The Benefits of LED Light
We’ve all heard the buzzwords - LED light, red light, light therapy, infrared therapy, LED masks but what the heck does it all mean?! LED light therapy is used for many treatments from skincare to pain management. LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate various cellular processes in the body. Unlike more intense forms of light therapy, including UV Light or laser therapy, LED light therapy is gentle, painless, and does not damage the skin or underlying tissues.
Let’s Talk About The Benefits of LED Light Therapy!
We’ve all heard the buzzwords - LED light, red light, light therapy, infrared therapy, LED masks but what the heck does it all mean?!
LED light therapy is used for many treatments from skincare to pain management. LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate various cellular processes in the body. Unlike more intense forms of light therapy, including UV Light or laser therapy, LED light therapy is gentle, painless, and does not damage the skin or underlying tissues.
The Benefits:
Skin Rejuvenation: One of the most well-known applications of LED light therapy and my personal favorite as a licensed esthetician is its use in skincare. Different wavelengths of light can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and even facial pain. Red light, for instance, promotes collagen production, leading to firmer and more youthful skin. Blue light, on the other hand, can help combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing breakouts over time.
Pain Relief and Inflammation: LED light therapy has shown promise in reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, and joint pain. By enhancing blood circulation and promoting tissue repair, specific wavelengths of light can alleviate discomfort and support the body's natural healing processes. Use of LED during facials can be great for tension relief in the jaw or face, TMJD issues and more!
Mood Enhancement: I love to pair LED light with a relaxation meditation to help clients go into Exposure to certain wavelengths of light, particularly blue light, has been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). LED light therapy lamps designed to mimic natural sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythms and promote a sense of well-being.
Wound Healing: LED light therapy is known to accelerate wound healing by stimulating cellular activity and enhancing the formation of new blood vessels. This can be particularly beneficial after chemical peels, extractions and facial cupping during facials to help speed up the healing process.
Collagen Production: Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. LED light therapy, specifically red and near-infrared wavelengths, can penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen production. This can result in smoother, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin.
Should you use LED light at home:
The short answer, absolutely! The long answer is it can be an expensive investment but if you have specific concerns and will use it regularly then it’s certainly worth considering! Here are my favorite at-home devices to fit various needs and budgets:
LightStim for Wrinkles - I personally love a handheld over a mask because you can use it on the back of your hands, neck. chest, knees, etc! This FDA-Approved device is the same brand that I use in the treatment room and features the latest LED light and Multi-Wave technology to help clarify, smooth and firm the skin.
LightStim for Acne - LightStim for Acne helps calm and heal existing blemishes and reduces future breakouts by eliminating acne-causing bacteria. The non-invasive therapy uses UV-free blue and red lights that work together to destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation without damaging or drying healthy skin. The light emits a gentle warmth in 3-minute treatments that may be used everywhere with zero recovery time. Regain healthy, radiant skin and banish blemishes to the past.
OmniLuxe Contour Face Mask - This face-mask shaped red light therapy device is great for those who only need a facial option. It boasts clinically proven results for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.
If you’re looking for LED light facials in Columbia, SC, then you’re in the right place! LightStim LED is used in three of four Pêche Skin Co facials and can also be looked as a stand-alone service, which is especally great for targeting active acne, hyperpigmentation and aging.
The Skin Care Basics Checklist
What exactly does your skin need? It can be extremely difficult to navigate the extremely saturated skincare market and figure out what your skin needs.
What exactly does your skin need? It can be extremely difficult to navigate the extremely saturated skincare market and figure out what your skin needs. Add in trying to figure out your skin type, possible product sensitivies, formulations that just plain down work and the endless bombardment of marketing being throwhn your way and no wonder you can’t figure things out! Enter a well trained, professional esthetician - your very own personal hand holding buddy to guide you through your skincare needs.
My approach at Pêche Skin Co., is to start with the basics. OVerloading yourself with a 6-step routine from the start is a good way to wall off the wagon and quite trying. Start simple, get used to the essentials and then add in what’s missing. Skin change doesn’t occur overnight. It can take, weeks and months of lots of effort BUT, with an esthetician by your side, you can ask questions, gauge effectiveness and adjust products along the way. The average skin cycle is 4-6 weeks and increases as we age so be patient with your routine because you need to give it time to work. So what exactly are the skincare basics?
Cleanser - I recommend an oil cleanser for just about everyone. Yes, I said oil.
Exfoliant - If your skin can tolerate this, a light enzyme is usually sufficient. Despite popular belief, there’s really no reason to burn your face off every day with harsh peels or chemicals.
Moisturizer - This will differ based on skin type.
Sunscreen - Yes, everyone needs SPF. Unless you’re allergic to every single suncreen ever made, you need to wear it. The good news is, there are several types which include chemical and mineral based sunscreens so if you’re sensitive to one, chances are there is another one out there that might just be the right fit.
Start with the essentials and find options that you LOVE and will continue to use. Once you have a grasp on this routine, talk to your esthetician about adding in serums, masks and retinol options that would work best for your skin. Pêche now offers virtual consults of if you’re not able to commit to a facial at the moment, book a consult and let’s talk!