Led Light Therapy
Light Therapy Facial Treatment
LED Light Therapy Facial
What is LED Light Therapy for Skin?
LED (or Light Emitting Diode) Light Therapy Facial is a safe, painless and non-invasive light-based treatment which works by exposing the skin to near-infrared light at different wavelengths. Near-Infrared light works by generating heat within the skin at different depths: white light penetrates the deepest and is useful for calming inflammation, red light promotes circulation and blue light is ideal for acne treatment as is it eradicates bacteria. LED Light Therapy is safe and effective because it works by stimulating natural reactions within the skin. By triggering existing inter-cellular processes this treatment (depending on which wavelength you opt for) encourages strengthening (anti-ageing), healing and enhanced regulation of oxygenation and sebum.
So, if each LED light therapy delivers a different result – which is the right one for you? Red, white or blue? (It’s important to discuss your choice of treatment with your therapist as a certain colour, or a combination of colours, could be suited to your skin-type. Also, LED Light Therapy for Skin is often used at Santi as part of a bespoke approach – combined with facial treatments, acid skin peels and more.) The treatment LED Light Facial is extremely useful as an add-on to chemical peels speeding up the healing process, reducing downtime and with certain chemical peels increasing efficacy.
White Light Therapy
While it is the gentlest of the LED treatments available at Santi, White Light Therapy is able to penetrate deepest so is effective in treating deeper structural skin concerns. White light is strongly absorbed by fibro-myocytes, kickstarting cell repair, while vascular stimulation means detoxifying processes are sped up and skin oxygenation levels improve. Skin is healthier with a tighter appearance and ‘fuller’ skin feel. Diminishing facial wrinkles, particularly ‘furrows,’ are often cited and this process continues after treatment. White light works best in a series of treatments, usually 8 to 10 – and is often used in combination with red light to enhance the rejuvenating effects.
Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy for Skin is used to target the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. By heat-stimulating this layer with infrared light, red light can promote the production of collagen proteins – leading to a fuller and smoother skin contour. Red light’s primary claim to fame, however, is its ability to both radically improve circulation and minimise inflammation – with all the associated skin health benefits (think glow!). Red light is commonly used together with other aesthetic facial treatments, to soothe the skin, and is often paired with blue light due to its ability to regulate excess sebum production.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue Light Therapy is a healthy, toxin-free way to control acne. When sebaceous glands in the skin become over-active they over-produce oil, or sebum, leaving the skin oily and vulnerable to breakouts. Blue light is able to address this imbalance in two ways – by subduing the sebaceous glands and by targeting the bacteria within the skin that precipitates acne break-outs. Blue light is able to penetrate deeply and target even cystic acne, eliminating inflammation at the source. Blue and red lights are often used together to treat acne, with red light helping to minimise scarring and reduce existing inflammation.
Photo Dynamic Therapy
In it’s simplest form this treatment uses a photo-sensitizing agent such as levulinic acid to boost the treatment results of LED light therapy. The active agent is applied prior to the application of LED Light Therapy. Whilst the treatment is extremely effective for acne and rejuvenation there is a downtime of about 2 weeks for the skin to completely heal. Photo Dynamic Therapy is also known as PDT for acne or rejuvenation.
Why is red light therapy using LEDs good for the skin?
Red light therapy using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) has been shown to have several benefits for the skin, including improving collagen production, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood circulation. Here’s a brief explanation of why red light therapy is good for the skin, based on scientific research:
LED Light Therapy Facial Increases Collagen production:
Red light therapy stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein that gives the skin its elasticity and firmness. Collagen production tends to decrease with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Red light therapy has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in the skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
LED Light Therapy Facial reduces inflammation:
Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can damage the skin and lead to conditions like acne and rosacea. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin, helping to improve these conditions.
LED Light Therapy Facial Increases blood circulation:
Red light therapy can improve blood circulation in the skin. This can help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, promoting cellular health and regeneration.
Overall, red light therapy is a non-invasive and safe way to improve skin health and appearance. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind its benefits and to determine the most effective treatment protocols.
What is the mechanism by which LEDs stimulate collagen?
The mechanism by which LEDs stimulate collagen production in the skin is through a process called photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is a non-thermal process in which light energy is absorbed by cells and converted into cellular energy. This cellular energy stimulates a variety of cellular processes, including an increase in collagen production.
In particular, red light therapy using LEDs has been shown to activate a molecule called cytochrome c oxidase, which is a key enzyme in the mitochondria of cells. This activation leads to an increase in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
The increased ATP production then stimulates a series of signaling pathways, including those involving growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which are known to stimulate collagen synthesis. In addition, red light therapy has been shown to upregulate the expression of genes involved in collagen production, such as collagen type I and III.
Overall, the process by which LEDs stimulate collagen production is complex and involves multiple cellular pathways. However, the net result is an increase in collagen synthesis, which can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a more youthful appearance.
