Light can be an extremely powerful tool in skin care, and light treatments are becoming increasingly popular for treating various skin concerns. So, what exactly is light therapy, and can it actually be good for your skin? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a treatment.
What is LED Light Therapy?
Light emitting diode (LED) light therapy is an increasingly popular skin care treatment. Using varying LED wavelengths, this skincare technique helps with a variety of skin concerns. When it comes to skin treatments, LED light therapy for skin benefits include:
- The light can treat acne.
- It can result in reduced inflammation.
- The light can promote anti-aging effects.
LED light therapy uses varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue, to treat age spots, acne, and wrinkles. The light waves can penetrate deep into the skin and cause reactions within the skin.
How Do the Different Wavelengths of Light Help Your Skin?
Red light can have numerous benefits, according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital. Since red light is anti-inflammatory, he says it carries the following benefits:
- Anti-aging skin benefits
- Stimulates collagen
- Treats acne
How is LED Light Therapy Different From IPL Therapy?
Intense-pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the skin is a type of light therapy used to treat wrinkles, spots, and unwanted hair. While IPL and LED photofacials both use the power of light to boost collagen and brighten the skin, they are different in terms of what they help you achieve with your skin care goals. An IPL treatment uses broad-spectrum light, whereas LED uses specific wavelengths depending on your skincare concern. LED light therapy also uses a much lower level of energy. Because it’s gentler, LED is typically used to treat skin concerns like acne, and IPL is used for more stubborn skin concerns like redness, aging, or broken blood vessels.
Procedure for LED Light Therapy
If you’ve decided to get professional LED light therapy for your skin concerns, you’re probably wondering what the procedure will be like. According to EstheticianEDU, the procedure lasts for about 20 minutes. You’ll likely need several treatments, as many as 10, to achieve your desired results. A professional, trained esthetician will have you lie down directly under lights; or, sometimes they will wave wands directly over your skin. The choice will likely depend on your skin concern or the target area of the skin.
What to Expect After Light Therapy
Since it’s noninvasive, there is no recovery time required after a light therapy treatment. You may require 10 treatments or more, spaced out about a week apart each, before you start to see noticeable results. Even after the recommended number of treatments, skin cells will turn over and you may lose collagen. You may start to see signs of aging again even after light therapy treatments. While side effects from LED light therapy are rare, consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms like increased inflammation, redness, rash, pain, or tenderness.
Interested in a Light Therapy Treatment? Look to the Experts at Brillare Beauty Institute
Brillare Beauty Institute offers a professional, relaxing spa experience for various types of treatments, including LED light therapy! Our future professionals are being trained every day in the art of facials, microdermabrasion, exfoliation, full body waxing, light therapy, and more. Maybe you’re interested in becoming a trained esthetician yourself. We offer one of the best programs for aspiring beauty professionals. To learn more about our aesthetics program or schedule an appointment, contact Brillare Beauty Institute today!
