LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy treats multiple skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, and rosacea. It comes in different color types, such as blue LED light therapy and red LED light therapy.
During treatment, lights of different wavelengths penetrate the skin in the affected areas. Let’s delve deeper into LED light therapy and discuss what it is, how it works, its treatment benefits, and its risks.
What Is LED Light Therapy?
Hungarian physician Endre Meister first tested LED light therapy on mice in the mid-1960s, according to National Geographic. Mester tried to determine how light therapy affects tumor growth. He discovered that red LED light prompted hair regrowth, and later studies showed that it also contributed to wound healing.
The non-invasive treatment has grown in popularity over the past six decades. Currently, LED light therapy occurs in clinical settings and via at-home devices. People use face and full-body masks and portable wands to receive low-level light therapy for various skin conditions, anti-aging properties, and rejuvenation.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
LED light therapy is also known as “photobiomodulation” (PBM) and it uses low-level light to “stimulate natural physiological processes,” dermatological laser therapy researcher and clinician and an adjunct professor at McGill University, Daniel Barolet explained to National Geographic. Plus, LED light sessions don’t emit harmful UV rays.
Dermatologists and estheticians conduct LED light therapy treatments in professional offices and clinics. LED wavelengths correspond to different visible colors and impact skin cells in various ways. Each treatment color penetrates the skin at different depths, as follows:
- Blue light affects the uppermost skin layer.
- Yellow light penetrates the skin deeper.
- Red light goes even further into the skin.
- Near-infrared light penetrates the skin the deepest.
A skin specialist might combine lights during treatment, depending on the targeted issues. Different lights treat different concerns.
For instance, red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and generate collagen (the protein that produces younger-looking skin). It’s used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Blue LED light therapy may destroy bacteria that cause acne.
Some skin specialists will use ointments, creams, and facials along with light therapy to maximize results. Sessions last about 20 minutes.
Does LED Light Therapy Work and How Long for Results?
To see skin improvements, you need several light therapy sessions. Research suggests that LED light therapy can help reduce skin issues and improve skin conditions.
Cleveland Clinic notes that patients need multiple sessions to see skin improvements. Also, in-office LED light therapy delivers more powerful strength treatments than at-home devices. So, in-office LED light treatments are more effective at home sessions.
To see significant results, a person needs several LED light treatments. This means having a series of in-office LED light sessions, which could require one weekly session for a month. After these initial visits, monthly maintenance treatments may also be necessary.
Some at-home devices may require 30-to-60-minute sessions twice a day for four to five weeks.
Benefits of LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy has multiple benefits, including:
- It might help with wound healing.
- It might reduce fine lines.
- It might help treat acne.
- It is a non-invasive treatment.
- The treatment doesn’t hurt.
- People with any skin color or tone can do it.
- It doesn’t use UV light. So, treatments won’t damage or burn skin.
Photo: nimon via 123RF
LED Light Therapy Risks
LED light therapy is safe and low-risk. Some important things to note:
- Make sure you only buy FDA-approved at-home LED light therapy devices.
- Always have eye protection, like goggles, during an LED light therapy session.
- Rare side effects can include rash, redness, pain, and increased inflammation.
- Long-term safety has not yet been determined.
- People who take medicines that increase sunlight sensitivity, such as isotretinoin and lithium, should not undergo LED light therapy.
- People with a history of skin cancer and inherited eye disease should not do LED light therapy.
Other Considerations
Be sure to consult a dermatologist to make sure LED light therapy is right for you. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any physical or medical restrictions.
Overall, LED light therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment with multiple benefits. You can have treatments with an at-home device or in a professional office. Contact your physician to see if they feel you are a candidate for LED light therapy.