LED light therapy skin benefits: Tip of the Day 8-16-22
August is National Psoriasis Awareness month. Psoriasis is a skin condition that involves skin cells building up, forming scales and itchy, dry patches. Experts say it can flare up by triggers including infections, stress, and cold. Definitely see a dermatologist if you have symptoms of psoriasis. There are several treatment options and combinations that can help. One treatment involving LED (light-emitting diode) lights can be done at home, and can possibly help with a range of other skin conditions too.
Researchers say LED lights don’t contain ultraviolet rays, so they don’t burn or cause harm to skin! Because different colors penetrate skin differently, each color is used for specific concerns.
Blue light affects the uppermost layer of skin, and is used to treat breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Red light penetrates deeper to reduce inflammation and help clear up rosacea. Researchers say red light also stimulates collagen production, a protein responsible for achieving firmer, younger-looking skin.
Orange light works to boost lymphatic flow, tighten, increase cell turnover and flush waste from skin.
Purple light (combination of red and blue) helps improve acne and inflammation. It also works to improve scarring and hyperpigmentation.
When used as directed, LED light therapy can improve your skin over time.
Bonus tip: Before light therapy, clean your face and put on protective goggles to protect your eyes if your mask doesn’t have built in goggles. Lie still while the lights work for however many minutes instructed on your mask packaging. Be careful about sun exposure in the 48 hours after treatment! Wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.
* You shouldn’t use LED light therapy if you take Accutane for acne or if you’re experiencing skin rashes.