LED light therapy

Therapy lights the way for healing and optimising skin health, writes Savaira Ratukula

From experiments developed by NASA to grow plants in space to stimulating overall skin health, light emitting diode (LED) technology has lit the way for many industrial uses –including beauty.

LED light therapy is a pain-free and non-invasive technique that dermatologists and aestheticians use for the overall skin health of their patients.

NASA’s research not only revealed the ability of red LED wavelengths to help plants grow quicker, but that it also helped heal skin sores of the scientists. Using varying low-level wavelengths of light, patients can rejuvenate their skin on a cellular level to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process for acne, reducing inflammation and promoting anti-ageing effects. The varying wavelengths of light penetrate the skin to different depths, and offer different treatments depending on the skin concern the patient is wanting to treat.

According to the Darling Downs Skin Cancer Centre website, yellow light is suited to treating skin concerns such as wound healing, pain relief, blood circulation and muscle spasm; red light is for skin rejuvenation, rosacea, pigmentation and sun damage; and blue light targets active acne, congestion and inflammation.

Unlike other types of light therapy it does not use ultraviolet rays, making it a safe and relatively risk-free treatment. Short-term side effects like rashes, skin redness, inflammation and tenderness are very rare.

At-home devices have come on the market but results may not be as dramatic as an in-office treatment. Done right, the benefits offer patients promising results with faster recovery from surgery, reduced inflammation, natural pain relief, less scarring, boosted skin regeneration and enhanced overall skin health.

A few things to keep in mind are it is pricey and results aren’t guaranteed as every individual’s skin and skin concern is different.

Attending a consultation before beginning will help to assess the best course of treatment for your skin concern and the number of treatments.

It is also advised to not proceed while taking certain medications and to speak with your dermatologist if you have an existing skin condition.