Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksProcedureUses and BenefitsRisks, Safety, and Side EffectsGetting StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Procedure
Uses and Benefits
Risks, Safety, and Side Effects
Getting Started
Frequently Asked Questions
LED (light-emittingdiode) therapy is a type of treatment that uses lights of different wavelengths to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scar tissue, and the effects of aging. Most commonly, red and blue lights are used for these treatments.Light therapycan be performed in a healthcare provider’s office or at home. Multiple treatments are required to get results.
This article discusses types of LED light therapy, how it works, and how it is performed, as well as risks, safety, and potential side effects of this treatment.
Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images
What Is LED Light Therapy?LED light therapy is a treatment that involves placing light-emitting diodes onto the skin to treat a variety of medical conditions and cosmetic issues. This treatment is painless and noninvasive, and comes in many different forms, including handheld wands for spot treating areas of the skin, light panels, lamps, and masks.
What Is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy is a treatment that involves placing light-emitting diodes onto the skin to treat a variety of medical conditions and cosmetic issues. This treatment is painless and noninvasive, and comes in many different forms, including handheld wands for spot treating areas of the skin, light panels, lamps, and masks.
How LED Light Therapy Works
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Procedure for LED Light Therapy
Light therapy can be performed at home or in a clinician’s office. The biggest benefit to in-office light therapy is access to a professional who can advise you about the best treatments for your skin.
There are also many pros of using an at-home device for LED light therapy. For example, it’s much cheaper in the long run. The best results come from using light therapy on a regular basis—sometimes multiple times in one day, depending on the skin condition you are treating.
LED light therapy comes in many forms for home use. Devices include LED masks, lamps, and light wands for spot treating. Some home units combine light therapy with ultrasonic treatment—high-frequency vibration using sound waves to help your skin absorb the light.
LED light therapy can also be found as a component of multiuse devices. For example,mesotherapy electroporationdevices improve the skin’s ability to absorb light using electrical current.
Preparing for Light Therapy
Before a light therapy treatment, clean your skin with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Your skin should be free of any makeup. During the week leading up to your treatment, avoid any grooming techniques that can irritate your skin, such as waxing or shaving. If your eyes will be exposed to the light during treatment, you’ll need to wear goggles for protection.
After an LED Light Session
Light therapy sessions are often complete within 15 to 30 minutes but could take longer if you’re treating a larger area of your body. There isn’t any required “recovery time” after LED light treatment. Most people can resume their normal skin-care routine immediately afterward.
Uses and Benefits of LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including:
LED light therapy can treat certain types of cancer, as well. However, this type of treatment is currently only available in a medical professional’s office. Light therapy is also used for aesthetic purposes, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles and making skin softer and smoother.
Results Can VaryWhile research has shown that LED light therapy can be effective for treating skin conditions and improving a person’s overall appearance, it does not work for everyone. For some conditions, such as cold sores, you might notice results within a few treatments. However, most conditions require several weeks of consistent treatments to begin to show improvements.
Results Can Vary
While research has shown that LED light therapy can be effective for treating skin conditions and improving a person’s overall appearance, it does not work for everyone. For some conditions, such as cold sores, you might notice results within a few treatments. However, most conditions require several weeks of consistent treatments to begin to show improvements.
In general, LED light therapy is a safe, low-risk treatment. This type of therapy uses wavelengths that are on the visible light spectrum—not theultraviolet raysthat frequently cause skin damage and burns.
However, there are still potential negative side effects to treatment, including redness, burning, or skin irritation. Light therapy can also cause headaches, fatigue, irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty sleeping.
Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can make your skin more sensitive to light.If you take medication, talk to your healthcare provider to be sure light therapy is safe for you.
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How to Get LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy devices can be purchased at retail stores or online. These devices range in cost from less than $30 to several hundred dollars. Devices that provide additional treatments, such as sound waves or electrical currents, are more expensive.
Dermatologists(medical doctors who specialize in skin conditions) also perform LED light therapy as part of treatment for specific skin conditions.
Summary
There are minimal risks with LED light therapy, but skin irritation can occur—especially if you take medications that make your skin more sensitive to light. While many people report that LED light therapy has fixed their skin woes, it doesn’t work for everyone.
A Word From Verywell
LED light therapy can potentially make a big difference in the way your skin looks, but it can also be an expensive investment for a treatment that might not work for you. Consult a skin-care professional for recommendations before you make a decision to pursue treatment. If you notice a new spot on your skin, or notice changes to any of your existing spots, see a healthcare provider to rule out skin cancer before you begin LED light therapy.
Types of Cosmetic Laser Procedures
LED light therapy can be effective for improving the overall look of your skin. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Red light is commonly used to decrease inflammation and increase circulation to promote healing.
Several weeks of consistent LED light therapy are typically required to see results.
LED light therapy can decrease fine lines and wrinkles in the face. It can also be effective for treating skin blemishes.
Learn MoreCapillary Structure and Function in the Body
While red light therapy can’t get rid of sagging skin, it can increase collagen production, making your skin look more firm.
Red light can increase blood flow to the skin to help shrink spider veins.Learn MoreWhat Are Varicose Veins?
Red light can increase blood flow to the skin to help shrink spider veins.
Learn MoreWhat Are Varicose Veins?
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health Publishing.LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?.Light Therapy.Light therapy FAQs.Light Therapy.Blue light therapy: Benefits, uses, and science.Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health Publishing.LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?.Light Therapy.Light therapy FAQs.Light Therapy.Blue light therapy: Benefits, uses, and science.Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health Publishing.LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?.Light Therapy.Light therapy FAQs.Light Therapy.Blue light therapy: Benefits, uses, and science.Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.
Harvard Health Publishing.LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?.
Light Therapy.Light therapy FAQs.
Light Therapy.Blue light therapy: Benefits, uses, and science.
Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.
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