The Best LED Lights For Every Skin Concern, According To … – The Zoe Report
As cosmetic treatments and advanced skin care steadily gain popularity, beauty enthusiasts’ appetite for technical devices once exclusive to dermatologists has also increased. Light emitting diode (also known as LED) tools are among the most in-demand at-home skin care tech devices because they can treat a variety of skin types and concerns with virtually no risks or side effects.
Like lasers, LED harnesses the power of concentrated light to target specific parts of the skin and create change. However, LED uses multidirectional light at lower energy levels making it highly tolerable and without downtime. “There aren’t a lot of modalities that can be used kind of across the board,” says licensed esthetician Mel Lagares. “Especially for [concerns like] acne that are so inflammatory. As much as you want to do more invasive treatments, LED is perfect because it isn’t going to irritate or exacerbate it.”
Although the therapeutic benefits of non-thermal, visible light have been scientifically recognized since the early 1900s, an inadvertent discovery during NASA research of light-accelerated plant growth popularized LED therapy for wound healing in the 1980s. Subsequent research has fueled today’s vast selection of LED devices with potential use ranging from scar revision to hair growth. While new research and innovation plow on as the category is projected to reach nearly $500 million by 2028, our understanding of LED is still young.
The benefits of red, blue, and infrared light are the most well-studied and likely to be included in reputable LED products. Each light has a general hero concern it’s proven to treat, a result of the FDA’s strict claim allowances for medical devices. “Red light is great for reducing wrinkles, inflammation and, at times, pain. Red light has been shown to boost collagen production and prevent its breakdown,” explains oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa. “Blue light treats mild to moderate acne.”
Infrared light sits outside the visible spectrum and has a treatment scope similar to red light. “Infrared, which is the longest wavelength of them all, penetrates the deepest, and because of that it may help with things like acne scarring,” board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, elaborates. “Also, it’s said that it can help tighten skin and help with sun damage.” Green and yellow (or amber) light are less endorsed, but have demonstrated potential treatment for hyperpigmentation and vascular conditions, respectively.
Despite a seemingly short list of treatment recommendations, what we do understand about LED lends the technology to more than what meets the eye. Ahead, TZR spoke with experts to understand all the skin concerns that can benefit from LED so you can get the most out of your at-home device.
Oily Skin
Blue light therapy can help keep your oily skin at bay even if you’re not currently suffering from acne. Blue light is most frequently used for its ability to kill off acne-causing bacteria that contribute to chronic breakouts. However, blue light can also decrease activity in the sebaceous glands, effectively managing oil overproduction and allowing you to put down the blotting papers.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory condition that often manifests with broken blood vessels and acne-like blemishes. Red, blue and amber lights offer a potential combination treatment. “Red is like a one size fits all,” says Courtney Brooks, lead esthetician at Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology. “You can use it for reducing redness, so I think red light can be for everybody.” Brooks goes on to say that although not considered acne, the blemishes linked to rosacea have …….