When the light is applied to the skin, the epidermis absorbs it and then stimulates collagen proteins.
There are different frequencies, or wavelengths, used with LED light treatment.
LED therapy (primarily red light therapy) has been researched for different situations in aesthetics. It’s mainly noted for increasing collagen and tissue, which can smooth out the skin and reduce the appearance of damage from age spots, acne, fine lines and wrinkles. LED therapy is also safe for all skin colors and it doesn’t cause any burning.
Overall, the American Academy of Dermatology deems this procedure safe. Since LEDs don’t contain UV rays, this is considered a safer form of light therapy that won’t cause long-term damage to your skin. The procedure is also non-invasive and has few risks.
Light therapy is growing in popularity both in therapy offices with licensed aestheticians and at home. While LED light therapy can technically be used on any part of the body, its most popular use is for the face. Skin damage tends to occur to your face because it’s exposed to the elements more than other body parts.
LED therapy can also be used on the neck and chest, which are other areas that tend to show signs of aging.
A licensed aesthetician or a dermatologist performs LED light therapy in professional offices; FDA-approved devices are available for at-home use.
Red Light Therapy
In the early 1990s, scientists found that the light from red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) helped promote the growth and photosynthesis (the process of turning sunlight into oxygen) of plant cells. The red light was then studied for its potential application in medicine; more specifically, to find out if RLT could increase energy inside human cells.
Today, new scientific advances have shown the use of low-level red wavelengths of light can be used to treat skin issues such as wrinkles, scars and persistent wounds, among other conditions.
RLT is used for treating conditions on the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly five millimeters below the skin’s surface and directly stimulates the regeneration of the skin.
When the light is applied to the skin, the epidermis absorbs it and then stimulates collagen proteins. In theory, more collagen means smoother and fuller skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. RLT also is thought to reduce inflammation while improving circulation, which can give a healthier glow.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue LED light therapy, on the other hand, targets the oil glands on the skin that are located beneath the tiny hair follicles. These tiny glands are necessary for lubricating the skin and hair so it doesn’t dry out. These glands can become overactive, leading to oily skin and acne.
The theory is that blue LED light therapy can target these oil glands and make them less active. In turn, you may see fewer acne breakouts. Blue light can also kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin, which can help treat severe acne pimples and cysts. Often, blue LED light is used in conjunction with red LED light to help treat acne and decrease scarring and inflammation.
LED Therapy Session
LED light therapy is non-invasive, so no recovery time is required. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities once the treatment is over. Most in-office treatments take about 20 minutes and many people require up to 10 or more sessions, spaced out about a week apart.
When used as directed, LED light therapy can improve your skin over time. Keep in mind, as the skin cells turn over, they may lose some collagen, or some acne breakouts may return. This is why maintenance treatments every few months, or as recommended by your provider, may be needed.
At-home devices use lower frequencies and haven’t been proven as effective. While at-home LED devices can be more convenient, the downside is the results may not be as dramatic.
Massage Envy Offers LightStim Red Light Therapy
Great skin takes dedication and perseverance. Think of your aesthetician like your skincare coach, guiding you across the finish line to your best skin yet. When you choose to work with an esthetician at your Massage Envy location, you choose to improve or maintain your skin’s health. Go beyond a customized facial and talk with your Massage Envy aesthetician about the use of LightStim Red Light Therapy. FBN
By Mark Love
Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff, located at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center next to Safeway. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-526-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MEFlag. Schedule an appointment online – your time, your convenience, your massage.
