Nowadays, a great number of cosmetology procedures exist. They are designed to improve the skin condition, fight aging signs, and cope with particular imperfections. Although most procedures are carried out in specialized salons by professional cosmetologists, some of them are available right at home. People can do them themselves without resorting to specialists.
LED therapy is one such procedure. It is a new trend in the industry of cosmetology and skincare. Below, we’re going to answer the question “What is LED light therapy?” and clarify all the related questions.
LED therapy in cosmetology is a gentle method of influencing all layers of the skin with light rays of different lengths. The device is applicable to various parts of the body, including the neckline, arms, and shoulders. The method is the most popular for the face.
First, let’s answer the question “What does LED light therapy do”. The procedure is done by a special apparatus, which is equipped with a large number of LED diodes. Due to the design of the device, rays penetrate not only into the upper layers of the skin but also act at the cellular level. Unlike phototherapy with IPL, the LED method is painless and suitable for people with different skin tones.
Light therapy came to cosmetology from medicine and astronautics. It has been widely used in solving aesthetic problems. It comes as an effective way to combat increased skin oiliness, dehydration, dryness, peeling, acne, post-acne, wrinkles, and swelling. LED therapy is one of the most helpful novelties, which allows you to achieve almost complete recovery of damaged cells.
Light therapy stimulates regenerative processes and collagen production, evens out skin tone, makes it more elastic, helps reduce inflammation, and regulates the sebaceous glands. Other LED light therapy benefits include:
LED therapy is versatile since it is suitable for all skin types and can be performed at any age, regardless of the season. After a course of procedures, the face oval is tightened, and wrinkles are reduced. Due to the antibacterial effect, the pathogenic flora that causes inflammatory processes (such as acne) is destroyed.
Yet, note that there are a number of restrictions that should be considered before starting the treatment. Contraindications to LED light therapy for the face are not as extensive as to photodynamic but still, there are:
LED therapy is based on the ability of the skin to absorb light and convert it into energy. Thus, LED diodes of different colors are used in devices. At the same time, rays of different colors have different lengths, so some penetrate deeper, while others affect only the epidermis. The most common colors used in LED facial light therapy are:
It is not always possible to contact a specialist or visit a beauty salon. Fortunately, nowadays, there are devices that are safe to use even at home. They have several light modes and help improve the skin condition, make it healthy, and prevent age-related changes. Sessions are safe and painless; they do not require special preparation.
To carry out LED light therapy at home, a special LED mask or device is needed. You don’t need any special skills to use it; just read instructions carefully. If desired, you can make a special photosensitizing mask. It is applied 20 minutes before the procedure and then washed off.
The following devices are used for LED therapy at home:
Now, let’s answer the question “How often should I use LED light therapy at home”. To determine the number of necessary procedures, you need to identify the problem. The effect of one session may not be pronounced. But, the work of cells begins with the first procedure and lasts throughout the course.
The more complex problems the skin has, the more and longer the impact on it is required. For example, for the treatment of acne, it is necessary to carry out the procedure once every 2 weeks. The course can last 3-6 months or longer. To eliminate age-related changes and rejuvenate the skin, 10-12 procedures are prescribed, which are carried out 2-3 times a year. To eliminate minor changes, 4-5 procedures may be enough. Remember that the result of using a LED mask is cumulative.
To improve the effect, you need to conduct several courses a year. The maximum effect becomes noticeable a month after the end of the course, and it can last up to 3 years.
LED face light therapy achieves maximum efficiency after injections that improve the quality of the skin. These are bio-revitalization, bio-reparation, and collagen-based preparations. Therapy is altered with the application of a BBL laser or used as preparation for laser resurfacing and assistance in rehabilitation. LED therapy also works great after cleansing and peeling as it has a regenerating, healing effect.
LED therapy acts on the skin very gently and sparingly, without violating its integrity. It does not cause complications or exacerbations of any inflammatory processes on the skin. Thus, there is no need to change the care strategy before using the LED light therapy mask drastically. It does not enhance photosensitivity, so switching to a cream with a high SPF is not necessary.
You can do light peeling or mesotherapy. This will allow both the rays and the useful components to penetrate deeper.
Keep in mind that this procedure enhances the effect of cosmetics and improves their penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. Combining some of them with LED therapy can lead to irritation and allergic reactions. These include AHA peels, creams, and retinol-based serums. This is why it is worth avoiding using such products before and after the procedure.
To summarize, answering the question “Does LED light therapy work”, we say that it is a really powerful method that helps improve the penetration and absorption of cosmetic ingredients and fight skin imperfections. The method is especially effective for anti-age treatment and acne-prone skin.
Yes, the effect of the method is clinically proven. Therapy is very effective especially, for aging and problematic acne skin.
No, there is no need to use the apparatus so frequently. The course implies regular procedures repeated over a certain period of time. The regularity of application depends on the severity of skin problems. Yet, even in the toughest cases with acne, just 1 session per 2 weeks is needed.
Stick to your regular skincare routine when applying the LED device since there is no need to get prepared by changing skin treatment. The only thing is to avoid AHA and retinol in the composition of skincare products since they can cause irritation. If your cream contains these ingredients, it’s better not to use it. In all other cases, no special preparation is required.
Yes, this type of therapy is approved to be effective and working. Moreover, it is possible to do it at home without the need to visit a beauty salon.
There is no need to do the procedure every day. The frequency of procedures depends on your problem. But still, even if you have a severe form of acne, just 1 session in 2 weeks is required. So, remember that too much can also harm you.
LED light is considered the most effective, secure, and affordable form of all types of light therapy.
