Acne, hyperpigmentation, and even skin conditions like psoriasis can be made to disappear with LED light, bringing a tired and dull complexion to life, or reducing wrinkles? It all sounds almost too good to be true, which is why we're delving into the topic of "Light Therapy" in skincare here. How effective are the gadgets available for home use, and is a visit to the beauty salon for a light therapy treatment worthwhile?
What are LED masks and what effects do they have?
The appearance of the masks strongly resembles Halloween masks, and I had to get used to the sight first. Unlike those, there are around 100 LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) on the inside, which are supposed to ensure healthy skin with regular use. The energy released triggers an electrical voltage signal, which can have very positive effects.
Good to know: Both devices suitable for home use and those used in beauty salons are LED light devices. So, there's no UV light involved or anything that inherently harms the skin. But does it benefit your skin at all? The answer is yes, because the LED radiation penetrates up to 10 mm deep into the skin layers, stimulating cell renewal there, all without damage, as would be the case with UV radiation.
Different colors have different wavelengths and thus penetrate the skin to varying depths. The effect of red and blue light in LED masks has been scientifically proven. In addition, there is green, yellow, pink, and white light, although the effectiveness of therapy in these colors is not fully confirmed.
Light therapy with different colors
Red light (approx. 550-660 nanometers)
Red light penetrates particularly deep into the skin and stimulates both cell renewal and collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that makes skin and connective tissue elastic. Wrinkles and the formation of new ones are reduced, and the face appears firmer and more youthful. Furthermore, it is said to inhibit inflammation and stimulate blood circulation, microcirculation, and repair mechanisms in skin cells. So, it ensures beautiful skin and is also a popular anti-aging tool.
Blue light (approx. 400-450 nanometers)
Treatment with blue light, on the other hand, is an absolute tip for acne and other skin impurities, as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to regulating sebum production, oxygen production is stimulated, which in turn makes your skin appear fresher and more vibrant. Pimples, blackheads, and oily skin are thus combated. It is also assumed that blue LED light influences hormone balance and can thus counteract winter depression or sleep disorders.
However, since one primarily hears negative things about blue LED light again and again (keyword 'digital aging'), the question arises as to how healthy this can be in the long run. This mainly concerns the blue light from smartphone displays and computer screens, which has been proven to lead to retinal damage in the long run and can thus result in reduced visual acuity. However, the light from light therapy devices has a completely different wavelength than our smartphone displays and therefore does not cause this damage.
Green light (approx. 525 nanometers)
Green light, which stimulates lymphatic flow, can alleviate hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and discolorations. It is believed that green light affects melanocytes (pigment cells in the outermost skin layer) and thus inhibits the formation of excess melanin. As a result, the pigments do not settle on the skin surface, and the radiation can even break down existing melanin and slowly reduce discolorations. Here too, light is not only used in dermatology: green LED light is said to have a calming effect that helps combat migraines and headaches.
Application of light therapy with LED masks
For the treatment with LED facial masks to work properly, you should consider a few things beforehand. If you have purchased an LED mask for home use and want to incorporate light therapy into your beauty routine, the first step is to thoroughly cleanse your face. Before turning on the light, your face should be clean and dry. Optionally, you can also apply skincare, such as the hyaluronic serum HYALOVE. This allows the serum to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Concerns about possible side effects are unfounded, as the wavelengths are low. Although most masks already have cutouts around the eyes, you can wear an eye mask for additional protection and keep your eyes closed during treatment. Light therapy is not recommended during pregnancy or when taking medication that leads to increased photosensitivity of the skin, as it can be harmful in these cases.
If you are unsure, you should consult a dermatologist before LED light therapy or consider professional therapy in a dermatological practice or a specialized beauty salon. There, doctors and assistants are familiar with the procedure, and application errors can be avoided.
Conclusion
Sounds like magic? It's not, and especially regular use in a beauty salon certainly leads to visible results. Home use devices don't have to be bad at all, but they are usually not as strong, which is why a visit to a professional might be worthwhile here. If you want to get a device for home use, you should definitely inform yourself beforehand, because the prices vary extremely here.
Ultimately, LED light devices are definitely cool beauty gadgets whose effectiveness has been proven and which can soon provide you with clear and firm skin.