How To Perform Home Light Treatments

How To:

Perform Home Light Treatments

Did you know you can be your own facialist and optimise the results of in-clinic skin treatments by using an at-home light device? Light emitting diode (LED) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at different depths and trigger the skin’s natural healing process to improve a variety of skin conditions. While there are many LED devices offered in-clinic, there are also plenty of treatments that can be really beneficial for your skin and are approved for at-home use. To help you find the right one for you, we spoke to aesthetic practitioner Dr Preema Vig who gave us the lowdown on how you can look your best from the comfort of your own bedroom!

How do LED devices work?

Dr Preema Vig, aesthetic practitioner, Dr Preema London Clinic

IG: @drpreema

The majority of at-home LED devices offer a red light setting, which works to soothe inflammation and redness, and can combat the signs of ageing by stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin. Some devices offer blue light, which can help rid the skin of bacteria causing acne, and green light, which can help pigmentation. The light emitted from these devices is completely different from the sun’s UV rays, which means you won’t get any damage the way you would from, say, a sunbed. You won’t get a tan either!

How can light therapy benefit you?

Light therapy can be beneficial to treat a number of skin concerns and can help with: reducing fine lines, improving skin texture and tone, increasing the skin’s natural hydration, restoring optimum cell function, promoting blood circulation, stimulating the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, inflammation and puffiness, repairing damaged cells, speeding up wound healing, improving the appearance of scars, and increasing strength and thickness in the cellular structure and hair follicles.

Are at-home light devices safe?

It is important to purchase home-use devices from an authorised stockist/retailer as you want to ensure you have invested in a genuine device with the appropriate accreditation. You should ensure that the device is CE marked, meaning that the product meets EU standards for health, safety, and environmental protection. Otherwise, the device could be damaging or may simply not work at all. You should always ensure that you follow the device’s instructions and follow your practitioner’s recommendation for optimum results and safety. It’s important to note that those who are pregnant or have light sensitive conditions, such as epilepsy, should seek advice from a medical aesthetic practitioner before embarking on home light therapy usage as it is often not suitable. Side effects after LED use are extremely rare, but should be considered as they may include increased inflammation, redness, rash, pain, and tenderness. If you experience any of the above, you should stop using the device and contact your medical aesthetic practitioner.

What considerations are there for choosing an at-home light treatment?

Prices for the devices can start anywhere from £250, and you should always consult your aesthetic practitioner before purchasing. Some devices may not work for everyone, so I always advise my patients to discuss their skin goals or skin concerns with myself and my team as this will determine which device is best for them to use at home. When performing the treatment, you should always ensure that your skin has been cleansed and exfoliated prior to application, and you should not use retinol-based products near the time of application. The treatment can be performed in the morning or evening, and I typically recommend 10-30 minutes each time. Don’t forget to also clean the device following treatment, and you may need to charge it after use.

Any aftercare advice?

At-home light devices don’t have any downtime and you can resume your regular skincare routine afterwards. You should avoid the sun for 48 hours after because your skin will be more sensitive, and ensure you’re applying SPF and moisturiser. It should be noted that although you’ll see a change in skin appearance, light-therapy devices won’t have full results after one session and, depending on the device and result you’re trying to achieve, you may have to perform the treatment several times a week for a few consecutive weeks. If you’re just looking for a quick refresh after a facial, one or two may be enough though!

Some of the at-home LED treatments available for purchase

Celluma Light Therapy Dermalux Flex MD