This treatment is safe, non-invasive, pain-free, and requires minimal downtime – all whilst being extremely effective and versatile thanks to its ability to treat a wide range of common skin concerns. It can help treat acne, reduce the appearance of fine lines and other aging concerns (including helping to boost skins collagen production levels), help fade discolouration and sun-damaged skin as well as improving overall tone and texture. No wonder it has become a popular add-on to clients’ facials.
This technology was even made more accessible recently with LED light masks that you could use in the comfort of your own home. It is to be noted however that these at home versions lack the power of medical-grade professional LED machines, however work well to complement and work alongside regular professional treatments.
What is LED and how does it work?
Originally developed by NASA to grow plants and food sources in outer space, LEDs are light-emitting diodes found to help heal wounds and stimulate tissue growth for humans. By using varying colours and wavelengths of light, the technology activates the skin’s natural processes to heal and repair itself.
LED light therapy has risen in popularity both as a non-invasive treatment that’s very safe, regardless of skin type or colour. There are no harmful UV rays, which cause premature skin aging, and it does not have any post-treatment downtime when compared to more invasive forms of treatments.
What are the different LED colours and how do they effect the skin?
LED light therapy machines work by using different wavelengths that correspond to various colours visible to the eye. Each wavelength penetrates the skin at different depths: blue reaches the shallowest part while red gets to the deeper layers of the skin. This allows LED to target specific problem areas of the skin, depending on the colour of light and wavelength used.
Professional devices such as the MediLux feature five wavelengths of power-packed medical-grade LED: blue, green, yellow, red, and near-infrared. Each specific colour can be used individually, utilising the strategic wavelengths associated with it, or can be combined with multiple wavelengths tailored to a client’s specific skin issues.
- Blue light affects the topmost layer of the skin, and it slows down the production of oil in sebaceous glands and kills bacteria that cause acne through inflammation. It can help treat active acne as well as preventing future breakouts – music to any acne sufferers!
- Yellow light increases collagen and elastin production, which prevents signs of aging. It facilitates faster skin healing, making it suitable for issues that involve rosacea and for dealing with redness and post-laser treatments.
- Green light strengthens the capillary network to reduce skin redness and hastens the wound healing process. It’s great for those with sensitive skin and who have issues with redness. It can also assist with helping fade decolouration caused by sun-damage.
- Red light reaches the deeper layers of the skin to increase the production of collagen and elastin to target the signs of aging, even decreasing the enzyme associated with breaking down collagen. It can also be used in combination with Blue light to reduce inflammation caused by acne.
- Near-infrared, with a wavelength of 830 nm, penetrates the deepest layers of the skin and boosts deep cellular regeneration and promotes wound healing. It can even reduce post-procedure pain and discomfort and is often paired with other treatments, resulting in lesser downtime and shorter healing periods.
Pairing blue light with Lumixa, a biophotonic topical gel, helps stimulate the skin to heal itself at a cellular level and acts within different layers of the skin. It boosts collagen production, targets intrinsic signs of aging, reactivates the skin matrix, and gives a healthy glow after.
What can I expect from an LED treatment?
Scientific research has supported that LED Light Therapy can help address skin issues and improve various skin conditions. But for best results, it’s required to integrate the treatment into regular sessions, usually lasting from 15-30 mins. Your treatment provider will assess your skin and determine a course of treatments, usually involving a 6 week protocol.
With no downtime, clients can go back to their daily activities. However, it’s recommended to stay away from any activity that involves staying out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Regardless of treatments – always apply your SPF as part of your regular skin routine.
LED Light Therapy can also complement other treatments and is therefore often integrated or paired with other services as part of a layered facial. It may be performed before or after specific treatments to help soothe the skin and results are amplified when paired with hydrating treatments or serums.
Compared to at-home devices, LED machines such as the MediLux use more powerful strengths, making them more effective at targeting skin issues with more immediate, visible results.
To learn more about our LED Light Therapy, or find a treatment provider in your area, contact beauty salon suppliers at The Global Beauty Group.
