When it comes to skin care, one treatment does not cure all. There are many types of therapies available to help with removing hair, lightening sunspots and reducing wrinkles. Some of those methods can be painful and take days to heal which can be a deterrent for some people with sensitive skin. LED light therapy offers a kinder and gentler way to remove unwanted blemishes and freshen the skin without invasive techniques. Some new companies are offering at-home light therapy devices so you can continue with a skincare regimen in comfort.
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What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy works on the principle that different waves of light can reach several layers of skin and help with a variety of skin conditions and diseases. Also known as light emitting diodes (LED), this therapy was originally discovered by astronauts to help with faster healing of wounds in space. Thankfully, this non-invasive skin therapy became mainstream so we can all enjoy the benefits.
There are ranges of light therapy offered to help with simple skin conditions like acne to complex diseases like skin cancer. The different types of light therapy include red, blue, laser light therapy, intense pulse light (IPL) and ultraviolet.
Red light therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) targets the outer layer of the skin and can be helpful in reducing aging signs like wrinkles and surface blemishes. For people with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, RLT can reduce the inflammation in the skin and give much needed relief. Red light therapy can also help with air growth in those who suffer from alopecia, which affects the scalp.
Blue light therapy
Blue light therapy targets the oil glands in the skin and reduces the amount of oil secreted. This helps skin conditions like acne and cysts. This type of light therapy is also helpful in reducing the chances of developing skin cancer by working with topical creams to remove rough patches before they turn cancerous.
Laser light therapy
Laser therapy is mostly used for hair removal because the results last much longer and the method leaves very little in the way of scarring or redness. Laser light therapy can also remove a layer of skin for a youthful glow without sunspots or blemishes.
Intense pulse light (IPL)
Other light therapies include Intense pulse light (IPL) which is useful in removing unwanted freckles and other spots on the skin. This method uses a flash technique that strobes in different wavelengths to reach different layers of the skin.
Ultraviolet Light (UV)
UV light therapy is helpful in slowing down the growth of skin cells. Doing things helps with conditions like eczema which affect the body’s immune system. Ultraviolet light can also be used in tandem with topical creams to treat inflammatory diseases like vitiligo and psoriasis. The rough patches of skin are treated to reduce the chance of turning into something more serious.
LED light therapy is a gentle and effective way of treating skin conditions with painful injections or surgery. These treatments can be done in the privacy of your own home in a comfortable and non-invasive way. This means the skin will heal faster and you can go out into the world looking your best without waiting for redness or swelling to go away.