What Is LED Light Therapy And Is It Good For Skin? All You Need To Know

By –Dr. Chytra VAnand, Cosmetic Dermatologists & Founder of Kosmoderma Healthcare Pvt. Ltd

1. What is LED Light Therapy for skin all about?

LED (light emitting diode) light therapy uses light of varied wavelengths. It is used to treat various skin concerns like:

Acne
Visible signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines
Reduce inflammation
Sun damage

2. Is red or blue light therapy better for the skin?

Blue light is best for skin conditions like acne, breakouts, enlarged pore size and more oil production. On the other hand, red light therapy penetrates deep into the skin to treat conditions like visible signs of ageing, scarring and inflammation.

3. What does light therapy exactly do – please explain blue and red separately.

Light therapy comes in different wavelengths and frequencies, and is used with LEDs. Red and blue light does not contain ultraviolet rays and is readily absorbed into your skin. Below is the explanation of both light frequencies individually:

Red light therapy is also known as infrared light. When the red light is applied to your skin, the epidermis (outer layer of skin) absorbs it and stimulates the production of collagen protein. Furthermore, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also reduces inflammation and provides your skin with a healthier glow.

Blue light therapy is especially used to target the oil or sebaceous glands of your skin. When these glands become overactive, it leads to acne and oily skin. The blue LED light therapy makes them less active. It kills the acne-causing bacteria which can help in the treatment of acne, cysts, nodules and severe breakouts.

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4. What are the benefits of using Red and blue light therapy together?

When using red and blue light therapy together, an individual experiences a brighter skin tone with improved skin texture. It works on both the stimulating of collagen and also on acne-causing bacteria.

5. Are there any side effects? How does one prepare for these sessions?

As these LED lights do not contain UV rays, it is considered a safer form of light therapy. The procedure is non-invasive and has no risks, or side effects. However, after the treatment, you can experience redness, rash or pain in the treated area. But it will fade off after some time. Furthermore, consult a dermatologist before the treatment.

Before this session, one needs to clean up their face and remove makeup. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the bright lights.

6. What are the targeted areas?

LED light therapies usually work on any part of your body, but it is most commonly used for the face and neck. This is because skin damage tends to occur more on your face as compared to other body parts.