What is LED light therapy?
LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enters the skin’s layers to improve the skin.
In the 1990s, NASA began studying LED’s effects in promoting wound healing in astronauts by helping cells and tissues grow.
Today, dermatologists and estheticians commonly use LED light therapy to treat a range of skin issues. Skin specialists often use LED light therapy together with other treatments, such as creams, ointments and facials, to give you the best results.
You can also buy an array of at-home devices that use LED light therapy, including LED masks.
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What does LED light therapy do?
LED light therapy helps treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions, including:
In some cases, LED light therapy may treat small and superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC, a skin cancer, is the most common type of cancer, affecting about 3.6 million Americans each year.
Are there different kinds of LED light therapy?
LED light therapy uses various wavelengths that correspond to different visible colors. Each color penetrates the skin at different depths.
- Blue light affects the uppermost layer of your skin.
- Yellow light penetrates deeper.
- Red light travels further into your skin.
- Near-infrared light penetrates deepest.
Different LED colors do different things. For example, experts believe:
- Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age.
- Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
During treatment, skin specialists may use a combination of lights to treat your specific issue. At-home devices may also combine colors.
Does LED light therapy actually work?
Research suggests that LED light therapy can help reduce and improve some skin conditions and issues. To see improvement in your skin, though, you need to have regular treatments.
In-office LED light therapy uses more powerful strengths than at-home devices, which makes it more effective. With LED masks and other portable devices, you likely won’t see dramatic anti-aging or acne-reducing results. You might experience subtle improvements in your skin’s appearance, though.
What doesn’t LED light therapy treat?
LED light therapy doesn’t help with:
- Acne cysts.
- Blackheads.
- Whiteheads.
Also, some research has found that blue light therapy may contribute to aging by causing free radical damage to the skin.
How long does it take for LED light therapy to work?
To see significant benefits, you typically need to have a series of in-office treatments. You may need a treatment each week for about a month. Then you might need maintenance treatments every month or every few months.
Some at-home devices may also require a substantial time commitment. You might need to use your device twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes for four to five weeks. Other devices take just a few minutes a day.
Who should not have LED light therapy?
LED light therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone, including people who:
- Take certain medications that increase their sensitivity to sunlight, such as isotretinoin and lithium.
- Have a history of certain conditions, including skin cancer and inherited eye diseases.
FAQs
Red light in LED light therapy promotes collagen production and reduces wrinkles, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. Green light helps with hyperpigmentation, and yellow light reduces redness and inflammation. Each colour has unique properties that address various skin issues.
What do the different colors of LED light therapy do? ›
Different LED colors do different things. For example, experts believe: Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
How does LED therapy work? ›
Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body's cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, doing things like repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation.
What are the side effects of LED light therapy? ›
Photosensitivity reactions triggered by light involve redness, stinging, and burning; however, these reactions usually subside about three weeks after the treatment. Allergic reactions such as hives and eczema can appear at the area of contact within a few hours after exposure to the cream.
What do the colors of LED lights mean? ›
LED bulbs offer light in a range of color temperatures, it's what makes light feel 'warm' or 'cool'. A lower color temperature produces a warmer, more relaxing light. A higher color temperature emits a cooler, more refreshing light.
Which LED color is best for eyes? ›
Studies have shown that warm white or soft white lights in the 2700K-3000K (Kelvin) range can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality, making them the perfect choice for cozy reading nooks and bedroom study sessions.
What color light is best for pain? ›
Red & Near-Infrared (NIR) Light – stimulates the cells' mitochondria, or powerhouse of the cell, to boost cellular energy and reduce pain.
Which LED color uses the most energy? ›
As you might expect, darker colors require less energy to illuminate, with black being the lowest energy color and white being the most energy intensive. What you might not expect is that blue pixels use approximately 25% more energy than red and green pixels. However, not every display is an OLED display.
Can you overdo LED therapy? ›
Light therapy cannot be overdone for most people. If you notice any extraordinary results, stop treatment, and contact your physician. For the best results, choose the right device style and LED color, and use it as directed.
How long does it take to see results from LED light therapy? ›
The good news is that red light therapy starts helping your body from the first session, but continued treatments help achieve more lasting results. You may see or feel minor effects immediately, but the best results are typically conducted over 3-6 months if you consistently visit Sculptology for treatments.
It may be safe for all skin colors and types. You shouldn't use LED light therapy if you take Accutane for acne or if you're experiencing skin rashes. Side effects are rare, but may include increased inflammation, redness, and rashes.
What are the disadvantages of light therapy? ›
Most studies, such as one from 2018 , suggest that RLT may help manage negative cancer treatment side effects. There have been reports of burns, lesions, and blistering from using RLT units. Some people developed burns: after using the device for 30 minutes.
What does purple light therapy do? ›
Purple LED Light Therapy aids in eliminating toxins from the skin, reducing inflammation, enhancing healing and blood circulation, minimizing acne and acne marks, stimulating collagen production, promoting cell regeneration, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What does purple LED light do for skin? ›
Purple LED Light Therapy aids in eliminating toxins from the skin, reducing inflammation, enhancing healing and blood circulation, minimizing acne and acne marks, stimulating collagen production, promoting cell regeneration, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What LED colors do to you? ›
Blue, the color of the sea and the sky, often brings feelings of calm and peace. It's known to reduce tension and anxiety, promoting a sense of tranquility. But darker shades can sometimes bring about feelings of sadness. Green, reminiscent of nature and growth, tends to make us feel comfortable, relaxed, and calm.
What Colour LED light helps with healing? ›
The LED Light also triggers the lymphatic system, improving the removal of toxins from the treated area. Yellow Light Therapy is used to increase wound healing, collagen induction, skin hydration and the overall health of the skin.
What does yellow LED light do for skin? ›
Benefits of Yellow Light Therapy
Many people undergo this procedure to eliminate skin redness and flushing. It can significantly reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well as the effects of UV radiation damage. Experts also recommend this process to treat rosacea and skin irritation.
