LED LIGHT THERAPY - WHAT IS IT & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
What is LED light therapy?
Everything you need to know from what the benefits are to which treatments include it…
LED light therapy is a technique typically used by estheticians as it is touted for improving acne, acne scars, and signs of aging. It is also known to help with sagging, wrinkling skin, and inflammation. With LED light therapy, the results often mean more radiant and clear skin. While hyperpigmentation is oftentimes difficult to tackle, it is LED light therapy’s specialty.
What does LED even mean?
LED means light emitting diode, which basically means the device emits infrared lights (which causes heat) in different tones/wavelengths which then results in varied skincare benefits.
There are various colors of infrared light, each with their own specific benefits. Let’s go through the most common ones:
RED LIGHT - leads to strengthening, building, and maximization of the cellular structure. The red light targets oil glands to then reduce cytokines (which cause inflammation and plays a role in acne formation). Red light is also known to increase circulation and improve collagen density, while giving the skin a smoother, more even tone.
BLUE LIGHT - specific wavelengths stimulate the production of oxygen radicals that kill acne bacteria. Blue light also helps with breakout prevention and is able to penetrate deeper to treat existing cystic acne. Blue light is also known to soothe the skin.
AMBER LIGHT - stimulates collagen and elastin production and is known for rejuvenating skin cells. Amber light also targets pigmentation and addresses photodamage.
WHITE LIGHT - known for reducing inflammation and tightening the skin
GREEN LIGHT - reduces hyperpigmentation and has anti-inflammatory properties to calm redness
ALL THE BENEFITS:
Helps reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces inflammation
Improves acne scars and fights existing acne
Kills off bacteria in the dermis
Promotes circulation
Stimulates collagen production
Brightens the skin
Fights off hyperpigmentation
Repairs sun damage
Why do we use LED in combination with microneedling or facial rejuvenation acupuncture?
Both microneedling and facial rejuvenation acupuncture aim to manage skin-related concerts such as tissue repair, anti-aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation, which is exactly what LED light therapy is used for. It makes perfect sense to pair either of the treatments with LED for that extra boost of skincare! LED when used on the face can enhance skin microcirculation, improve lymphatic drainage, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and delay signs of aging.
LED light masks versus panels:
In the Advanced OC Wellness office, we use a specific LED device which looks like a large panel of lights folded into thirds to span across your face and neck. The panel sits comfortably above your face, rather than the mask which sits directly on top of the skin… The benefits of the LED panel is that it provides more light and power than the mask, and it also benefits the whole body. Not only do the LED panels help with skin rejuvenation, they also help to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and improve sleep patterning. The panels have also been shown to reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain, give the body more energy, and increase mental focus and clarity, all while providing deep relaxation.
What does the process of using LED light therapy consist of?
Typically you just lay down, eye protection will be placed over your eyes, then the LED light panels will be placed above your head (as shown in the photos above) and voila! 15-20 minutes of all the skin beautifying benefits and even time for a little R&R. The light is warming but doesn’t cause any burning or damage to the skin. It is a painless procedure but is often tacked onto the end of a microneedling session to heal the micro-wounds created or after facial rejuvenation acupuncture for an extra boost. No recovery time is required, just be sure to follow up with some moisturizer or serum and you’re good to go!
If you want to add on some LED light therapy post microneedling or facial acupuncture at our Newport Beach office, just let us know!