advantages of LED Light Therapy
It Treats Several Types of Skin Disorders
One of the primary advantages of LED light therapy is that it can treat a wide range of skin disorders. As a result, several skin specialists and dermatologists worldwide use it. You can use it to treat acne, minimize fine lines and heal wounds.
Non-Invasive
LED light therapy follows a non-invasive procedure to cure skin disease. The treatment does not need an incision into the skin or removal of tissue. Therefore, it is a low-risk skin treatment.
The LED light penetrates the skin and stimulates skin cells to treat different skin issues.
Save Procedure
LED light therapy is one of the safest skin treatments available. It makes use of wavelengths found in the visible light spectrum.
Since it does not use UV rays during the procedure, there is no need to worry about skin damage or burns.
Quick Turnaround
As it is a non-invasive procedure, it takes comparatively less time. Generally, LED laser therapy takes around 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Nevertheless, patients may have to take multiple sitting for procedures.
Quick Recovery Time
Unlike surgery, LED light therapy does not have a recovery time. Patients can return to their regular routine immediately. However, they will need to be careful about sun exposure for 48 hours.
The therapy does not cause any damage to the skin, which is common with chemical treatments.
What is the Procedure for LED Light Therapy?
In-office and at-home treatment are options for LED light therapy. You can choose as per your condition and budget.
At-Home Treatment
If you cannot get in-office/professional LED light therapy, opt for the home procedure. Several types of machines & devices are available in the market for LED light therapy.
You can buy LED light therapy devices from medical stores or online and use them in the affected area. It is crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these devices.
Do not overdo the procedure. Depending on how severe the condition is, use an LED light for several minutes.
If you use an LED therapy face mask, apply it to your face for a few minutes. Use it each day until you receive results. On the contrary, if you use a handheld device, hold it about 6 to 8 inches from your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
LED light therapy can heal almost all body parts. For example, you can use it for the face, neck, chest, or areas that have signs of aging.
However, people primarily use it for the face. After all, the face receives greater exposure than other body parts. As a result, it is more susceptible to damage.
In-office Treatment
In-office LED light therapy is given by dermatologists and skin specialists. In comparison to home treatment, it is a little more intense and consistent.
A particular protocol is followed for such treatment. Everything happens under the supervision of experienced skin specialists.
The one session of in-office LED light therapy lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. However, if the target area is large, the therapy can take more time.
Generally, patients undergo this treatment three times a week for 12 to 16 weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the intensity of the skin problem.
Possible Risks and Side Effects of LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is one of the safest treatments for skin problems. Unlike surgery and chemical treatments, it does not pose any risk. Furthermore, it does not involve skin invasion.
Since the therapy uses the wavelengths visible on the light spectrum, they do not burn the skin. These wavelengths are different from that are in UVA.
Nevertheless, there might be a few temporary side effects of the treatment. Some patients might notice skin irritation, burning, and redness. Besides this, LED light therapy might cause fatigue, headaches, and hyperactivity. The chances of side effects are rare.
Whenever you go for LED light therapy, ensure your skin is clean. You should not wear makeup or any cosmetic product. Any grooming product can cause skin irritation, so avoid it.
Always wear eye protection or Goggles during the treatment. Avoid direct contact with sunlight for at least 48 hours.
If you need to come out in the sun, apply a good amount of sunscreen. Your dermatologist can suggest you an ideal SPF-rating sunscreen depending on your condition.
Who is the Right Candidate for LED Light Therapy?
Generally, LED light therapy is safe for most skin types. If you have skin lesions, pigmentation, or abnormal texture, you can go for it. However, doctors do not recommend it to patients suffering from severe skin concerns or chronic medical conditions.
- If you are under certain medications, don’t opt for this treatment. It might increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
- Patients with eye disease and skin cancer should also avoid it.
LED light therapy is a suitable cure for myriad skin issues, such as acne, fine lines, wounds, and more. However, you must look for the right skin care specialists.
