Words: Dr J
LED Light Therapy has been used to treat a number of skin conditions for years. Only recently has LED light therapy gained traction for cosmetic purposes. LED light therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment with evidence to serve a number of cosmetic and medical purposes, such as rejuvenating the skin, combating acne, reducing signs of ageing, and improving wound healing.
But how does it work?
Believe it or not, your skin cells actually have receptors called photoreceptors that react to light of various wavelengths, aka different colours, which then stimulate various processes that can lead to collagen production, skin repair, anti-inflammation, or even anti-bacterial effects. Different wavelengths will produce different effects, so your desired impact will determine which coloured light will be best suited to you.
For example, blue light has been found to possess antibacterial properties against P. Acnes, the bacteria that can cause many forms of acne. As such, it can be a handy treatment to complement other acne treatments for clearing out breakouts. The best part is that some studies suggest the effects carry on for several weeks after a treatment course.
Near infrared light, on the other hand, can reach much deeper into the skin than blue or other shorter wavelength light and has been shown to enhance circulation and stimulate regenerative pathways, which results in increased collagen production, anti-inflammatory effects, reduced swelling, and better healing from wounds and bruises.
Not all LED treatment lights are built the same. Different devices will vary in the quality and number of LED bulbs, which affect whether the right frequency of light is emitted, the intensity of the light produced, and thus the effectiveness of the treatment. Some modern LED lights also have built-in technologies to concentrate and maximise the amount of light delivered to your skin. So do take care to do a bit of research when selecting LED light devices, or consult a reliable health provider.
Some major advantages of LED therapy are that it is non-invasive, non-thermal, and non-ablative. This means that it does not cause any damage to the skin, does not involve any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and has no downtime at all. This also means LED therapy is safe for all skin types and skin tones. With its versatility and excellent tolerability, LED light therapy can be excellent as a standalone treatment or a complimentary addition to other treatments like micro-needling, lasers, radiofrequency, or post dermal filler injectables.
