If you’re looking for a way to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, we recommend you consider facial led light therapy. This specialized treatment uses noninvasive light to alleviate a variety of issues, from skin disorders to mental illness.
LED light therapy facial is a developing field within cosmetic treatments that can be beneficial for all skin types. It has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people are attracted to its physical and mental benefits, as well as the short duration of the treatment. Let’s take a closer look at LED facial therapy, from how it actually works to the specific benefits it can offer.
LED led light therapy can also be used on the neck and chest, which are other areas that tend to show signs of aging.
What is a LED light therapy facial?
Although facial led light therapy seems like a recent innovation, it has been around since the early 1960s. However, it didn’t become widely known until the 1990s, when NASA started using it for plant growth on space missions. At that time, people discovered that it had significant potential for skin various treatments.
LEDs emit a focused spectrum of light that is absorbed by the skin, which helps for healing and rejuvenating the skin. Different wavelengths such as blue, red, yellow, green and infrared target specific skin issues for specific problems. In some cases, a combination of these lights may be used for optimal results.
Some common reasons for receiving facial LED light therapy may include: anti-aging, acne, eczema, rosacea, scars, sun damage, hair loss, facial texture, wounds, collagen stimulation, wrinkles and reducing inflammation.
One of the main benefits of facial LED light therapy is its safety. It offers all the benefits of light absorption, without the harmful effects of UV light. While treatments like chemical peels and laser therapies can offer similar results, facial led light therapy is pain free and safe for all skin types and tones.
LED phototherapy can be performed in a dermatologist’s office or even at home. Regardless of the location, be sure to consult a doctor first to properly diagnose the condition you wish to treat.
How does LED light therapy work for skin
LED light therapy is a painless, fast, and quick way to improve skin health, but how exactly does it work? When our skin absorbs light, it gains more energy, allowing skin cells to work more efficiently. This energy can helps repairing the skin, boosting cell growth, and overall skin rejuvenation.
When you get treatments, you’ll need to start by choosing the right wavelength: blue, red, yellow, or green. The most common options are blue and red light therapies. They are effective for treating wrinkles, inflammation, oil control, acne, and scarring. Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules in the skin to target specific issues, either breaking down or removing damaged skin cells depending on the different wavelengths.
Typically, results are not immediately noticeable. Facial LED light therapy works to improve complexion over time, so there is a process to seeing results. In 2009, a study with 40 participants aged 18 and 65, all showing signs of aging. Each participant participated in the study for four consecutive weeks. Half of their face was exposed to a sham light and half to an LED light. For most participants, significant improvement was seen on the side of their face exposed to the LED light, compared to the side exposed to the sham light, after four weeks.
Facial LED light therapy comes in different forms, such as masks, lamps, and light wands. For best results, the light should be placed as close to the skin as possible, without exceeding its comfort level. Always consult a professional before starting any treatment at home or in the office.
Types of LED light therapy
LED light therapy comes in several forms. Each type reaches the skin at different depths to achieve a specific result. LED light therapy is known for its ability to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and acne.
Red light therapy
Red light therapy is one of the most common forms of LED light therapy. It uses a low wavelength to improve the appearance of the skin. Red light therapy treats the outer layer of the skin being fully absorbed by fibrous cells and helps to repair damaged cells. Some research has shown that red light facial therapy can help with collagen production and improve blood circulation. Red light therapy is frequently used for wound healing, sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, and inflammatory problems such as rosacea.
Blue light therapy
Blue light therapy is another popular form, used to kill acne-causing bacteria and regulate skin oil production to reduce enlarged pores. It even also been used to aid in the healing process of third-degree burns. If you suffer from chronic acne, blue light therapy might be a helpful option. However, it’s important to note that blue light therapy is not suitable for whiteheads, cysts or blackheads.
Yellow light therapy
Yellow light therapy is used for skin rejuvenation and calming inflammation. This type of light penetrates the skin to improve cellular communication and can help reduce redness, improve skin texture, and even boost the skin’s hydration levels. It is particularly effective for sensitive skin and soothing irritation.
