What is LED Light therapy?
Light therapy is exposure to safe, specific wavelengths for a prescribed amount of time. Proven to effectively treat acne, wounds, signs of ageing, scarring, reduce inflammation and pore size. But how does it work? Well, it generates the mitochondrial energy of the cell to increase its functions and processes. Originally used by NASA to stimulate plant growth in space, it was discovered to have healing properties. These healing modalities we now use in the aesthetic industry to treat a multitude of skin concerns.
NASA held clinical trials to investigate the use of light therapy to combat health issues of astronauts…. these studies found to improve cell function affecting overall rate of healing. It was then used to combat the damage or atrophy of muscle and bone tissue which is a common consequence of microgravity during space flight and long-term space mission. Further studies have observed the growth and function of human cells are affected by fluctuations in gravity – causing health and healing issues for our astronauts.
In 1999 the first human clinical trials led to the successful treatment of a female patient for a brain tumor, using a combination of LED light therapy and other medical interventions.
Nowadays, we have our trusty LED machines which produce several wavelengths of light to treat an array of concerns. Ranging from blue, red and green there is a colour to suit every skin type and concern! Our machine can even flick through multiple colours to give you a broad-spectrum of therapeutic effects.
What Does Each Colour Do?
The blue light targets the sebaceous gland within your skin. These glands produce oil to provide moisture to the skin, if these glands are overactive it can lead to congestion and acne. The blue light reduces and prevents the activity of the oil glands while also killing any acne bacteria. This effectively treats pustules blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic breakouts.
A 2009 study with 21 patients found that blue light administered twice per week for 5 weeks reduced acne by 54%!
We recommend the blue light dosage on an acneic skin type as a treatment every 2-3 days over several weeks dependent on the severity. Our acne clients see amazing reductions after a series of sessions!
See our client who had 10 LED’s over the course of 1 month and followed her homecare prescription of products.
Fun Fact – Led Light Can Also Improve Mood and Sleep!
Red and near-infrared red light is absorbed into the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, where it stimulates collagen and elastin for anti-ageing, rejuvenating and tightening benefits. This setting is great for reducing inflammation in the skin too and is often combined with blue light for its blended healing properties.
The LED light also offers a green setting! Green is ideal to reduce redness and inflammation as it combats the vascular networks within the skin. Often combined with other colours to give your skin a youthful glow and reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like rosacea and puffy eyes.
LED light therapy causes no damage to the skin and is suitable for all skin tones. You can even use it over surgical scars to increase the rate of healing! Unsure which colour would suit your skin? It’s best to chat to one of our friendly dermal therapists so we can ensure you have the most beneficial treatment. LED lights in clinic can be combined with a range of treatments and add ons like cosmetic peels, hydrating peptide masks and sonophoresis to amplify your skin and results!
By Riley McDonald
Dermal therapist at CosmediSpa