LED Light Explained

I'm sure at this point we've all heard about LED Light Therapy and that it is good for our skin. You may have even experienced a treatment and seen the different colours flash up onto your skin. But how exactly does the machine and their lights work? How do different colours of light help to treat your skin and reveal a glowing, more even surface tone? In this blog, I am going to focus on the scientifics of LED Light and how it interacts with the skin to create a chain of events resulting in skin rejuvenation. 

Light Emitting Diodes, or LED for short, uses varying low-level wavelengths of light that interact with key cell receptors in the skin. This interaction triggers a transfer of light which our cells absorb and use as energy. Think Photosynthesis, where plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into energy. Our skin does similar with the lights from the LED machine. Skin cells that are energised will function more effectively and can heal/repair faster than normal. LED Light Therapy uses multiple coloured lights that penetrate the skin at different depths (see below image for a visual!). As a result, different results are seen depending on the light used in the treatment.  But what LED light is best for you and your concerns? Let's break them down!

Blue Light 465 nm (penetrates up to 1mm) 

Blue light works superficially in the skin to destroy bacteria which causes acne and aids in the prevention of breakouts. But how?

Blue light is absorbed by p.acnes bacteria (which is the acne-causing bacteria) and triggers a photochemical reaction called singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen has a powerful antibacterial action that will help eliminate blemishes, balance oil flow and improve skin clarity. Blue light also has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to improve Psoriasis. 

Red Light 640 nm (penetrates up to 2-3mm) 

Red light works slightly deeper in your dermal layer to accelerate cell renewal and repair, and boost collagen and elastin synthesis for anti-ageing. But how? 

Red light is absorbed by our skin cells and turned into cellular energy to essentially “supercharge” your cells to function up to 200% faster! Red light is predominantly absorbed by fibroblast cells, the cells that produce collagen and elastic fibres responsible for the strength and elasticity of your skin. Results from red light exposure include a boost to hydration levels, improvement of blood flow and oxygen to surrounding tissue and cells resulting in overall cellular repair, and stimulation of your lymphatic system which helps with detoxification. 

Near Infrared Light 880 nm (penetrates 5-10mm) 

Near infrared light works the deepest in your skin (subcutaneous layer) increasing blood circulation and bringing vital oxygen and nutrients. But how?

Near Infrared works very similar to red light. It is absorbed by your skin cells and turned into cellular energy to supercharge your cells. Other benefits to the skin include bringing vital nutrients and oxygen to help modulate inflammation, accelerate wound healing, reduce pigmentation, calm irritation and reduce redness. 

What other concerns can LED work on? 

Red LED light therapy is used post surgery! Red light therapy has been proven to be a safe, natural way to speed up the healing of surgery incisions but also burns, wounds and scarring. In fact, LED was first created to accelerate wound healing post surgery!

Red and Blue light have been used together to treat Eczema and Psoriasis. Blue light improves the dry/flaking of Psoriasis whilst red light reduces the inflammation and redness associated with this condition. 

Red and Near Infrared light is used to help with joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis by regenerating cells, restoring cell function and triggering blood flow which will improve the pain.

Red light helps to balance melanin synthesis to regulate excess melanin production. The stimulation of cell metabolism will break down pigment over a course of treatments.

Why must you use salon LED machines?

Simple answer is you will be wasting your money otherwise. In salon, we use medically certified devices meaning that it has been clinically proven to improve skin disorders like Acne, Psoriasis, wound healing and musculoskeletal pain. Other devices you can purchase online or instore simply won't be as effective due to the number and strength of the LED Lights used.  

Can LED be used with other facials?

Yes! In fact, we highly recommend adding on LED to your facial. LED works by providing energy to the skin cells to ensure they are performing their job correctly. When the skin cells are energised they are in a better condition to perform their specified roles meaning faster results will be seen. We have a special add-on price so that you can customise your facial to suit your skin needs and goals.

Want to learn more? Visit the LED Light Therapy treatment page.

If you wish to discuss how LED can benefit you, come in and speak to one of our talented skin specialists, we can go over what you're concerned about and if LED is the facial to do or if there is something better suited for you! Book Now