Green light therapy
Green light therapy uses a soft, natural colored light on non-pigmented parts of the skin. It is even known to help mitigate feelings of anxiety or depression. Green light helps neutralize and calm nerves, which can positively affect human emotions. Green light therapy can reduce dark circles, regulate skin glands, improve oily skin, and even out skin texture.
Risks and side effects of LED light therapy
Facial LED light therapy is a great option for all skin tones, requires no downtime. It’s noninvasive, so you can go about your day without worrying about major side effects. That said, even though it’s much safer than many other treatments out there, it is still important to consult and receive treatment from a dermatologist or qualified professional. If you notice anything unusual happening with your skin after a session, immediately stop treatment and get checked out by a doctor.
As with any procedure, you should need to know the safety guidelines and be aware of possible side effects. If you are pregnant, taking blood thinners or Accutane, it is advisable to avoid LED light therapy. Possible side effects include redness, inflammation, swelling, crusting, mild headaches or mild visual side effects.
How to prepare face for LED light therapy
Getting ready for LED light therapy treatment is considered to be very simple, especially compared to other beauty procedures. Right before your session, you should make sure that your face is clean and makeup free. That’s it!
It’s important to skip tanning beds, chemical peels, and facial waxing for
two weeks before your treatment. This will allow you to achieve the best results and reduce the possibility of side effects.
What to expect from LED light therapy treatment
LED light therapy sessions can last between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on whether you’re doing it at home or at a professional spa (professional treatment center). If you’re at a spa, you’ll be asked to lie down and wear safety glasses, and once everything is set, the treatment will start.
For most people, it’s recommended to have LED light therapy once a week for about 10 weeks, and then you can do it once every two months. Some practitioners may recommend longer or shorter periods, depending on your skin’s specific needs and desires.
Although LED lamps used in professional centers are usually more powerful, LED devices for facial use at home are also available. At-home devices usually come as face masks or a handheld wand.
Postoperative care and recovery from LED light therapy
If you’re looking for a treatment with minimal recovery time, LED light therapy is a great option. With proper post-operative care, this noninvasive treatment requires no downtime, so you won’t have to worry about canceling any scheduled plans.
However, it’s pretty common for your face to a bit become red after the first session. This can last between four and eight hours. If you notice a slight stinging sensation, you can use a damp cloth or ice pack to relieve the stinging. During the recovery time, it’s best to avoid makeup or moisturizers for at least 24 hours to let your skin fully settle.
How long does LED light therapy last?
After a chemical peel, your skin will be red, irritated, or swollen. This can last from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the depth of the peel. Mild chemical peels usually take between five and seven days to fully recover. During the recovery period, your skin may be more sensitive and slightly irritated. Your skin may also look sunburned for a few days. However, you can apply makeup after 24 hours if you want.
Downtime for medium chemical peels can last up to 14 days. The skin will be red and swollen and you may feel a stinging sensation. Ice packs and over-the-counter medication are recommended to relieve discomfort during recovery. During this time, your skin may scab over and even darken as it heals.
Severe redness and swelling, as well as burning and throbbing, are to be expected after a deep chemical peel. Doctors often prescribe painkillers and ointments that are frequently applied to the treated skin. Those undergoing deep chemical peels may prefer to stay home until the pain has subsided and the new skin completely covers the treated area. This can take up to two weeks.
No matter what type of chemical peel you get, your skin will be sensitive while it heals. Here are some tips you can follow to protect your skin:
1. Use an unscented moisturizer to prevent scarring and dryness.
2. Apply sunscreen every day and avoid direct sunlight.
3. Allow peeling skin to fall off naturally. Picking at the skin can increase your risk of scarring, infection, and long-term redness.
4. Wait until the skin has stopped peeling before applying makeup.
How much does LED light therapy facial cost?
The cost of LED light therapy depends on a range of factors, including what you are using it for, the duration and frequency of each treatment, your location, and if you are using an at home device or seeking professional services.
Generally, at Serenity Head Spa facial light therapy costs start at $199/90min or more per professional session. The price of buying an at-home device upfront may be expensive, but it is cost-effective over time. On the other hand, while each professional treatment may be expensive, it offers more intense light therapy, which could mean faster results.