LED lights aren’t just for lighting the way in your home. Now science and beauty has mixed to make them even more spectacular.

Let’s start with the basics, though LED lights are anything BUT basic. LED stands for “light-emitting diode” and they give off a narrow spectrum of color instead of a whole prism of color.

Originally developed by NASA (yes, NASA!) to grow plants in outer space, government entities found that it showed a lot of promise in the realm of healing and wound treatment. Now, LEDs are used for a myriad of treatments from acne to anti-aging.

LED light therapy has become more and more popular as the science and results of the skin care routine gets more and more buzz. Because different colors of LED lights correspond to different wavelengths of the light spectrum, they have found that red and blue lights have the most beneficial results. And when used over a period of time, LED lights are shown to have ranged positive results, from clearing up scars to reducing wrinkles.

Quick History Lesson:

LED lights were developed in the 1960s commercially as longer lasting alternatives to using fluorescent light bulbs. At first, the technology was only able to create a red light, but now, LED lights come in a full spectrum of colors.

What are the benefits of LED lights?

Red Light:

Red LED light works on cells in the skin known as fibroblasts which play a role in the production of collagen (a protein that makes up a big part of our connective tissue and helps our skin recover when harmed).

Blue Light:

Blue LED light penetrates the skin at a different depth and goes deep into the pores, helping to eliminate bacteria in the skin.

Now let’s discuss the beneficial qualities of LED light therapy and what to expect when you go in for a treatment!

LED Light Therapy Benefits:

• Helps lighten and clear up scarring on the skin

• Provides relief for those suffering from dermatitis

• Fights acne

• Reduces inflammation

• Helps soothe psoriasis, eczema and rosacea

• Accelerates wound healing

• Reduces signs of aging such as age spots and wrinkles

• Promotes collagen regeneration for a smoother softer looking face

• Improves circulation

• Affordable treatments

• Relaxing

• Convenient

The American Academy of Dermatology found that most people with acne who used LED light therapy saw an improvement in their skin issues after a round of treatments. Like most skin therapy, you will need to go in for a few treatments over the course of a couple weeks for the best results.

Quick Science Lesson:

When the two are combined in one session, red and blue LED light therapy helps treat acne even better than just blue light alone. Blue light destroys the acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin’s surface and the red light reduces inflammation and helps accelerate the healing process. Blue LED light is most often used to treat acne and it does this by reducing activity in the sebaceous glands and when it does this, it helps them produce less of the oil that can clog our hair follicles which leads to acne. Blue light is also said to kill the bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes, an acne causing bacteria. Red light is used for its anti-aging effect, where it stimulates collagen synthesis and helps the skin appear younger.

Is LED Light Therapy Safe? (YES!)

Unlike other skin treatments, LED light therapy doesn’t cause skin irritation. It is safe for regular use because it doesn’t contain ultraviolet rays, like suntanning and other treatments that can do more harm than good if not done by a qualified technician. Make sure to consult your esthetician or doctor if about any medications you are taking that may have an effect on your skin, such as Accutane.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people with acne will see an improvement in their symptoms from using LED light therapy, but they should not expect all acne to clear. It is necessary to have several treatment sessions before noticing an improvement in skin appearance. People usually see the best results a few weeks after treatment.

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