What's the deal with LED anyway?
Photo by Sean Sinclair
I was first introduced to color therapy about ten years ago when I went to a Korean day spa, shout out to Spa Castle, in Queens, NY (side note, if you’re ever in Queens go to Spa Castle, it’s magic). I learned that color therapy is supposed to help balance your energy, and depending on which color you pick, it can help with certain benefits such as mood, energy, increased metabolism, etc.
Typically you can only try these treatments in a spa or your dermatologist office, and are way more powerful than the at home products. So, when LED tools started to become more accessible in the marketplace, I was very curious and excited. For the last year i’ve been experimenting with LED therapy for different issues, like inflammation or acne and anti-aging. I first borrowed my friends Neutrogena LED mask, RIP, and fell in love with what red and blue light could do for my skin. I was hooked! Since then, i’ve gotten my own LED mask and spot treatment tool which does help keep things at bay.
For usage, I would suggest testing your LED products to see how your skin responds. All products are not created equal — some are stronger, some mix colors, it just all depends on what you want the LED to do for you. I found that putting my mask to the max intensity, doing it about three times a week, and wearing it for 15-20 mins is when I see results.
What is LED therapy
Light Emitting Diode (LED) are light wavelengths that penetrate the skin at the cellular level. Because these color wavelengths can go a bit deeper, they can treat different skin concerns with intra- and intercellular reactions. Basically helps support your natural cell progress, helps repair damaged cells and kill bacteria.
What do the different LED colors do
Amber/Yellow: This light improves the oxygen in the cells. It helps with lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and helps firm skins elastin. A great color to use if you have rosacea, sun burns and eczema.
Red: Can increase hydration, reduces inflammation/redness, reduces the appearance of pores, regulates oil production, stimulates collagen production which helps repair old tissue and helps with blood circulation. Also great to use if you have rosacea.
Blue: It’s the antibacterial light, that kills acne causing bacteria and calms redness. It also helps reduce oil production and treats eczema and psoriasis. Great to pair with red light.
Green: Helps with evening the skins complexion (getting rid of redness), brighten the skin and fade age spots.
Purple: Rejuvenates skin cells and increases cell regeneration. It’s basically a combo of red and blue which is great for inflammation. If you got oily skin, this ones for you!
White (laser): This light goes deep into the skin. Remove age spots, improves fine lines and firms skin.
I found this diagram on the internet, hopefully it’s a helpful visual representation as to what Is going on with these lights:
Image from Conrad Sanchez Skin Care
LED Mask Tips
These LED masks can cause injury to eyes, similar to going into a tanning bed, so always wear eye protection.
Recommend getting a mask that comes with eye protection.
Check to see if your mask is FDA approved.
If you are wearing a serum or photosensitizer the LED treatment could become way more effective.
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