The Ultimate Guide to LED Light Therapy

The Ultimate Guide to LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is an effective, non-invasive skin treatment that promotes blemish-free and younger-looking skin. It is also proven to treat other skin conditions such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. Our LED light therapy is suitable for all skin types and is performed by experienced cosmetic consultants. Read on to learn more about this treatment’s benefits and how the different LED light therapy colours work to give you the results you’re after.   

What is LED Light Therapy?

Light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy uses different wavelengths of light, such as red, blue, and yellow, to treat various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles and other skin concerns. NASA first developed it for growing plants and treating astronauts’ wounds in space, and the US NAVY SEALs later used it to heal wounds and regenerate tissue. 

Today, it is a popular beauty treatment used for treating common skin concerns and is safe for all skin types.

LED light therapy does not use ultraviolet light, so it will not burn or damage your skin. It is safe, effective, convenient, and affordable. It is also commonly used to complement other beauty treatments, such as cosmetic injectables.

Benefits of LED Light Therapy

Different skin conditions can be treated with varying wavelengths of light. For this reason, the benefits of LED light therapy are many:

  • Treats acne by killing the bacteria that contribute to its formation
  • Stimulates the production of collagen, leading to a youthful glow
  • Eases inflammation and reduces redness 
  • Speeds up wound healing
  • It can help treat other skin problems such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Besides benefits to the skin, LED light therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for hair loss as it stimulates the hair follicles to increase hair growth.

How Does LED Light Therapy Work?

LED light therapy works by having warm light placed over your skin, but it is safe and will not burn. The different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at various levels, triggering biological processes in our cells that assist the skin in healing. 

LED light therapy can be used not just on the face but also on the neck, chest, hands, and other body parts. Best of all, there is no recovery time required after the treatment.

For best results, we recommend having several sessions. It may take several weeks to see a noticeable improvement in your skin condition. You may also need to have follow-up sessions to maintain your results.

Different Types of LED Light Therapy Colours

Different wavelengths of light provide various beauty applications. They also produce different effects on the cells of our bodies.

Yellow Light

Yellow light has a wavelength of between 560 nanometres (nm) to 590nm and works best for stimulating the skin to retain moisture by increasing blood circulation. Increased blood circulation flushes out toxins and refreshes the look of your skin. 

Yellow LED light therapy is excellent for enhancing your skincare regimen but is best used in combination with red and blue LED light therapy.

Blue Light

Blue has a wavelength of between 405nm to 420nm and is used for treating acne and reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines. It kills the P. acnes bacteria that lives on the skin’s surface and contributes to the formation of acne. Blue light also stops the skin from producing excess oil, balancing oily skin and promoting circulation. 

Blue LED light therapy is also helpful in treating third-degree burns.

Green Light

Green light has a wavelength of about 530nm and has been used for wound healing and, in combination with red light, for treating non-melanoma skin cancers. It treats brown spots and pigmentation as it penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. Green light is absorbed by melanin (the pigment that produces colour in the skin), which is broken down and flushed out, giving you an even lighter tone. 

Green LED light therapy also reduces spider veins and rosacea by breaking down the small blood vessels beneath the skin and soothing the area. 

Red Light

Red light has a wavelength of between 620nm and 700nm, penetrating the top layer of the skin and into the dermis (the middle layer of skin). Our skin cells absorb red light and convert it to energy. The cells will then use this energy to produce collagen and elastane and oxygenate them, giving them a rejuvenated appearance. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity. Its production declines after thirty, which is helpful for those seeking a youthful appearance.

Red light also repairs damaged tissue, decreases inflammation, and fights bacteria. For this reason, red LED light therapy is used to treat acne and rosacea, improve the appearance of aging skin, minimise scar tissue, and even treat hair loss. In combination with green light, red light can also be used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers.

Is LED Light Therapy Safe For You?

LED light therapy is generally safe, will not damage the skin or tissues, and won’t cause long-term damage to your skin. Our clinician will assess your skin and tailor a treatment plan for you during your treatment.

If you are using any creams or skin medications for acne, such as Accutane, it may increase your skin’s sensitivity to light, so please get your doctor’s advice before proceeding with LED light therapy. 

LED light therapy may not be suitable for you if you’re taking oral medications such as isotretinoin or lithium or if you’ve had skin cancer or eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

The side effects of LED light therapy are mild, but see your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased inflammation or severe redness
  • Rash or hives
  • Tenderness or pain

Some studies have shown that LED light therapy is safe to use when pregnant. LED light therapy is non-invasive and does not produce serious side effects. However, please see your OB/GYN if you have any concerns.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From LED Therapy?

We recommend taking ten sessions spaced about a week apart if you want significant results. You may also need to receive follow-up treatments monthly to maintain your results.

Although at-home LED light therapy devices are available on the market, such as masks and wands, they are not medical-grade, which means you won’t get the same results as with professional treatment. One caution about at-home devices is that you should always wear medical-grade eye protection to prevent eye damage.

Book an LED Light Therapy With Melbourne Cosmetic Specialists

Are you ready to experience clear, blemish-free, younger-looking skin? See how LED light therapy can work for you with Melbourne Cosmetic Specialists. Please book a consultation with our experienced, professional cosmetologists today.

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