LED light therapy has its roots in the early 1900s, when researchers first began exploring the effects of different colours of light on living cells. They soon discovered the amazing benefits of different wavelengths of light for various medical and cosmetic purposes.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that the first LED light therapy devices for cosmetic use became available. Since then, however, the technology has continued to evolve and improve, and LED light therapy is now widely used by skin experts and beauty therapists to promote skin rejuvenation and treat a range of skin conditions and concerns.
At home LED therapy devices are now also available, such as the Rio FaceLITE LED mask, allowing anyone to reap the benefits of this powerful treatment.
But how exactly does LED light therapy work? What are the benefits? And how often should you do it? Let’s find out.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy is a cosmetic treatment that uses different colors of light from LED (Light Emitting Diode) devices to combat skin complaints and improve its overall appearance. The light energy is absorbed by cells in the skin and can stimulate cellular processes to help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Different wavelengths of light have different effects, and you can utilise the full range of combinations of light with your LED light therapy device to target specific skin concerns. For example, red LED light therapy is believed to penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and promote a more youthful-looking complexion.
Blue light is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be helpful for treating conditions like acne. LED light therapy is non-invasive, painless, and does not require any recovery time.
Does LED light therapy work?
While LED light therapy is still a relatively new technology, the body of research into its potential benefits has grown rapidly in recent years.
This study from 2007 into blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne found the treatment to be an “effective, safe and non-painful treatment for mild to moderately severe acne vulgaris, particularly for papulopustular acne lesions.” More recently, a 2018 study into light-based inflammatory acne treatments found that it reduces inflammatory lesions and significantly improves acne.
However, do consult a skin therapist if you’re unsure how to safely incorporate LED light therapy into your skin regime. As always, you’ll get the best results if you use it in combination with suitable skincare and a healthy lifestyle.
LED light therapy benefits
LED light therapy has a number of potential benefits for the skin, including:
- Reducing inflammation - certain wavelengths of light can help to reduce inflammation in the skin, which can be beneficial for treating conditions like acne
- Improving skin texture and tone - LED light therapy can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - by promoting collagen production, LED light therapy may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Treating hyperpigmentation - LED light therapy can help to reduce the production of melanin, which can help to lighten dark spots and improve the overall appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Promoting healing - LED light therapy has been shown to accelerate the healing of wounds and improve the overall health of your skin.
How often should I use LED light therapy at home?
At-home LED light therapy devices are readily available and can be a convenient and affordable option if you’re looking to try this treatment. These devices typically come in the form of handheld wands or masks that can be used on the face and body.
How often you use LED light therapy at home will depend on the specific device and the skin concern you want to treat. Generally, you should make sure to follow the manufacturer's usage guidelines and start with a lower frequency. For example, use your LED light therapy device once or twice a week, and gradually increase as tolerated.
There are some devices you can use everyday, while for others, you might have to leave longer intervals between treatments. You should also consider the overall health and sensitivity of your skin, and consult with a skincare expert if you have any questions.
