What is LED light therapy and why do we love it?
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…. on my skin and make me a flawless angel! If you’re like most of us and you follow celebrities on Insta, you’ve probably seen the infamous white mask….
What IS that kinda scary, Star Wars-esque thing and how on earth is a Halloween mask going to help with my fine lines and dull skin??
LED stands for “light emitting diode.” You’ll often find this treatment incorporated into a professional facial--perhaps paired with microneedling or microdermabrasion--but you can also get it as a stand-alone. LED is not a laser treatment, so if that’s what you’re in the market for, check out our latest article: https://blog.themirra.com/blog/2019/02/22/the-best-laser-for-skin-wrinkles-acne-scars/
Fun fact: The original purpose of light therapy was to help heal wounds and post-surgery scarring, so revitalized, healthier skin was actually a cute little accident!
All Roads Lead to Collagen...
LED wavelengths generate heat that pumps energy into your cells. This energy then spurs the cells to generate ATP production, which ultimately triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen. Your skin has receptors that will respond to LED light to replenish and boost skin cell turnover.
If you’re looking to tighten up and rejuvenate your skin with a non-invasive, painless treatment, LED could be your new BFF. During this therapy, light waves penetrate deeply into the skin to trigger intracellular reactions. It can be a great supplement to your existing skin regimen if you can commit to using it consistently. If you’re looking to treat cystic acne, LED is not likely to be highly effective.
Home vs. Derm Office
If you’re going to do this treatment at home, it needs to be used daily for 15-20 minutes for optimal results. Patience and consistency are the name of the game. While an at-home device probably won’t give you as powerful of results as a trip to the derm, you’ll still be looking at around four treatments in-office treatments to really see a difference.
Is one of your gals tying the knot soon? Are you accepting an esteemed award because you’re just that fabulous? An in-office LED treatment only takes about twenty minutes and there is almost no downtime, so it’s perfect for that upcoming wedding or big event! Multiple sessions are always recommended, and this number will usually depend on your specific skin concern.
Color Me Mine
The super cool thing about LED therapy is that there are different color lights for different functions. An LED device will allow you to use a combination of different wavelengths so that you can address a range of problems. Depending on your skin issue, each wavelength will target your specific concern! When it comes to LED therapy, get ready to taste the rainbow.
Feeling Blue?
Down in the dumps because you’ve got acne prone skin? Blue light target the epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) to kill the strain of bacteria that causes your pesky acne to flare up. This light causes the development of oxygen radicals that will target the bacteria without causing harm to your skin. Blue light also offers a UV-free alternative for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Red light targets the skin’s oil glands to reduce cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory substances that can cause chronic acne. Red light also increases natural hydration levels and stimulates cellular activity in order to trigger healing and collagen production. This light is ideal for wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, stretch marks and rosacea.
Infrared light is the most deeply absorbed wavelength and similar to red light, but it can’t be seen by the naked eye and it can go even deeper. This light increases cell permeability and absorption and improves elasticity-- a great option for smoothing lines and wrinkles and reducing pain and inflammation.
Yellow Light is proven to increase the overall health of the skin by hastening wound healing, improving blood circulation to skin tissues, reducing signs of aging, and soothing the skin from sensitivity and redness.
White light penetrates deep to stimulate collagen production to tighten the skin and help reduce inflammation and wrinkle reduction.
For Our Homebodies: Mirra Picks
If you’re opting for in home treatment, here are two different options. The first is for those of us who are ballin’ on a budget.
Neutrogena: Light Therapy Acne Mask
$30
“With dermatologist in-office technology, Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Mask is a revolution in acne treatment. Free of chemicals and UV light, this face mask harnesses the power of clinically proven technology to clear acne and allow skin to heal itself.”
LightStim
“LightStim LED light therapy delivers light energy in a similar way plants absorb light energy from the sun. LightStim emits UV-free, beneficial light energy to the skin. Each LightStim product uses different wavelengths, or colors, of light. When this beneficial light is applied directly to the skin it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, temporarily increase blood circulation, and treat mild to moderate Acne.”
$289
