What Is LED Light Therapy?
LED uses the energy of different wavelengths of light to stimulate different reactions in the skin. LED stands for light emitting diode. This technology was initially developed by NASA scientists working aboard the ISS to grow food without sunlight. Medical researchers then adopted the technology after it showed promise in wound healing. LED devices can now be found in aesthetic studios around the world, including here at Lively Esthetics!
How it works
LED uses the energy contained in different wavelengths of light to affect the skin. Each color travels through space at a different speed. Faster speeds have shorter wavelengths, with red light being the fastest, and purple being the slowest. The faster wavelengths penetrate deeper into the dermis, while the slower wavelengths work on the surface. The mitochondria in our skin cells use the energy contained in these light waves which helps them perform their jobs more efficiently.
Different layers of the skin contain cells that do unique jobs. For example, collagen is produced in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), and red light is the wavelength that reaches this depth, making it the light that stimulates collagen production.
Color functions
Different light colors have different wavelengths and stimulate different reactions in the skin. Depending on the goals for your treatment will determine the color of light chosen.
Red: Stimulates collagen and elastin production, speeds wound healing, and restores cell function.
Blue: Kills acne-causing bacteria, minimizes redness, and reduces swelling.
Green: Balances oil production and water, lessen the appearance of capillaries, soothes irritation, eases redness, and reduce swelling.
Yellow: Anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling, stimulates lymphatic flow, detoxifies, and brightens.
Purple: Combines both blue and red, promotes scar healing, speeds recovery and healing, and stimulates collagen and elastin.
Cyan: Boosts cell metabolism, prevents acne, calming, and purifies.
White: Targets inflammation, speeds healing, and reduces scarring.
Common devices
There are several different types of LED devices that you may come across. Spas and skin clinics will usually use pannel or dome-style devices. These may either be mounted on a pedestal or rest directly on the facial table.
There are also hand-held devices that are getting more and more popular. These may be only LED, or they can have multiple functions, like ultrasound or microcurrent. These are convenient options for at-home use.
Another great at-home LED device is the mask-style device. These are designed to sit directly against the skin while providing a hands-free experience.
Who is LED for (and who it isn’t)
Most people can benefit from LED because it is a fantastic treatment option for a variety of skin concerns. It is non-invasive and doesn’t carry the same risks as other treatment options. As mentioned above, each color does different things to the skin. Yellow and green are great options for people with redness like mild forms of rosacea. Blue and purple are amazing for healing acne blemishes and reducing scarring. All of the different colors offer something that helps with graceful aging, with red being the most common as it’s one that stimulates collagen.
Because there are few negative side effects, most people can benefit from treatment with LED, however, there are some conditions that may disqualify someone from this treatment.
Individuals undergoing treatment for cancer would have to wait until treatment is finished and they are cleared by their doctor.
People with epilepsy should use caution whenever lights are concerned. While most treatments do not utilize flashes of light, there can be settings on some devices that consist of cycling through multiple colors.
Conditions that affect the eyes. While the eyes are covered when receiving treatments in clinics, the lights are quite bright and could cause discomfort.
Medications that cause photo-sensitivity or individuals with light allergies should not use LED devices.
Pregnancy. Please consult your OB-GYN or primary care physician prior to receiving LED treatments or using devices at home.
The treatment
When receiving LED treatments in a spa or skin clinic the type of device they use will determine at what point in the treatment it is used. A handheld device may be used at any point in the treatment; it could be used during cleansing, after extractions, with a mask, or to infuse serums at the end. Dome or panel-style devices require the skin to be completely clean, so they’ll usually be utilized towards the end of a facial. I like to use mine right after a dermaplane or extractions to calm the skin, or after removing the mask, but before applying serums and moisturizers that might interfere with the light.
At home, the type of device you have will determine how you use it. Read any instructions that came in the packaging to ensure you’re getting the most out of your toy. Most hand-held LED devices and LED masks can be used with sheet masks or with hydrating serums.
If you would like to experience LED for yourself, you can schedule a facial here, and add on LED.
