LED Light Therapy

In the world of beauty and skincare, LED light therapy has recently risen in popularity amongst salons and spas. LED stands for light-emitting diodes, which form the basis of this space-age treatment.

Space-age?

Yes, space age, because NASA first developed this technology to grow healthy plants in space. The answer is the process if you are wondering how skincare relates to plants. The same type of light therapy to promote photosynthesis can also affect photobiochemical reactions in our cells. For example, red light and near-infrared light waves stimulate the production of ATP (adenosinetriphosphate), which drives all cells. In skin cells, this results in the production of the protein collagen. Collagen is necessary to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin. With less collagen, our hair thins, and we see fine lines and wrinkles.  Red light and near-infrared light treatments have also been shown to help repair sun damage, help even out skin tone, reduce redness and inflammation, and smooth the texture of your skin. 

While red and near-infrared wavelengths affect the outer layer of your skin (epidermis), blue light waves penetrate deeper.  Blue light wave treatment is used as a drug-free therapy for acne.  This process works in two ways.  First, it kills the bacteria that causes breakouts (Propionibacterium acnes) and it also targets overactive sebaceous glands that produce excess oil leaving your skin cleaner.

Light therapy can also be used for the treatment of painful injuries. Using this modality can help reduce inflammation and bring pain relief.

Providers encourage users to have treatments in a continuous series to maximize the benefit.

If the results are not enough of a reason to try LED light therapy, consider the following additional reasons.

- Non-invasive

- Drug-free

- Painless, no sensations

- FDA rates as no significant risk (as always check with your doctor if you are on medications that could make you photosensitive or if you have epilepsy)

- Scientifically researched

- Can be combined with other facials for extra impact

- Can be used after waxing to reduce redness

- No downtime after a session

- Natural healing from the inside out

Lastly, LED light therapy sessions do not require large time commitments.  A stand-alone LED light therapy treatment involves a cleaning of the area to be treated(any sunscreen or makeup with screening will block the penetration of the light waves,) followed by a 30-minute exposure to the LED light.  After treatment usually necessitates an application of serums, moisturizers, and SPFs to protect your vibrant, healthy glow.

"Glowing skin is always in."