A common element among many beauty experts today is their routine, which prominently features the frequent use of LED light masks.
LED light therapy is an efficacious way to treat acne and fine lines and boost collagen so you can glow all day.
In this blog, you will uncover whether LED light therapy offers meaningful benefits or if it is comparable to other skincare trends, such as charcoal powder and vitamin gummies, which may not live up to their promises.
Does Light Therapy Work for Skin?
Many people have seen evident changes in their skin and face after using LED light therapy. It is a noninvasive way to boost collagen in your skin.
Different lights activate different layers of skin and perform various functions. LED light therapy can be obtained in two ways.
One is visiting a dermatologist or skin care clinic and having therapy there, and the other is using a home-use device that you can use in the comfort of your home.
It is a skin treatment that doesn't use UV light but low-level light in different wavelengths. The primary settings/lights used in LED light therapy are:
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Red light
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Blue light
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Green light
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Yellow (amber) light
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Infrared light
GlycoAla Treatment Available at Cheeks
GlycoAla, a photosensitive gel, along with red LED light, is used to treat skin from the inside out. This treatment will get rid of unhealthy skin cells and promote healthy skin cells.
This treatment is called photodynamic therapy. NASA first discovered it in the 1990s, when it discovered its healing properties, which helped cells grow tissues.
GlycoAla treatment along with Red LED Light, helps treat fine lines and wrinkles, improves pore size, removes sun damage, and evens skin tone.
It has been observed that photodynamic therapy is used to treat cancer such as Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma lesions.
Different Light: Different Functions
As mentioned before, different lights have different frequencies. Let's review each one and see how deep it goes and what it treats.
We will also discuss the benefits of LED light therapy based on their penetration.
Red Light (630-670 nm)
Red light reaches the upper epidermis around 1-2 millimeters deep, reducing inflammation and redness. It is combined with blue light for further results.
Red light helps to prevent aging by stimulating the skin cells called fibroblasts. It boosts collagen production, tightens skin, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
After red light therapy, you get silky, soft, and smooth skin that heals the wound and speeds up recovery.
Near-Infrared (NIR) Light (780-850 nm)
Near-infrared light penetrates deeper, reaching up to 5 millimeters into the skin and even some muscle tissue.
It helps to reduce inflammation and is a miracle for those suffering from hair loss. It stimulates hair growth and lowers plaque pimples, itchy sores, and psoriasis.
It also helps to manage pain and repair deep tissues within the skin. It stimulates fibroblast proliferation, rejuvenates skin, regenerates skin cells, and improves blood circulation.
Blue Light (400-460 nm)
Blue light reaches the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. It has numerous benefits. Blue light is recorded to kill the acne-causing bacteria (porphyrin).
It treats acne, controls the sebaceous gland, and prevents the clogging of hair follicles and pores. It also helps to reduce skin inflammation.
Green Light (490-570 nm)
Green light's penetration is not confirmed, but it’s been believed that it travels like red light and penetrates the upper dermis of the skin.
Green light heals the broken capillaries, reduces the signs of aging, and triggers collagen production in the skin. It also helps to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Yellow Light (570-600 nm)
Yellow light, also called amber light, is one of the settings of LED light therapy. It has been proven to reduce redness, speed healing, and promote lymphatic drainage
But remember that aspects like skin tone and thickness of skin, age, and lifestyle can impact penetration depth.
What Is LED Light Therapy And How Can I Get It?
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. These diodes emit different wavelengths of light that specify different colors and frequencies, and those wavelengths are used to treat various skin concerns.
The difference in wavelength determines the penetration of the light, as we discussed above. LED therapy works by stimulating skin cells and elevating the healing process in the skin.
It helps to give your skin a rejuvenated look, fades acne, scars, and blemishes, evens skin tone, and treats hyperpigmentation.
You can also get LED light treatment done during pregnancy.
Main Way To Get LED Light Therapy
Aesthetician or Dermatologist Office: Many professionals offer LED light therapy as a treatment option. They use medical-grade devices for targeted sessions.
Procedure Of LED Light Therapy
When you visit your aesthetician, they will first discuss your concerns. They will listen to you as your skin issues narrow down to what your skin needs and explain the procedure.
It is suggested to go makeup-free for treatment such as LED light therapy.
You will be given special treatment for your skin issues prior to your LED light therapy session and asked to put on the provided goggles so the LED light does not trouble your eyes.
The device may be positioned close to your face without making direct contact with your skin, allowing the lights to focus on your facial area.
A face mask could also be used. Omnilux recommends 10 minute treatments, 3-4 times per week.
Things To Consider Before Going For LED Light Therapy
There are a few factors to consider before you decide to try LED light therapy.
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Cost: The cost per session varies depending on your provider. At Cheeks, we make the series very affordable. If you choose to purchase an Omnilux device for home use, that could cost up to $395.
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Potential redness: After every session, you might experience slight redness over the face.
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Realistic Expectation: Getting LED therapy consistently will provide the best results. LED light therapy masks are the one at-home device that dermatologists and plastic surgeons agree actually works.
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Consulting Dermatologist: You might have an underlying skin issue that could be targeted by LED light therapy.
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Duration: For better results, you should take a weekly session for two months. However, if you use a home device, use it 3-4 times per week for 10 minutes each.
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When to avoid: Avoid LED light therapy if you use isotretinoin, have skin cancer, or eye disease.
Conclusion
LED light therapy is a great, noninvasive way to get glowy, hydrated, and plump skin. It helps reduce acne, pigmentation, and blemishes.
LED light therapy at home is more affordable; however, aestheticians are more educated in these subjects, and taking your first session at a skin clinic is advised.
At Cheeks, we have experienced, certified, and highly qualified aestheticians who will help you identify and treat your skin concerns.
Schedule your appointment today!!
